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C0242 on CHEVROLET IMPALA

Traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power

NHTSA Reports
2
Severity
High
Most Affected
2009, 2011
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012
Last reviewed: Last updated:

Methodology: We combine code standards with complaint and reliability patterns, then review for clear, vehicle-first diagnosis steps.

Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).

Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.

What C0242 Means on Your CHEVROLET IMPALA

C0242 on Chevrolet Impala points to traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power. FixIt matched 2 NHTSA owner reports for this exact code/vehicle pair, so use this page to prioritize the most likely symptoms, components, and next checks before replacing parts.

2 Chevrolet Impala owners have reported this code/reference in NHTSA complaints across 2009-2011. Chevrolet reports often describe reduced engine power, ESC/traction warnings, and throttle/engine-control behavior.

Real CHEVROLET IMPALA Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"PURCHASED VEHICLE ON 9/6/2012 USED WITH 27,479 MILES. ON 9/19/2012 WITH 27,960 MILES, I WAS ACCELERATING ON AN ONRAMP GETTING ON A HIGHWAY AND TWO MESSAGES APPEARED ON MY DASH: "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND "SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. EXPERIENCE ROUGH AND HESITANT SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS AN"

— 2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 09/19/2012

"CODE P211222 AND CODE C0242 CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MPH. ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. CALLED ONSTAR. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 15 MONTHS. FIXED TWICE. SPOKE WITH GENERAL MOTORS SAFETY DIVISION AND [XXX] AT GENERAL MOTORS SEVERAL TIMES. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5"

— 2011 CHEVROLET IMPALA owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/25/2013

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'09
1
'11

Common Causes on CHEVROLET IMPALA

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 50%
ENGINE 50%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does C0242 mean on a Chevrolet Impala? ▾
It points to traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power. FixIt found 2 NHTSA reports for this exact code/vehicle pair, so confirm with an enhanced scan and the OEM service procedure.
What are common symptoms of C0242 on Chevrolet Impala? ▾
Reduced Engine Power message; Service ESC or Service Traction warnings; Loss of acceleration, stalling, or limp mode.
What should I do first for C0242? ▾
Scan both powertrain and ABS/ESC modules and record companion codes. Then inspect wiring/connectors, verify voltage/ground, and check VIN-specific recalls or campaigns where applicable.

C0242 on Other Vehicles

CHEVROLET MALIBU
6 reports
CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
2 reports
SUBARU OUTBACK
1 reports
→ All codes reported on CHEVROLET IMPALA