C0242 on CHEVROLET MALIBU
Traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power
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 MALIBU
C0242 on Chevrolet Malibu points to traction-control/engine-control signal fault causing reduced power. FixIt matched 6 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.
Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"WAS DRIVING CAR AND THE ENGINE CUT OFF. REDUCED ENGINE POWER SHOWED ON MY RADIO AND TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ON THE DASH. I HAVE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN IGNITION OFF, WAIT A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN CRANK IT BACK UP TO DRIVE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE NOTICED THAT IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS RAINING OR HAS RA"
"WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR LOST POWER. SEVERAL VEHICLES ALMOST STRUCK ME ON HIGHWAY, VERY VERY, SCARY EXPERIENCE. . DURING DRIVING, FOLLOWING MESSAGES APPEARED: 1)ENG PWR REDUCED 2)SERVICE ESC 3)SERVICE TRACTION 4)ESC OFF 5) SERVICE AIRBAG. I ALSO NOTICED THE CAR SHUDDERED EXTREMELY BAD. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS"
"CPO 2010 CHEVY MALIBU @59K NO KNOWN ISSUES PRIOR TO EXPLANATIONS ABOUT 3 DAYS AGO I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR NEW TIRES AND HAD A MECH CHECK A CLICKING NOISE THAT I NOTICED WHEN I WOULD PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE AND BEGIN TO MOVE. HE STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM WHERE MY CV ENTERS THE TRANSMISSIONS AND BELIEVES THERE IS"
"THE VIOLENTLY SHAKES ALMOST AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO DIE. IT DOESN'T GO OVER 23-30 MPH. THE CAR ACCELERATES WHILE HOLDING THE BRAKES. A MESSAGE DISPLAYS SAYING ENGINE POWER REDUCING, SERVICE TRACTION, SERVICE ESC. THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE STREET AND HIGHWAY. I'M SCARED OF HITTING SOMEONE WHILE MY FOOT IS ON T"
"I have a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and while driving on the highway, my engine light came on and my speed decelerated from 65 mph to 40. I took my car for a diagnostic test and the results were Trouble Codes: P2138, U0401-71 and C0242-00. I have done my research and from what I have found so far, is that several people hav"
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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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.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.