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P0138 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

NHTSA Reports
3
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2017
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0138 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

P0138 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2017. Most reports come from the 2017 model year.

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved fault code: P0138 (engine control module (ECM)."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/01/2022

"OBD2 codes ran on vehicle show: P0138 ("O2 sensor circuit High voltage bank 1 sensor 2") P013E (unknown) P2138 ("Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch D/E Voltage Correlation") Vehicle is getting poor fuel mileage and has a drastic delay in acceleration after pressing the gas pedal, putting driver"

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 05/01/2021

"I purchased a 2017 chevy malibu in april 2017 with 11 miles. in less than a month, the car started having issues."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 03/17/2019

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

3
'17

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 33.3%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN or OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33.3%
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33.3%

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 P0138 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾
P0138 indicates: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2. This is a fuel and air metering code. 3 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0138 on CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾
Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0138 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾
Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows P0138? ▾
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0138 on Other Vehicles

TOYOTA COROLLA
2 reports
→ All codes reported on CHEVROLET MALIBU