U0401 on CHEVROLET MALIBU — Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A

Q: "What does U0401 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"U0401 indicates: Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A. This is a network communication code. 2 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of U0401 on CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is U0401 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU?"

"Of 2 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."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU shows U0401?"

"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."

What U0401 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

U0401 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A. This code relates to the network communication system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2016-2017. Most reports come from the 2016, 2017 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control (50.0% of reports).

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"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."

— 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 06/15/2021

"Vehicle abruptly slowed in heavy traffic for no apparent reason. vehicle was diagnosed as having a faulty accelerator pedal. part was replaced at owners expense 14 months into the life of the car."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE · Filed 11/21/2019

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 50%

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 50%

What To Do Next

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
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
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 U0401 mean on a CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

U0401 indicates: Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM A. This is a network communication code. 2 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of U0401 on CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is U0401 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Of 2 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 U0401? ▾

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.