C0242 code in owner complaints

Code C0242 is named in 13 US owner complaints. Models: 6, model years 2006–2017.

There is little data for this code or its meaning is ambiguous, so this page is not indexed.

What the code means

How to read C0242: the letter C means chassis (brakes, ABS, steering, suspension); the second digit 0 marks a generic SAE code shared by all makes; the last three characters 242 identify the specific fault.

Codes for engine, transmission, transfer case and hybrid system modules. When valuing an auction car the key question is whether the fault is crash related (cut wiring, damaged radiator) or a known defect of the model.

Key figures

Complaints with this code: 13
Models: 6
Model years: 2006–2017

Which models and years

Models whose owners name this code (6). Years link to the model year problems page.

Model	Years	Complaints
Chevrolet Malibu	2006, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2017	6
Chevrolet Impala	2009, 2011	2
Chevrolet Traverse	2011, 2014	2
Cadillac CTS	2008	1
Chevrolet Silverado	2012	1
Subaru Outback	2012	1

Components named together with the code

Component as the owner filed it (one complaint can list several).

Engine 9
Powertrain 6
Electrical system 5
Electronic stability control 5
Vehicle speed control 5
Fuel/propulsion system 2
Service brakes 2
Steering 1

Complaints by model year

2006 1
2008 1
2009 1
2010 2
2011 3
2012 2
2014 1
2016 1
2017 1

What to do if an auction car has this code

Separate crash damage (wiring, radiator, mounts) from known model defects: see the model year problems page.

What owners report

Excerpts of owner complaints in the original wording. Owner statements not verified by the regulator; personal data removed.

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.
Chevrolet Malibu 2016 · 2021-06
It has happened both while driving and braking. C0242 - engine control module indicated traction control malfunction is the code it is giving me. This is causing my gas mileage to drop to around 230-250 miles per tank. When I was getting almost 400 per tank.
Chevrolet Malibu 2006 · 2021-02
C0234 vdc failure detail code c111..... C0242 power supply voltage failure detail code. I have replaced brakes, replaced tires, checked fluid, checked fuses, etc.
Subaru Outback 2012 · 2019-12

Sources: public official US data (owner complaints) and the SAE J2012 standard. Complaints are owner statements not verified by the regulator. A code from a complaint does not replace a scan tool diagnosis. Data updated 2026-11-10.