C0242 — standardised OBD-II chassis code

C0242 is a standardised (ISO/SAE) chassis code, so it means the same thing on any vehicle — but we have not yet written a plain-English definition for this one. Below are the vehicles and failure patterns where owners report it, drawn from NHTSA complaints.

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In our record, C0242 is reported most often on Chevrolet, Subaru and Cadillac vehicles , against powertrain and electrical failure patterns , across 2006–2017 model years. Chevrolet alone accounts for 82% of them.

In ProblemsByVin's analysis of the NHTSA owner-complaint record, owners cite C0242 across 11 vehicle failure patterns. Diagnostic codes in complaints are reported by owners and are unverified — they point to where this code shows up, not a confirmed diagnosis. Open a page below for the full pattern (symptoms, mileage, repair costs owners cite).

Vehicles where owners report C0242 11 patterns

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

powertrain — Sudden power loss / reduced engine power in motion

2014 Chevrolet Traverse

powertrain — Stabilitrak/Traction Control System Malfunction with Power Loss and Stalling

2012 Subaru Outback

electrical — Dashboard warning light cascade (check engine, ABS, cruise control, brake, traction control, stability control lights flashing or staying on)

2011 Chevrolet Malibu

cruise control — Reduced engine power / limp mode with sudden deceleration

2011 Chevrolet Impala

engine — Service Stabilitrak, Traction Control, Reduced Engine Power Warning Cascade with Stalling

2011 Chevrolet Traverse

brakes — ABS/Traction Control System Malfunction with Brake Pedal Loss

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

steering — Intermittent electronic power steering loss

2010 Chevrolet Malibu

electrical — Body Control Module (BCM) and Brake Pedal Position Sensor Issues

2009 Chevrolet Impala

powertrain — Sudden loss of engine power / limp mode with reduced power warning

2008 Cadillac CTS

powertrain — Multiple System Failure / Loss of Engine Control

2006 Chevrolet Malibu

powertrain — Vehicle stalls without warning

Codes are pulled from what owners wrote in their NHTSA filings — they're allegations, not a shop diagnosis. Always confirm with a live scan. Browse all diagnostic codes →