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P0138 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
3
Most Affected
2017

What P0138 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

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

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P0138 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

33.3%
33.3%
33.3%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2017
3

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  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.

P0138 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026