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P0420 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
3
Most Affected
2009, 2014

What P0420 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"I have been experiencing an issue with the check engine light coming on almost every fuel fill up i have replaced the cap 3 times already and i keep getting the same code. now i am getting a p0420 code for either the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor."

— 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • Filed 05/24/2020

"The shift cable to the transmission became loose while vehicle was running. i was unable to shift the vehicle until the cable was reconnected by hand. the vehicle has an issue with accelerating especially when trying to go highway speeds. it cant flow into traffic normally."

— 2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner • POWER TRAIN,ENGINE • Filed 03/24/2018

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

Common Causes of P0420 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

66.7%
33.3%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2009
2
2014
1

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.

P0420 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