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U0401 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
2
Most Affected
2016, 2017

What U0401 Means on Your CHEVROLET MALIBU

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

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

Common Causes of U0401 on CHEVROLET MALIBU

50%
50%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2016
1
2017
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.

U0401 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