The Lemon IndexThe upstream O2 sensor reacts too slowly, which hurts fuel control and mileage.
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
Aged O2 sensor. Then: exhaust leak; contamination (oil or coolant).
Owners named P0133 in 7 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Subaru.
The details
What P0133 means
The upstream O2 sensor reacts too slowly, which hurts fuel control and mileage.
Can I drive with P0133?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
29% of the owner complaints that name P0133 also say the car stalls or shuts off. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0133
- Aged O2 sensor
- Exhaust leak
- Contamination (oil or coolant)
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Stalls or shuts off: 29% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 29% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 29% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Related codes
P0131 P0135 P0136 P0137 P0138 P0128 P0126 P0140
Quick answers
What does P0133 mean?
O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1). The upstream O2 sensor reacts too slowly, which hurts fuel control and mileage.
Can I drive with P0133?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
What causes P0133?
Aged O2 sensor; Exhaust leak; Contamination (oil or coolant).
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0133. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.