P2138 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation

Q: "What does P2138 mean on a CHEVROLET EQUINOX?"

"P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 4 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P2138 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX?"

"Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P2138 serious on my CHEVROLET EQUINOX?"

"Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET EQUINOX, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET EQUINOX shows P2138?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P2138 Means on Your CHEVROLET EQUINOX

P2138 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

4 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2005-2018. Most reports come from the 2005, 2011 model years.

Real CHEVROLET EQUINOX Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I've had my used 2005 chevy equinox for less than a year and have not had any problems with it until yesterday. i had driven 32 miles to visit a relative and parked the car for the rest of the evening."

— 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/02/2014

"Trouble code p2138. Replaced accelerator pedal with OEM. Trouble code still persists. Car goes into limp mode while driving posing a safety concern. There is a TSB 07-06-04-019F. Other codes include p0301 and p0697."

— 2011 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 03/05/2024

"While driving my 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, the vehicle repeatedly displays diagnostic trouble code P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation). The vehicle suddenly enters “Reduced Engine Power” mode without warning and loses acceleration while driving."

— 2017 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE · Filed 11/06/2025

"1st Incident: Code P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Sensor In March of 2024 - driving on highway dashboard warning lights illuminated(traction control & reduced engine power) vehicle went into limp mode putting my family & I in danger due to traffic volume and speed on highway."

— 2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 06/28/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'05

1

'11

1

'17

1

'18

Common Causes on CHEVROLET EQUINOX

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 25%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2138 mean on a CHEVROLET EQUINOX? ▾

P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 4 CHEVROLET EQUINOX owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P2138 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX? ▾

Based on 4 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2138 serious on my CHEVROLET EQUINOX? ▾

Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET EQUINOX, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET EQUINOX shows P2138? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.