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

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

"P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 53 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA."

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

"Based on 53 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine, Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

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

"Of 53 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, 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 MALIBU 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 MALIBU

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.

53 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2010-2018. Most reports come from the 2016, 2017 model years.

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I was driving and the service traction control came across my car the the engine powering down notification appeared, and the check engine light. I took it to advance auto and they hooked up the machine which gave them the code DTC P2138."

— 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 09/30/2021

"The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in inclement weather, the vehicle displayed DCT: P2138, causing the vehicle to lunge forward, then remain idle for several seconds, before accelerating forward."

— 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ENGINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 12/01/2021

"My teenage son was driving in the rain when his malibu gave engine power reduced, service traction, service esc, and esc off warnings. car was barely drivable. this is a safety issue since it happens suddenly and increase the chances of a collision with other vehicles."

— 2011 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE · Filed 10/20/2020

"P2138 throttle/ pedal position sensor second time same problem the power was reduce when i was driving in the highway."

— 2012 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE · Filed 07/25/2018

"This has happened twice now, once for my wife and the second time i was driving. both incidents happened while in motion on the highway and the vehicle display showed reduced engine power and the vehicle de-rated and slowed automatically on the highway."

— 2014 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE · Filed 11/03/2020

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'10

2

'11

1

'12

1

'14

18

'16

17

'17

13

'18

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 24.5%

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 11.3%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE 9.4%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7.5%

ENGINE 5.7%

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 MALIBU? ▾

P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 53 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.

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

Based on 53 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Vehicle Speed Control, Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine, Vehicle Speed Control,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2138 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Of 53 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU 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.