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

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

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

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

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

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

"Of 4 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET TAHOE, 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 TAHOE 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 TAHOE

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 TAHOE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2017. Most reports come from the 2009, 2017 model years.

Real CHEVROLET TAHOE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"P2138 code causing the car to have reduced engine power causing unsafe driving conditions and danger to other traffic. Vehicle has been to dealer multiple times for issue, ECM replaced costing thousands and still not working."

— 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 11/08/2024

"I Keep getting code p2138 car stalls check engine light turns on, stability control flashes. I have to erase code to get it drive again, but will do it again soon. Been doing it for 4+ years now."

— 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 05/12/2020

"My vehicle's throttle position sensor malfunctioned while I was driving on a busy highway at 55-60MPH, causing it to suddenly enter limp mode and display the error code P2138."

— 2009 CHEVROLET TAHOE owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 02/06/2024

"The contact's brother owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road."

— 2017 CHEVROLET TAHOE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE · Filed 10/22/2023

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

3

'09

1

'17

Common Causes on CHEVROLET TAHOE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%

UNKNOWN or OTHER 25%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 25%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE 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 TAHOE? ▾

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

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

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

Is P2138 serious on my CHEVROLET TAHOE? ▾

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

What should I do if my CHEVROLET TAHOE 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.