P2138 on KIA SORENTO — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation

Q: "What does P2138 mean on a KIA SORENTO?"

"P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 3 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P2138 on KIA SORENTO?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Fuel/Propulsion System, Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P2138 serious on my KIA SORENTO?"

"Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SORENTO, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my KIA SORENTO 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 KIA SORENTO

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.

3 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2008. Most reports come from the 2008 model year.

Real KIA SORENTO Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Exiting a strip center to cross 2 lanes of traffic and make a left to merge into traffic, i accelerated in a safe gap only to find my vehicle had almost no acceleration. i was nearly in a side impact collision if not for the excellent awareness and reaction of the others on the road."

— 2008 KIA SORENTO owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 06/01/2015

"Two days ago the check engine light illuminated (and stayed on) with intermittent electronic stability control off light illuminated; vehicle acceleration became sluggish and sometimes unresponsive."

— 2008 KIA SORENTO owner · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 09/25/2013

"While driving, the check engine and esc lights illuminated. vehicle had sudden loss of acceleration and would not go beyond 40mph. speed decreased below 40mph on hills. vehicle continued to have problems even after restarting. a check of the odb-ii codes gave p2138, p2127 and p2106."

— 2008 KIA SORENTO owner · POWER TRAIN · Filed 08/22/2012

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

3

'08

Common Causes on KIA SORENTO

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 33.3%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 33.3%

POWER TRAIN 33.3%

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 KIA SORENTO? ▾

P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 3 KIA SORENTO owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P2138 on KIA SORENTO? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Fuel/Propulsion System, Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine, Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2138 serious on my KIA SORENTO? ▾

Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SORENTO, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my KIA SORENTO 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.