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P2138 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
4
Most Affected
2005, 2011, 2017

What P2138 Means on Your CHEVROLET EQUINOX

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

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P2138 on CHEVROLET EQUINOX

25%
25%
25%
25%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2005
1
2011
1
2017
1
2018
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 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. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P2138 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026