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P2138 on CHEVROLET TAHOE

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
4
Most Affected
2009, 2017

What P2138 Means on Your CHEVROLET TAHOE

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

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 TAHOE

25%
25%
25%
25%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2009
3
2017
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