What does P2138 mean on a SUBARU OUTBACK?

P2138 indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation. This is a powertrain code. 76 SUBARU OUTBACK owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P2138 on SUBARU OUTBACK?

Based on 76 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Vehicle Speed Control, Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control, Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2138 serious on my SUBARU OUTBACK?

Of 76 NHTSA reports for this code on SUBARU OUTBACK, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my SUBARU OUTBACK 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.

P2138 on SUBARU OUTBACK — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation

What P2138 Means on Your SUBARU OUTBACK

Real SUBARU OUTBACK Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"Every once in a while the gas pedal stops functioning. it happens at highway speeds as well as local roads. when it does happen you have to find a safe spot to pull over and shut off the engine for at least a minute or more. restart the car and the pedal comes back. this is very hazardous."

— 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK owner • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL • Filed 10/01/2020

"Please refer to code p2138 - throttle/pedal position sensor switch with "d"/"e" voltage correlation dtc severity 2 of 3 repair -- i believe elaine chao should be made aware of the safety issues affecting the general public regarding this dangerous issue -- my subaru outback accelerator will shut dow"

— 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK owner • UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • Filed 11/05/2020

"As i was driving, i all of a sudden lost all power and control from the gas pedal. the car decelerated and i was only able to idle forward. the gas pedal became completely unresponsive. i turned the car off and restarted it."

— 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK owner • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • Filed 11/06/2018

"1) recurring phantom revving (in neutral and/or clutch depressed, both while completely stopped and while slowing down from any and all speeds) upwards of 4-5k rpm with difficulty getting the rpms back to normal."

— 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK owner • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL • Filed 04/15/2018

"Error code p2138: some failure of pedal sensor assembly while in motion. exact issue unknown. acceleration goes limp and pedal becomes non-responsive. has happened in both city and highway driving situations."

— 2005 SUBARU OUTBACK owner • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL • Filed 03/07/2018

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 SUBARU OUTBACK

42.1%

10.5%

5.3%

3.9%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2005

12

2006

59

2007

5

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.
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.

What P2138 Means on Your SUBARU OUTBACK

Real SUBARU OUTBACK Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

Common Causes of P2138 on SUBARU OUTBACK

Complaint Trend by Year

What To Do Next

P2138 on Other Vehicles