P2138 on Chevrolet Vehicles
The two sensors in the gas pedal report different pedal positions, so the PCM limits throttle response. P2138 →
116Complaints mentioning the code
#1Rank among 10 brands
9.2%Share of Chevrolet DTC complaints
In NHTSA owner complaints we analyzed for Chevrolet, P2138 was mentioned 116 times.
Notes by brand
On GM trucks and SUVs, P2138 with a Reduced Engine Power message is a familiar complaint. A new accelerator pedal assembly is the most common fix, but check the pedal connector and the shared 5-volt references first.
Most mentioned models
| Chevrolet Malibu Eco | 34 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Impala | 19 | |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 18 | |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 6 | |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid | 5 | |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 5 |
Model years mentioned
Components named in these complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control (58)
- Engine (50)
- Electrical System (42)
- Power Train (24)
- Fuel/propulsion System (18)
Often appears together with
P2122
Powertrain
The main gas pedal sensor reads close to 0 volts, below anything a working pedal produces…
Moderate
P2127
Powertrain
The second gas pedal sensor dropped below its minimum voltage, so the PCM can't verify pedal…
Moderate
P0138
Powertrain
The oxygen sensor behind the converter on bank 1 reads too high, often from an internal short…
Low
U0401
Network
The engine computer is still on the network, but another module doesn't trust the numbers it's…
Moderate
P0036
Powertrain
The heater circuit of the oxygen sensor behind the bank 1 catalytic converter is acting…
Minor
Possible causes
- Worn sensor tracks inside the accelerator pedal module
- Loose, corroded or spread terminals in the pedal connector
- Shared 5-volt reference or sensor ground fault affecting one track
- Plug-in throttle response controller or pedal booster between pedal and harness
Related codes
Source: NHTSA Complaints API (US government open data), analyzed by DTC mention.