P2119: How to Diagnose & Fix — Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
3 vehicles · 2 makes · $250-$900 repair
How to diagnose and fix P2119: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Fiesta · 2011–2019
The drive-by-wire electronic throttle body (ETB) develops an internal electronic/motor fault (not just dirt) that causes the powertrain control module to command reduced power. The car drops into limp mode with a wrench/powertrain-malfunction light, often storing throttle-position or actuator-control codes. Because the failure is internal to the unit, cleaning does not fix it. This is a recognized Ford-family ETB problem shared with Focus, Escape, Fusion and Transit Connect, and is reported by Fiesta owners including on the 1.6L engines.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power / limp mode while driving
- Wrench (powertrain malfunction) warning light
- Reduced or unresponsive acceleration
- Rough or high idle
- Intermittent stalling
How to Fix
Replace the electronic throttle body with an updated OEM/Motorcraft unit and perform the throttle-relearn/idle-relearn procedure afterward to prevent high idle and drivability faults. Cleaning is not a durable fix once the internal fault is present.
Sources for this issue (1)
Ford Flex · 2009–2016
The electronic throttle body on the 3.5L/3.7L Cyclone V6 uses a plastic-geared motor and integrated throttle position sensors. Contamination, gear wear and sensor drift cause the PCM to lose confidence in commanded vs. actual plate position, triggering failsafe cooling mode. The vehicle drops to a fixed low-power limp mode with the wrench light on, often at highway speed, which is why owners describe it as a safety issue rather than a driveability annoyance. Ford acknowledged the pattern with customer satisfaction/warranty extension programs (13N03, 16B32) and a TSB covering 2015-2016 3.5L vehicles built on or before 31 May 2016. The failure is frequently intermittent at first: the wrench light appears, the vehicle is restarted, and normal power returns until the next episode.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power / limp mode while driving
- Wrench (powertrain malfunction) light on dash
- Erratic or surging idle
- Engine stalls at stops
- Reduced throttle response that clears after restart
How to Fix
Confirm with stored P2111/P2112/P2119 (and often P2135 for TPS correlation). Cleaning the bore rarely gives a lasting fix once the gears or sensors are worn - the real repair is replacing the electronic throttle body with the updated Motorcraft part and then completing the throttle body relearn/KAM reset so the PCM adapts to the new unit. Check for the applicable Ford program by VIN before paying out of pocket; also verify the accelerator pedal position sensor, since a failing pedal sensor produces overlapping symptoms.
Sources for this issue (3)
Nissan Rogue · 2024–2025
The electronic throttle body uses internal polymer gears (chosen for thermal stability at the engine's ~250F operating temperatures). The teeth on these polymer gears can fracture, jamming the throttle valve. This causes sudden loss of power/stalling and, on restart, can prevent the transmission from engaging forward or reverse — creating a rollaway risk. Nissan recall (NHTSA 26V-080-related throttle campaign, ~318,781 units, MY2024-2025 built Nov 13 2023-Apr 28 2025) covers the defect. Over 3,100 warranty claims reported. Separate from the VC-Turbo bearing recall even though both were announced together.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of engine power
- Stalling
- Engine will not restart
- Cannot shift into drive or reverse
- Reduced-power / limp mode warning
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Check VIN against the Nissan throttle-body recall. Dealers reprogram the ECM software and inspect/replace the electronic throttle body assembly free of charge. If the vehicle stalls and will not restart or will not shift into gear, do not leave it unattended without securing it; arrange towing to a dealer.
Sources for this issue (3)
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P2119 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P2119 mean?
P2119 stands for "Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance." The PCM detected that the throttle body / throttle plate is not operating within the expected range or performance, for example the plate not returning to or holding the commanded position. It indicates a mechanical or performance fault in the throttle body assembly.
What are the most common causes of P2119?
The most common causes of P2119 are: Dirty/carboned throttle body, Binding throttle plate or worn shaft, Failing throttle actuator motor, Damaged return spring, Throttle relearn needed. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2119?
Repair costs for P2119 range from $250 to $900, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P2119?
Au7o has documented P2119 across 3 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Ford, Nissan.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.