U0131: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A
A generic network and communication trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Carefully - steering will feel heavy if electric assist has shut down.
Symptoms
- Heavy steering
- Power steering warning light
- Assist cutting in and out
Likely causes, most common first
- Power steering module lost power or ground
- Bus wiring fault
- Module overheated or failed
- Low battery voltage upsetting the module
Read U0131 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
U0131 is lost communication with the electric power steering module. The steering still steers - the mechanical linkage is always there - but without assist it goes truck-heavy, which at parking speeds is startling and on the highway is mostly just noticeable.
Communication codes deserve electrical basics before expensive conclusions: these modules draw serious current and sag or spike in system voltage can knock them off the network. Check the module's own fuses, its ground, and the battery's health first. A module that genuinely died often lives inside the steering rack assembly on modern cars, which is why the worst-case repair reads like a rack replacement - all the more reason to rule out the ten-dollar causes first.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning U0131
“While driving I will get a wrench symbol with a bunch of codes pop up u0121:00:28 u0131:00:28 u0137:00:28 u0164:00:28 u0199:00:28 u0200:00:28 u0212:00:28 u0252:00:28 u0256:00:28 u1012:00:28 p0557:00:28 p1935:00:68 p193e:00:28 I have also had it jerk while driving ( went down into first gear) while having no power to my gauge cluster ac nothing”2020 Ford F-150 · Aug 2026
“I turned my truck on after grocery shopping and a notice to "Service Power Steering" popped up on my dashboard. I took it to a mechanic shop where they ran diagnostics. They discovered a TSB # 21-NA-149 and error code U0131. They believe there is an intermittent fault within the wiring causing the power steering to go out. My biggest fear is that this happens while I am negotiating a curve and lose power steering causing a crash or someone to get injured. There was also a "Service ESB" notice on the dashboard after the power steering notification.”2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Feb 2025
“Daughter was driving and noticed initially that the steering wheel briefly lost power making right turns and applying the brakes. The next day while negotiating a curve the steering wheel froze and warning light came on stating "steering wheel assist fault." Almost left the roadway before steering returned. Went directly to mechanic nearby. Mechanic scanned and found code U0131 Lost Communication with Steering Control Module A. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and left at mechanic for repairs.”2017 Ford Escape · May 2024
Show 6 more owner reports
“The vehicle suffered complete loss of power steering function. The wheel could not be turned and the vehicle would not respond. Cycled the vehicle on and off multiple times with no restoration of power steering. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Vehicle spent 18 days in service with no fix other than to clear code U0131 "Loss of Comm with power steering" and to do a EPS Flash. Vehicle power steering issue may come again and no fix offered by Jeep. Phone call to Jeep fielded no help and offered no assistance.”2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Jan 2024
“Truck completely lost power while driving on the highway 4 times and 4 other times during morning commute through busy streets. Dangerous circumstance to be put in while driving. Codes given at Auto Zone: P2112 U3013-16 U0401-02 U0401-00 U0131-00 U0151-00 U0100-00”2016 Ford F-150 · May 2023
“After leaving my truck parked for a couple of hours over dinner I returned to find error messages stating "Service Power Steering / Drive With Care" and "Service ESC". I also received a notification from OnStar stating "Diagnostic Alert: Service the Antilock Braking System in your 2022 Sierra within 1 day." My power steering was non-functional, nor were any cruise control functions. Repeated stop / start cycles did not clear the errors or regain functionality. After parking overnight everything was functional, and the errors on the DIC were gone. Using a code scanner there were historical codes of U0131 and U0422.”2022 GMC Sierra 1500 · Oct 2022
“We have been told that the recall #17V414 has been completed on our vehicle. However, we have only owned this pickup a little over a year and now the power steering has gone out again. it is throwing a code U0131 which says it is lost communication with power steering control module. We have been told that the power steering module needs to be replaced. I would like to delve into how many people have had to replace this (which is a very EXPENSIVE repair). I truly feel this is still a defect and GMC should own this problem. Thank you for your time.”2014 GMC Sierra 1500 · Sep 2021
“Driving the car the engine light and traction light would come on and the steering wheel would lock in position, moving straight or turning. Happened several times between servicing. Several codes came up and were addressed but did not fix the problem. Codes were u0131, u0418, u0131-87, u0415 and u0428. No issue until car was serviced for the latest recall. Car with dealer. Say it's a complete electrical system repair. Not once have I had an issue with my car in 4yrs until dealer serviced it for steering wheel recall.”2014 Jeep Cherokee · Nov 2020 · 86,000 mi
“Power steering goes out while driving. 2013 ford explorer, 86,000 miles. My wife was driving around a curve, going about 45 miles per hour on a highway, when it first went out. The steering wheel jerked itself back to the center and my wife had to slam on the brakes and force the wheel to steer safely to the side of the road. The screen shows atc needs to be serviced. Codes shown are : c1b00-steering angle sensor u0131- lost communication with power steering module my vehicle is now unsafe to drive. There is a recall for earlier manufacture dates concerning what seems to be the same issue.”2013 Ford Explorer · Oct 2016 · 86,000 mi
Cars that report U0131 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with U0131?
Carefully - steering will feel heavy if electric assist has shut down.
How much does it cost to fix U0131?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (power and ground repair) to $2,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to U0131. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.