U0420: Invalid Data Received From Power Steering Control Module A
A generic network and communication trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Cautiously and locally, and only while the assist still works. If the steering has gone heavy even once, stop driving it - manual-effort steering at speed, in a panic swerve, is how this fault hurts people.
Symptoms
- Power steering warning light
- Steering assist cutting out or varying
- Steering wheel heavy at low speed
- Code set in other modules about the steering module
Likely causes, most common first
- Electric power steering module sending implausible data
- Torque sensor fault inside the column
- Poor power or ground to the steering module
- CAN wiring fault on the steering branch
Read U0420 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
U0420 means another computer received data from the power steering control module that failed its sanity checks. On electric-assist cars that module is the steering - it reads your effort through a torque sensor and adds motor force - so implausible data is not bureaucratic noise; it is the steering computer possibly losing its grip on reality.
The failure that matters is assist dropping out: the wheel suddenly needs several times the effort, which feels like the steering 'locking' to an unprepared driver even though it still turns. Some cars log this code for a marginal power feed - electric steering draws big current, and a tired battery or corroded ground starves it exactly during parking maneuvers - which is the cheap end of the diagnosis. The expensive end is the torque sensor or module itself, often sold only with the column or rack. Between those extremes, treat any repeat of heavy steering as the end of driving until it is fixed.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning U0420
“Complete loss of electronic power steering capability while new teenage driver was traveling at high rate of speed. Loss of power steering and stabilitrak traction control warning indicators on dash. Issue that invoke a safety recall in previous year model vehicle (GM Recall #15595 & GM Special Coverage N182182190) but is being ignored by manufacturer for my 2016 model. ODB2 fault codes confirms U0420-42 and C0545 indicating exact same issues still occurring in 2016 vehicles despite recall due to this safety issue in 2015 models.”2016 Chevrolet Colorado · Aug 2026
“Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter”2020 Jeep Cherokee · Jul 2026
“While driving the power steering failed and the stabilitrack failed. The failure codes are C0545 and U0420 indicating a steering wheel torque sensor malfunction which was also a failure that prompted a recall on the 2015 chevrolet colorado. The dash flashed the warnings giving notice that both had failed.”2016 Chevrolet Colorado · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Power Steering electrical assist shut off several times while driving and once while parked. Extremely difficult to turn steering wheel and incredibly dangerous and life threatening. Service Power Steering and Service Stabilitrak error show on dash screen. Digital Diagnostic shows ERROR U0420-42 INVALID DATA RECEIVED FROM POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE-CALIBRATION NOT PROGRAMMED. This random continuous issue NEEDS to be fixed or truck recalled or someone will be seriously injured. Please push this information forward.”2016 Chevrolet Colorado · Nov 2023
“When going a certain speed car will jerk and shift roughly into next gear, Faulty air bag system shown on dashboard. Car had been struggling to start lately went to Autozone with the check engine light now showing. Diagnostic machine advised Power Train System issues / Antilock brake system issues. Codes: P1634, U0420-00, C2101-17, & C1246-1C Mileage: 111250 upon doing my research these are common issues with this vehicle but yet no recall could be found for my specific vehicles using Vin #”2015 Chrysler 200 · Oct 2023
“I was driving my car when our of no where, the power steering stopped functioning and two messages started to flash on my dashboard: "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" and "Service Advancetrac" This was very dangerous as I could not steer the car. Once I was able to get the car home, I scanned it and received these two codes: "C0051 Steering Wheel Position Sensor" "U0420 Invalid Dates Received from Power Steering Control Module (PSCM)"”2014 Ford Fusion · Dec 2022
“After pulling out from parking lot into roadway, steering wheel locked up (right) and vehicle proceeded uncontrolled into a telephone pole - injuring driver. Driver stage 1 & 2 together with seatbelt pretensioner deployed upon impact. No warning lamps or defect symptoms prior to time of failure. Inspection revealed DTC codes for power steering of U0420:00 (invalid data received from power steering module) and U3000:49 (control module internal malfunction). Scanner evidences power steering position sensor data not being reported. Vehicle VIN indicates that it was included in NHTSA recall 21V455000. Power Steering Component Part Nos: 85103817, 848935231 and 85116776.”2021 GMC Yukon · Jul 2022
“The vehicle was diagnosed by 2 different repair shops with the follow codes: u1504, p0610, p1500, u0420, c0051, c212a, u0402, c1246. Ultimately, the pdc (power distribution center) is not working. There have already been several recalls on this issue with this vehicle and the recall dates do not reach our vehicles manufactured date by a month. The dealership is refusing to cooperate and help with notifying you of this issue that is affecting more consumers than you are under the impression. Please respond to this in a timely manor. My husbands vehicle will not be usable until this is settled.”2015 Chrysler 200 · Aug 2019 · 100,000 mi
“Power steering on my 2015 chevy colorado as well as stable track goes out intermittently. It can happen when I'm driving or starting the car. Turning the vehicle off and on again usually fixes the issue temporarily. Took the vehicle to the mechanic and codes co545, u0420, b1325 and u04135 which are the steering wheel torque sensor, invalid data received from power steering control module, control module power current voltage below threshold, and invalid data received from brake control module. The truck is barely 4 years old and to replace the part will be 2300. It is exhibiting the same issues as the recall in 2016 and searching around I find more people having the same issues.”2015 Chevrolet Colorado · Jun 2019 · 88,270 mi
“See complaint number: 11091275 for background. 23 mar 18: on the way to the dealer the truck had no problem with power steering.(oreilly chevrolet in tucson, az) and explained them the situation. The dealer test drove the vehicle and had no loss of ps. Vehicle was through the dtcs and found dtc u0420/42; torque sensor not properly learned. Dealer did pscm setup & cleared the dtcs. Service person stated they had to reboot computer. Afterwards, they drove the vehicle & had no malfunctions - $153.24. On way home, had no problems, to include the weekend.”2015 Chevrolet Colorado · Mar 2018 · 28,903 mi
Cars that report U0420 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with U0420?
Cautiously and locally, and only while the assist still works. If the steering has gone heavy even once, stop driving it - manual-effort steering at speed, in a panic swerve, is how this fault hurts people.
How much does it cost to fix U0420?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (power and ground service) to $1,800 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to U0420. 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.