C0045 on Jeep: How to Diagnose & Fix
Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
3 Jeep models · 3 documented issues · 1 critical · $150-$1,200 repair
C0045 on Jeep by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
NHTSA complaints and owner reports describe intermittent ABS/ESC warnings on Grand Wagoneer tied to wheel speed sensor signal loss or erratic readings, sometimes after wet weather or road debris impacts. When the system detects implausible wheel speed data, it can disable ABS/ESC functions and illuminate multiple warnings.
Common Symptoms
- ABS light on
- ESC/traction control light on
- Cruise control disabled
- Brake pedal pulsation changes or ABS inoperative message
- Intermittent warnings that reset after key cycle
How to Fix
Scan for ABS module faults, inspect wheel speed sensors and wiring at each hub, and check tone rings/encoder surfaces for damage or contamination. Replace the affected wheel speed sensor/hub assembly as needed and clear codes; verify with a road test and live wheel-speed data.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 68609615AA front-left wheel-speed sensor with auto levelOEMMopar 68609615AA
Front-left sensor replacement after live data and circuit inspection isolate that corner on an auto-level vehicle Fitment/availability: 2022-2025 Grand Wagoneer, driver-side front, with auto level. Not the passenger side, rear axle or wi…
- Genuine Mopar 68609616AA front-right wheel-speed sensor with auto levelOEMMopar 68609616AA
Front-right sensor replacement after live data and circuit inspection isolate that corner on an auto-level vehicle Fitment/availability: 2022-2024 Grand Wagoneer, passenger-side front, with auto level. Not the driver side, rear axle or w…
- Genuine Mopar 68424418AD front wheel-speed sensor without auto levelOEMMopar 68424418AD
Front sensor replacement after diagnosis on a vehicle confirmed not to have auto level Fitment/availability: 2022 Grand Wagoneer front left or right without auto level according to the exact catalog. Confirm VIN and later-year supersessi…
- Genuine Mopar 68422140AA front hub-and-bearing assemblyOEMMopar 68422140AA
Confirm VIN/current supersession and do not use for an isolated sensor/wiring fault or rear axle.
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Sources for this issue (1)
Both the MK (2007-2016) and MP (2017+) Compass use a sealed rear hub/bearing unit that owners report failing as early as 30,000-40,000 miles, frequently repeating on the same corner within a year of replacement. Owners describe a growl or hum that rises with speed and changes when swerving; on 4x4 MP models the noise is often first blamed on tires. Multiple forum members document second and third bearing replacements on the same vehicle, and dealers have chased the same complaint through tire rotations and TSB 08-095-18 (rear-end noise) before replacing the hub. The rear hub is not serviceable separately - the bearing, hub and ABS tone ring come as one pressed unit.
Common Symptoms
- Humming or growling from the rear that increases with vehicle speed
- Noise changes pitch or volume when swerving left/right
- Roaring mistaken for tire noise that persists after tire rotation
- Rear-end rumble or thump felt through the floor
- ABS or traction light if the tone ring is damaged
How to Fix
Confirm the failing corner by loading the suspect side in a sweeping turn and by spinning the wheel off-ground while listening at the hub, then replace the complete rear hub/bearing assembly (Mopar or a quality brand such as Timken/SKF - several owners report short life from budget hubs). Torque the axle/hub fasteners to spec and verify the ABS wheel-speed signal afterward. Rule out mud/ice packed on the wheel, a bad tire, and rear differential noise on 4x4 models before condemning the bearing.
Sources for this issue (3)
Front (and sometimes rear) sealed wheel hub/bearing assemblies are a high-wear item on JK and JL Wranglers, especially on lifted rigs running larger tires that load the bearing harder. As the bearing wears it produces a speed-dependent grinding, rumbling, or humming that changes when turning, and free play can be felt by rocking the tire at the 12-and-6 positions. Because the ABS wheel-speed sensor (tone ring/sensor) is integrated into the hub assembly on these models, a failing hub commonly damages the sensor and triggers ABS and traction-control (ESC) warning lights along with disabled stability control. The common service hub assembly for 2007-2016 5-lug JK with ABS is part 513272 (Mopar/MOOG/Timken/Spicer equivalents); note a JK hub part-number change around 2011, so the correct year-specific part must be used.
Common Symptoms
- Grinding/humming that rises with speed
- Noise changes when turning
- Play when rocking tire top/bottom
- ABS warning light
- Traction control / ESC light
- Vibration in steering wheel
How to Fix
Confirm the bad corner by road-test noise direction and the 12/6 rock test for play. Replace the complete hub/bearing assembly (the integrated ABS sensor is part of the unit). For 2007-2016 5-lug JK with ABS the common service part is assembly 513272 (Mopar/MOOG/Timken/Spicer equivalents); verify the correct part for your year due to the ~2011 design change. Inspect/clean the ABS connector and clear codes; the ABS/ESC lights should extinguish once the hub and its sensor are replaced.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 52060398AC front hub and bearingOEMMopar 52060398AC
Replace a confirmed failed early-JK front unit bearing Fitment/availability: 2007-2010 Wrangler JK/Unlimited, front left or right.
- Genuine Mopar 52060398AE front hub and bearingOEMMopar 52060398AE
Replace a confirmed failed revised-JK front unit bearing Fitment/availability: 2011-2018 Wrangler JK/Unlimited, front left or right; 2018 must be JK.
- Genuine Mopar 68272624AC front hub and bearingOEMMopar 68272624AC
Replace a confirmed failed JL front unit bearing Fitment/availability: 2018-2025 Wrangler JL front left or right within the issue range; 2018 must be JL, not JK. Preserve/test the separately serviced wheel-speed sensor and confirm VIN/ax…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
C0045 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 C0045 mean on a Jeep?
C0045 stands for "Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit." This is a brake/ABS-system code. Each wheel has a speed sensor that tells the anti-lock brake (ABS), traction control, and stability systems how fast that wheel is turning. C0045 means the ABS module has detected an electrical problem in the circuit for the left rear wheel speed sensor — such as an open, short, or signal that's missing or out of range. As a result you'll typically see the ABS and traction/stability warning lights, and those safety features may be temporarily disabled even though your normal brakes still work. On Jeep it is documented across 3 models: Grand Wagoneer, Compass, Wrangler.
What are the most common causes of C0045?
The most common causes of C0045 are: Failed left rear wheel speed sensor, Damaged, corroded or disconnected sensor wiring/connector, Damaged or contaminated tone/reluctor ring (rust, debris, missing teeth), Excessive air gap between sensor and tone ring, Wheel bearing wear affecting the sensor (on bearing-integrated sensors), Water intrusion or corrosion in the connector, Faulty ABS control module (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0045 on a Jeep?
Published repair estimates on Jeep range from $150 to $1,200 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for C0045 on a different make?
View C0045 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.