C0050: How to Diagnose & Fix — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit
8 vehicles · 5 makes · $100-$1,200 repair
How to diagnose and fix C0050: 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 Focus · 2000–2007
2000-2007 Ford Focus (1st-generation Mk1 and Mk1.5) suffer from repeated rear wheel bearing failures, often within months of replacement. Root cause is missing or degraded inboard spindle seals that allow brake dust and water into the bearing race, plus alignment drift (excessive negative camber or toe) accelerating wear. Ford ran safety improvement campaign 01I017000 for 2000-2001 Focus cars in salt-belt states, replacing the rear wheel bearings and adding extra bearing seals free of charge until December 31, 2002, after earlier recall 00V303000 had dealers inspect the rear bearings and fit a retention cap because the left rear hub nut could loosen. Replacement requires the full hub assembly. The 2012-2018 Mk3 Focus has separate bearing issues with different root causes (not covered by this entry).
Common Symptoms
- Humming or growling noise from rear wheels that increases with speed
- Rumbling noise that changes pitch when turning (load shifts off bearing)
- Vibration felt through vehicle floor
- Uneven rear tire wear
- ABS warning light if bearing play affects wheel speed sensor
- Loose or wobbly feeling in rear end
- Grinding noise from rear at highway speeds
How to Fix
Replace the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly as a complete unit - the bearing is sealed and non-serviceable. RepairPal estimates $317-429 per side. When replacing, clean the knuckle bore thoroughly and apply anti-seize compound to prevent the new bearing from seizing in the housing (makes future replacement much easier). If the vehicle is in a salt-belt state, replace both rear bearings simultaneously - the other side will likely fail soon after.
Sources for this issue (3)
Chrysler 300 · 2011–2023
ABS control module suffers internal failures due to short circuits in main circuit board. Prevents proper ABS operation and stores fault codes. While regular braking functions, vehicle loses anti-lock capability, traction control, and stability control.
Common Symptoms
- ABS warning light constantly illuminated
- BAS warning light
- Traction control warning
- U0121 code (lost communication with ABS)
- No ABS function during hard braking
How to Fix
ABS module replacement or professional rebuild service. Check all wheel speed sensors and wiring before replacement. Many specialty shops offer rebuild for $300-500 with warranty. OEM module requires programming to VIN.
Sources for this issue (1)
Chevrolet Avalanche · 2002–2006
First-generation Avalanches (2002-2006) can experience unwanted ABS activation during normal low-speed braking. The antilock brake system activates inappropriately, causing a pulsating brake pedal and increased stopping distances when it should not be engaging. The issue is more likely in environmentally corrosive areas where corrosion builds up between the front wheel speed sensor and the hub/bearing assembly it mounts to, weakening the sensor signal. This creates a safety hazard as the vehicle takes longer to stop than expected during routine braking.
Common Symptoms
- ABS activates during normal low-speed braking
- Pulsating brake pedal when it should not be pulsating
- Increased stopping distances during routine stops
- ABS warning light illuminated on dashboard
- Grinding or buzzing noise from brakes during normal stops
How to Fix
Inspect and clean all four ABS wheel speed sensors and tone rings. Replace corroded sensor wiring or connectors. If the ABS module itself is faulty, replacement costs $600-$1,200. Applying dielectric grease to sensor connectors during brake service can prevent corrosion. In some cases, ABS module reprogramming at the dealer resolves the issue.
Sources for this issue (2)
GMC Acadia · 2007–2018
Chevrolet Express · 2008–2025
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C0050 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 C0050 mean?
C0050 stands for "Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit." This is a brake/ABS-system code. The right rear wheel speed sensor reports how fast that wheel spins so the anti-lock brake, traction control, and stability systems can do their job. C0050 means the ABS module detected an electrical fault in the right rear wheel speed sensor circuit — an open, short, or an erratic/out-of-range signal. This usually turns on the ABS and traction/stability warning lights and may disable those features, though standard braking remains available.
What are the most common causes of C0050?
The most common causes of C0050 are: Failed right rear wheel speed sensor, Damaged, corroded or disconnected sensor wiring/connector, Damaged or rusty tone/reluctor ring (missing or clogged teeth), Excessive air gap between sensor and tone ring, Wheel bearing wear affecting an integrated sensor, Moisture or corrosion in the connector, Faulty ABS control module (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0050?
Repair costs for C0050 range from $100 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C0050?
Au7o has documented C0050 across 8 vehicle models from 5 manufacturers: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GMC, Honda.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.