C0051: How to Diagnose & Fix — Steering Wheel Position Sensor
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $300-$3,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix C0051: 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 Fusion · 2011–2012
NHTSA recall 15V340 covers 2011-2012 Ford Fusion without the 3.5L engine (plus Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and 2011 Mercury Milan). A steering motor sensor fault can cause the electric power steering assist to shut down while driving. Owners notice heavier steering effort especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Dealers check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for DTCs; if any loss-of-assist codes are stored, the steering gear is replaced free. 2010 Fusions had the same parts but were not included in the recall; NHTSA closed its investigation without adding 2010 models. 2010 owners can see the same symptoms, but those cars are not covered by the recall.
Common Symptoms
- Power steering warning message on dashboard
- Steering becomes heavy or requires extra force
- Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- Steering wheel off-center after loss of assist
- Clunking or grinding from steering column area
- Complete loss of power steering (requires significant force to turn)
- Steering assist comes and goes unpredictably
- Check engine light or power steering fault code stored
How to Fix
Check if your vehicle is covered under Ford recall (2011-2012 Fusion/MKZ power steering failure recall - free repair). For non-recall vehicles, the electric power steering rack must be replaced as a complete unit since the motor and control electronics are integrated. RepairPal estimates $1,958-3,362 installed. Remanufactured racks from PWR Steer or Cardone are available at $800-1,500, significantly cheaper than new OEM ($2,000+). Have the alignment performed after rack replacement.
Sources for this issue (1)
RAM 3500 · 2014–2022
The front wheel bearing on the RAM 3500 comes as a hub-and-bearing assembly, and Ram lists it as one part ("Hub and Bearing, Brake, Front"), so a worn bearing means replacing the whole hub. Owners report these hubs wearing out at a wide range of mileages. A 2019 3500 with the 6.4L gas engine needed both front bearings at about 31,000 miles, and the owner says the truck had never been used for plowing or abused. A 2019 owner on HDRams lost a hub before 40,000 miles. A 2015 3500 work truck was on its second set of hubs at about 190,000 miles. A 2014 owner reports that the passenger front bearing fractured without warning at about 173,000 miles and the truck had to be towed to a dealer. Owners describe a hum, growl or whistle from the front, more noise when turning, and play in the wheel. Ram's own bulletin also lists apparent grease leakage as a sign. In December 2022 Ram issued service bulletin 9003805, "Hub and Bearing, Brake, Front," which covers several Ram truck platforms from the 2018-2022 model years (platform codes DD, DP, DF, DJ and D2). It tells dealer technicians to contact FCA before replacing a front hub for growling or humming noise, apparent grease leakage or excessive play. The bulletin is a review step and a diagnosis reference. It does not describe a redesigned part or extend the warranty.
Common Symptoms
- Humming, droning or growling from the front that rises with road speed
- More front-end noise when turning
- Whistling noise from the front that can be mistaken for worn brake pads
- Play or looseness in the front wheel
- Grease appearing to leak from the hub
- Sudden bearing failure that leaves the truck needing a tow (reported at high mileage)
How to Fix
Check first: jack up the front and check the wheel for play. Listen for a hum or growl that rises with road speed or gets worse when turning. Look for grease around the back of the hub. Before condemning the hub, check the ball joints with a pry bar under the tire, because they also cause play (owners on HDRams suggest this). The fix is a new front hub-and-bearing assembly. Under Ram service bulletin 9003805 (Dec 2022), a dealer has to contact FCA for review before replacing a hub for noise, grease leakage or excessive play, and can go ahead with the repair if there is no reply within 15 minutes. That is a review step, not a warranty extension. Coverage follows your normal warranty. One 2019 owner was refused coverage at 31,000 miles because the 3-year limit had already passed. That owner paid $1,640 at a dealer to replace both front bearings with Mopar parts. Owners outside warranty report using aftermarket hub assemblies (for example TRQ or Moog) and suggest choosing the one with the best parts warranty.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Timken HA590467 front hub and bearing
Confirm VIN, drive, cab/chassis, build date, spline and ABS connector.
- Timken HA590628 front hub and bearing
Confirm the exact notes and ABS lead before ordering.
- Genuine Mopar 68292887AA front hub and bearing
2019-2025 Ram 3500 6.4L/6.7L listed configurations; confirm VIN, axle ratio and current supersession, including 68292887AB where applicable.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipTimken HA590576 and Moog 515162 are the top choices for replacement. Avoid cheap imported hub bearings — they often fail within 20,000 miles on a 3500 that tows.
- TipWhen one front hub bearing goes, replace both sides. If one failed at 80,000 miles, the other is likely at 85% wear and will fail within 10,000-15,000 miles.
Sources for this issue (5)
- FCA GPOP Issue Review 9003805 (12/02/2022) - HUB AND BEARING, Brake, Front - MY21-22 DD, DP / MY22 DF / MY18-19, 22 DJ / MY20, 22 D2tsb
- 2014 Ram 3500 front wheel bearing complaint (NHTSA-sourced)owner-complaint
- 2019 Ram 3500 - Front Wheel Bearings Failedowner-complaint
- Ram TSB #9003805 - Hub and Bearing, Brake, Front (Dec 2, 2022)tsb
- HDRams forum - 2022 Front wheel hub noiseforum
Find C0051 by make
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C0051 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 C0051 mean?
C0051 stands for "Steering Wheel Position Sensor." C0051 is a chassis code meaning the ABS/stability control module has detected a fault with the steering wheel position (steering angle) sensor signal. The stability system compares the driver's steering angle with yaw rate and wheel speeds; when the steering angle signal is missing, implausible, out of calibration or doesn't agree with how the vehicle is moving, the module sets this code and typically disables stability and traction control, with warning lights on. Normal braking and steering remain.
What are the most common causes of C0051?
The most common causes of C0051 are: Faulty steering wheel position / steering angle sensor, Steering angle sensor not calibrated after an alignment, steering or column repair, Wheel alignment off-center (steering wheel not straight when driving straight), Wiring or connector fault in the sensor circuit or loss of network communication with the sensor, Internal fault or software issue in the ABS/stability control or power steering module that supplies the steering angle signal, Implausible wheel-speed data (e.g. heavy wheel slip in sand) causing a plausibility fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0051?
Repair costs for C0051 range from $300 to $3,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C0051?
Au7o has documented C0051 across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Ford, RAM.
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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.