C0161 on GMC: How to Diagnose & Fix
ABS/TCS Brake Pressure Sensor Circuit
1 GMC model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
C0161 on GMC by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Owners report a cascade of warning messages appearing simultaneously — 'One Pedal Driving Unavailable,' 'Service ESC,' 'Service Trailer Brake System,' and 'Service Active Steering System' — with the vehicle's speed limited to approximately 36 mph. GM has not published a cause, and in the owner report filed with NHTSA the dealer could not find the source of the fault; the same report also lists '4WD Unavailable' and 'Service Driver Assist System' messages. With the active (rear-wheel) steering faulted, the Hummer EV's CrabWalk feature may also become unavailable. The issue can occur without warning, even while stopped, and a power-down and restart has cleared it in owner reports.
Common Symptoms
- Multiple warning messages appear on the dashboard simultaneously
- Vehicle speed limited to approximately 36 mph
- One Pedal Driving Unavailable message
- Service ESC warning light
- CrabWalk and four-wheel steering features disabled
How to Fix
Pull over safely and perform a complete vehicle power-down: turn off, open and close the door, wait 3-5 minutes, then restart. If warnings persist, the vehicle needs a dealer visit. Do not ignore the speed limitation — driving at highway speeds may not be safe if the ESC system is faulted. Ask the dealer to scan all modules for stored codes and to confirm that every available GM software update has been installed (for the 2024 model, GM Update 653.20 includes fixes to help maintain ESC and One-Pedal Driving availability). Note the date, time and exact messages, because dealers often cannot reproduce an intermittent fault.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (1)
C0161 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 C0161 mean on a GMC?
C0161 stands for "ABS/TCS Brake Pressure Sensor Circuit." This chassis code refers to a fault in the brake pressure sensor circuit used by the ABS and traction control system (TCS). That sensor reports hydraulic pressure in the brake system so the module knows how hard the driver is braking and can modulate ABS and traction/stability events accurately. The code sets when the sensor signal is missing, out of range, or the circuit is open/shorted. Normal braking usually continues to work, but ABS, traction, and stability functions may be disabled with warning lights illuminated. On GMC it is documented across 1 model: Hummer EV.
What are the most common causes of C0161?
The most common causes of C0161 are: Faulty brake pressure sensor, Open, shorted, or corroded sensor wiring, Loose or damaged sensor connector, Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor, Hydraulic fault affecting sensor reading, Faulty ABS/TCS control module, Low system voltage. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0161 on a GMC?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and GMC model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for C0161 on a different make?
View C0161 across all makes →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.