C0561 on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
System Disabled / Invalid Serial Data Received
1 Buick model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $200-$600 repair
C0561 on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
On later Encore GX models the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning system applies an inappropriate steering torque that pulls the vehicle across the centerline rather than back into the lane. NHTSA complaints describe a sudden, forceful takeover of the steering wheel toward oncoming traffic, requiring the driver to fight the system. CarComplaints lists Lane Assist as the leading reported problem on the 2025 model year. The behavior appears tied to camera misinterpretation of lane markings - faded lines, tar seams, construction striping, shadows and crest transitions - compounded by camera calibration that was never performed or was performed incorrectly after a windshield replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Steering wheel jerks or grips forcefully toward the centerline
- Vehicle steers toward oncoming traffic without driver input
- Repeated false lane departure alerts on clearly marked roads
- System activates over tar seams or old lane markings
- Behavior worsened after a windshield replacement
How to Fix
Have the front camera module recalibrated - this is mandatory after any windshield replacement and is the most common root cause of biased lane centering. Verify the camera's mounting bracket is fully seated and the windshield in front of it is free of distortion or an aftermarket tint strip, and confirm the vehicle is on the latest camera/ADAS module software, since GM addresses lane-centering behavior through calibration files. Check tire pressures and alignment, because a mechanical pull the system compensates for changes its torque output. Until it is corrected, Lane Keep Assist can be disabled through the vehicle settings menu; report the incident to NHTSA, since ADAS defects are only investigated when complaint volume builds.
Sources for this issue (2)
C0561 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 C0561 mean on a Buick?
C0561 stands for "System Disabled / Invalid Serial Data Received." This code sets when the ABS/electronic brake control module disables itself because it received invalid, missing, or implausible serial data over the vehicle communication bus. Rather than a failed brake part, it usually means the module can't trust the data it's getting from another module (or the bus itself is faulty), so it shuts down ABS and stability/traction control as a precaution. Common subcodes include -71 (invalid serial data received) and -72 (alive counter incorrect, indicating a bus or sending-module problem). The driver typically sees ABS, traction, and 'Service Stability/StabiliTrak' messages while base braking still works. On Buick it is documented across 1 model: Encore GX.
What are the most common causes of C0561?
The most common causes of C0561 are: Communication (CAN/serial data) bus fault or corrupted data, Failing module on the bus sending bad data, Wiring or connector problems on the data lines, Corrosion at module connectors, Low battery voltage or charging problems, Body control module or other module fault, Software/calibration mismatch between modules. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0561 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $200 to $600 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 C0561 on a different make?
View C0561 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.