U0131: How to Diagnose & Fix — Lost Communication with Power Steering Module
16 vehicles · 9 makes · $150-$3,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix U0131: 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)
Jeep Cherokee · 2014–2023
The Cherokee's Controller Area Network (CAN bus) can lose communication between modules, triggering multiple warning lights and system failures at the same time. Common codes are U0001 and U0131, which point to wiring harness breaks or connector corrosion.
Common Symptoms
- Multiple dashboard warning lights simultaneously
- "Service Power Steering" warning
- Transmission surging or shifting issues
- Loss of power steering assistance
- Issues worse in freezing temperatures
How to Fix
Identify the failed module or harness and replace the damaged components. Check the battery terminals, inspect the cargo area for water damage, and check the Power Steering Control Module wiring harness above the transmission. The repair may require dealer-level diagnostics.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipCheck battery terminals first - clean and tighten connections
- TipInspect driver's side cargo area for standing water
Sources for this issue (1)
Ford Explorer · 2011–2013
On certain 2011-2013 Explorers built at Chicago Assembly from May 17, 2010 to February 28, 2012 (about 179,000 vehicles), the electric power steering can suddenly stop assisting. Inside the TRW-supplied steering gear, an intermittent electrical connection can drop the motor position sensor signal. Ford traced it to contamination of the ribbon cable's conformal coating or to misaligned ribbon cable pins in the steering motor. When the steering control module loses that signal, it sets a fault code and turns the assist off. The steering stays mechanically connected, so the vehicle can still be steered, but it takes much more effort, especially at parking-lot speeds. A chime sounds and a power steering fault message appears in the instrument cluster. NHTSA opened an investigation (PE12-017) after owner complaints of assist loss. Some owners reported that turning the engine off and back on restored the assist, but it often failed again. By April 2014 Ford knew of 15 low-speed crash allegations and two minor injury allegations. Ford fixed the parts problem at the supplier in late 2011. Owner reports show some gears failed even after the recall software update.
Common Symptoms
- Power steering warning light illuminated
- Chime plus a power steering assist fault message in the instrument cluster
- Sudden loss of power steering assist
- Steering becomes very heavy/difficult to turn, especially at low speeds and when parking
- Intermittent power steering operation
- Assist returns after restarting the engine, then cuts out again
How to Fix
1. Check your VIN for open Ford recall 14S06 (NHTSA 14V286) and Ford extended coverage program 15N01, either through Ford's recall lookup or by asking a Ford dealer to check the VIN in OASIS. 2. Under the recall, the dealer reads the power steering control module for codes. With no loss-of-assist codes, the dealer reprograms the module (IDS 91.03 or later) so that assist stays on for the rest of the drive if the sensor fault occurs. With loss-of-assist codes, the dealer replaces the steering gear. Both repairs are free. 3. If you only got the software update, program 15N01 gives a one-time free steering gear replacement (parts and labor) if loss-of-assist codes are present later. It lasts 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever comes first, and transfers to later owners. A May 2019 Ford supplement tells dealers to ask Ford for approval to replace the gear even past those limits when recall 14S06 is still open, and to contact owners who were denied for that reason. 4. If assist fails and the dealer finds no loss-of-assist codes, the repair isn't covered under 15N01 and gets normal diagnosis. If you paid for a covered gear replacement yourself, ask the dealer or Ford about a refund under 14S06/15N01. 5. If nothing covers the repair, owners report paying about $1,400-$1,600 for a steering gear replacement.
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 (6)
- NHTSA Recall 14V286 (Ford 14S06) - Electric Power Steering Assist Lossrecall
- NHTSA Recall 14V-286 Part 573 Safety Recall Reportrecall
- Ford Part 573 Defect Information Report, Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA 14V-286): 2011-2013 Explorer Electric Power Steeringrecall-part573
- NHTSA ODI Resume PE 12-017: Loss of electric power assisted steering, 2011 Ford Explorernhtsa-investigation
- Ford Safety Recall 14S06 Supplement #3 (May 2019): PSCM reprogram and steering gear extended coverage 15N01manufacturer-bulletin
- 2011 Ford Explorer steering complaints (CarComplaints, page 21)owner-reports
Ford Flex · 2010–2013
Cadillac XTS · 2014–2016
Find U0131 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
U0131 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 U0131 mean?
U0131 stands for "Lost Communication with Power Steering Module." This is a network communication code meaning the vehicle's computers have lost communication with the power steering control module over the data bus (CAN). Modern cars link control modules so they can share data, and this code sets when other modules stop receiving expected messages from the power steering unit. The most common result is loss or reduction of power-assisted steering, making the wheel feel heavy, along with a warning light. It generally points to a wiring/connector or power problem at the steering module, a bus fault, or a failed module rather than a mechanical steering issue.
What are the most common causes of U0131?
The most common causes of U0131 are: Loss of power or ground to the power steering module, Open or shorted CAN bus wiring to the module, Corroded or loose connector at the steering module, Blown fuse feeding the power steering system, Failed power steering control module, Other module or wiring fault disrupting the data bus, Software/configuration mismatch after a repair. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U0131?
Repair costs for U0131 range from $150 to $3,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by U0131?
Au7o has documented U0131 across 16 vehicle models from 9 manufacturers: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep, Lincoln, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Toyota.
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.