U0131 on Chevrolet: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication with Power Steering Module
1 Chevrolet model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
U0131 on Chevrolet by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The electric power steering gear assembly on the 2017 C7 can fail without warning, dropping power assist while the car is being driven. Owners report the steering suddenly becoming very heavy, sometimes recovering only after the ignition is cycled. GM recalled the car twice for the same component: campaign 19V086000 (GM recall N182182760), with remedy beginning June 13, 2019, and again under campaign 25V175000 (GM recall N252497020), with owner notification beginning April 15, 2025. Both campaigns cover the same family of GM vehicles built around the Alpha/Y-body EPS gear, including the 2017 Camaro and Cadillac CTS/ATS. The loss of assist is most dangerous at low speed and during parking or tight maneuvers, where steering effort rises sharply.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving
- Steering becomes very heavy, especially at low speed and when parking
- Assist restored only after cycling the ignition
- Power steering warning message in the cluster
How to Fix
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup or a Chevrolet dealer against campaigns 19V086000 and 25V175000. The remedy for both is replacement of the power steering gear assembly at no cost. Do not attempt to diagnose intermittent heavy steering as a tire, alignment or column issue before confirming recall status - the failure is in the rack-mounted EPS gear itself. If assist is lost while driving, both hands on the wheel and reduced speed are required, as steering effort increases dramatically at parking speeds.
Sources for this issue (5)
- NHTSA Recall Campaigns 19V086000 and 25V175000 - Electric Power Assist Steeringarticle
- NHTSA Recall 19V-086 Part 573 Safety Recall Reportrecall
- NHTSA Recall 25V-175 Part 573 Safety Recall Reportrecall
- NHTSA Part 573 Recall Report 19V086 - GM N182182760 Loss of Power Steering Assistnhtsa_recall_part573
- GM Safety Recall Bulletin N182182760 - Loss of Power Steering Assistnhtsa_recall_safety_bulletin
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 on a Chevrolet?
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. On Chevrolet it is documented across 1 model: Corvette.
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 on a Chevrolet?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Chevrolet model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for U0131 on a different make?
View U0131 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.