U0131 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication with Power Steering Module
1 Toyota model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
U0131 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
NHTSA recall 15V144 and Toyota campaign F0J cover certain 2015 Camry V6 and Camry Hybrid vehicles. Toyota reported that an EPS ECU component may have been damaged during manufacturing and can fail over time, illuminating the EPS warning and causing loss of electric steering assist. Toyota's filing lists 3,220 potentially involved V6 Camrys and 4,027 Camry Hybrids within specified production/VIN ranges. Model year and engine alone do not establish inclusion.
Common Symptoms
- Electric power-steering warning indicator
- Sudden loss of electric steering assist
- Substantially increased steering effort
How to Fix
Check the VIN at Toyota's official recall lookup or with a Toyota dealer. For an involved vehicle, the dealer inspects the EPS ECU or steering-column assembly serial number and replaces the EPS ECU free of charge only when the number falls within the affected range. If steering assist is lost, expect substantially higher steering effort, slow down, move to a safe location and arrange service. For an involved vehicle the recall repair is free, so there is no need to buy an EPS ECU, motor or steering column.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningRecall applicability and the replacement decision are serial-number/VIN-specific. Do not buy an ECU or steering column from the model year or warning light alone.
- TipHave Toyota confirm both VIN inclusion and campaign completion; the recall inspection and any required EPS ECU replacement are free.
Sources for this issue (4)
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 Toyota?
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 Toyota it is documented across 1 model: Camry.
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 Toyota?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Toyota model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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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.