C0051: Steering wheel position (angle) sensor signal fault

Steering wheel position sensor

Severity: Inspect soon

The stability system cannot trust the steering angle; Ford owners and the F-53 motorhome bulletin report the stability light on, cruise off and, with U0420, steering assist faults.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Stop and have it towed if a steering assist fault message shows and the steering turns heavy.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

C0051 in short

C0051 means the stability system sees a missing, out-of-range or implausible steering wheel angle signal. Ford and Honda readouts show it with stability control off and sometimes a steering assist fault. Have the sensor, its learning and the steering module checked; it is a steering-related safety system.

The steering angle sensor tells the stability system where you are steering, so it can compare that with yaw rate and lateral acceleration. A code reference gives C0051 as the fault the module stores when that signal is missing, out of range or does not match the other sensors.

A Ford Fusion owner's scan shows C0051 Steering Wheel Position Sensor with U0420, invalid data from the power steering control module, and a steering assist fault message. A Honda CR-V dealer readout gives C0051-54 as steering angle sensor learning incomplete.

A Winnebago owner on a Ford F-53 chassis cites Ford SSM 50767 about a stability light with C0051 and no cruise, fixed by software; the bulletin was not read.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Steering angle sensor learning or calibration lost
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
A Honda dealer readout gives C0051-54 as learning incomplete, and Honda dealers recalibrate the sensor in other complaints.
What would change this
Rises if the code followed battery, steering or alignment work. Falls if it returns after the learn.
Cause 2: Power steering or stability module communication or software
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
The Fusion scan pairs C0051 with U0420 from the power steering module, and the F-53 bulletin cited by an owner needed software.
What would change this
Rises if U-codes or a steering assist message appear with it. Falls if no network codes are present.
How to test the power steering control module
Cause 3: Sensor, clock spring or harness damage
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
A code reference lists missing, out-of-range or implausible signal; the CR-V case traced related codes to rodent harness damage.
What would change this
Rises if the angle reading is erratic or wiring is damaged. Falls if the reading tracks the wheel.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Read all modules for codes, noting U-codes and steering assist codes, and watch the steering angle reading as the wheel turns.
Low riskTool: scan tool with chassis data
- IfU0420 or other steering module codes are also stored
  It meansLook at the steering module and its communication.
  Points to: Power steering or stability module communication or software
- IfLearning is reported incomplete
  It meansThe sensor needs its learn procedure by a shop.
  Points to: Steering angle sensor learning or calibration lost
- IfThe angle reading is erratic or missing
  It meansSensor or harness.
  Points to: Sensor, clock spring or harness damage

Symptoms

Stability control or Advancetrac light on, cruise control off
Steering assist fault message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Brake or ABS warning light on together with the stability control light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

Power steering control module:Often a software update or relearn before parts. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2014 · Fusion
Supported by vehicle data
An owner scan shows C0051 with U0420 and a steering assist fault message.

Honda

2019 · CR-V
Supported by vehicle data
A dealer readout quotes C0051-54, steering angle sensor learning incomplete, with harness damage from rodents.

No curated relationships for C0051 yet.

All ABS, traction and stability control codes

C0051 questions

Why did C0051 appear after repairs?

A Honda dealer readout gave C0051-54 as steering angle learning incomplete, so a relearn may be needed after battery or steering work.

Sources and review

C0051 fault code information — TAT (tat.net.au) scan data
NHTSA complaint ODI 11499477: 2014 Ford Fusion steering assist fault — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 11353069: 2019 Honda CR-V damaged harness — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
NHTSA complaint ODI 11491428: 2022 Winnebago Sunstar on Ford F-53 chassis — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Steering angle sensor learning or calibration lost

Cause 2: Power steering or stability module communication or software

Cause 3: Sensor, clock spring or harness damage

What to test first

Step 1: Read all modules for codes, noting U-codes and steering assist codes, and watch the steering angle reading as the wheel turns.