C1201: Toyota engine control communication fault reported by the skid control system
Toyota C1201 ABS and traction code
Severity: Inspect soon
Owners with C1201 report warning lights and power loss, and a Venza owner reports losing stop and steer control, so braking and stability help may be affected.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop and have it checked if the vehicle loses power, the red BRAKE light comes on, or braking or steering feels wrong.
C1201 in short
On Toyota vehicles, C1201 is a skid control (ABS and traction) code tied to engine control communication. A Tundra dealer called it a failed actuator communication fault and owners report lights flashing and lost power. Because braking help may be affected, have it inspected soon and stop driving if power or braking changes.
A Tundra dealer called C1201 a failed actuator ECU assembly with failed communication; disconnecting the battery cleared it for a while.
Other owners show it with P060A, misfire codes or transmission codes, and a Venza owner lists it with C1241 and C1441 on a vehicle that lost power.
The pattern is a communication or power problem between modules, not one failed part.
Pick your make
C1201 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Skid control actuator or ECU communication
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- A Tundra dealer named the actuator ECU communication, with a $2,280.41 repair.
- What would change this
- Rises if other skid control codes are stored. Falls if engine codes explain it.
Cause 2: Engine computer fault setting it
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A Tundra owner lists P060A with C1201, and others list engine codes with it.
- What would change this
- Rises if engine or module codes are stored. Falls if only skid codes are present.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all codes from engine, ABS and stability modules and note which come first.
IfEngine computer codes like P060A are stored
It meansLook at the engine computer first.
IfOnly skid control codes are stored
It meansSuspect the skid control actuator.
Symptoms
- ABS, VSC or TRAC lights on
- Power loss with lights flashing
- Vehicle will not stop or steer properly 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
- Brake system control module (ABS module):One owner was quoted over $2,000 for the actuator assembly; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ToyotaYour car
2008–2010 · Tundra
Supported by vehicle dataTundra owners report C1201 with failed communication and with P060A. Based on owner complaints.
2013 · Venza
Supported by vehicle dataA Venza owner reports C1201 with C1241 and C1441 and lost power. Owner complaint only.
Related codes
C1201 questions
Is C1201 an engine code?
It is stored by the skid control system but is tied to engine control communication, so engine codes should be checked too.
Sources and review
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10447965: 2008 Toyota Tundra C1201
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11057224: 2013 Toyota Venza C1201, C1241, C1441
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10366168: 2010 Toyota Tundra C1201 and P060A
- Last reviewed
- 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