U0126 A module on the network stopped hearing the steering angle sensor

Lost communication with steering angle sensor module

U0126 in short

U0126 means another module has stopped receiving data from the steering angle sensor, which stability control and the ABS module rely on. Causes include an ABS module fault, software, wiring or a bad body control module ground. Because steering and braking systems are involved, have a technician check it soon.

The steering angle sensor reports where the steering wheel is pointing, and the ABS and stability control modules use it. When a module that should hear it does not for long enough, U0126 is stored. The code names a missing message, not necessarily a failed sensor.

Sources show very different stories. Land Rover says the ABS module on 2015 supercharged Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models can set U0126-87 with no real fault because the code is over-sensitive. GM links the code, with others, to a body control module ground that a dash insulator mat can pinch on 2014-2016 trucks, and to chassis bus issues after a steering angle sensor learn. Owners of a Toyota Sienna and a Jeep Wrangler were told the ABS actuator or module was at fault, and a Subaru Outback with moisture damage stored it with many others.

Because steering and braking are involved, this page explains the code only and gives no repair steps.

Most likely causes

  1. ABS module or actuator not communicating

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A Toyota Sienna dealer said the ABS actuator pump had to be replaced for U0123, U0124 and U0126, and a Wrangler owner saw the ABS module go offline repeatedly with U0126 stored.
    What would change this
    Rises when ABS and stability lights are on and the ABS module drops out of a scan. Falls if the ABS module communicates normally.
    How to test the brake system control module (abs module)

  2. Over-sensitive code logic in the ABS module (some Land Rovers)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Land Rover SSM 72133 names an over-sensitive U0126-87 in the ABS module on 2015 supercharged Range Rover and Range Rover Sport with no related symptoms.
    What would change this
    Rises on those models when no steering or stability symptoms exist. Falls on other vehicles or with real symptoms.

  3. Body control module ground pinched by the dash insulator mat (some GM trucks)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIT5405B names U0126 among many codes and tells dealers to check the G218 ground, where the front dash insulator mat can be trapped under the eyelet.
    What would change this
    Rises on 2014-2016 GM trucks and SUVs with many codes and a reduced power message. Falls if the ground is clean and tight.
    How to test the body control module (bcm)

  4. Chassis bus or data link connector problem

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIT5076D says that if U0126 and related codes will not clear after a steering angle sensor learn, the chassis bus and the data link connector should be checked.
    What would change this
    Rises if codes return right after a sensor learn. Falls if the bus tests good.

  5. Water damage to wiring or modules

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A Subaru Outback with documented moisture in the pillars and kick panel stored U0126 among 17 codes, but the complaint does not show water as the cause of this one.
    What would change this
    Rises if there is a wet carpet, a leak or corroded connectors. Falls if everything is dry.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all modules for stored codes and note whether stability, ABS or steering warnings are on and which other lost-communication codes are stored.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Have a technician check the ABS module and its connectors, the body control module ground, the chassis bus and the data link connector, and follow the maker bulletin for the exact vehicle.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:Steering angle and ABS systems affect braking and steering control; leave testing and repair to a trained technician.

Symptoms

  • ABS, traction or stability control lights on
  • Power steering assist reduced or lost Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Reduced power message or engine stall Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • No symptoms, code found by a scan

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):Owners were told the ABS actuator or module needed replacing; confirm with a technician first; 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

Land Rover

  • SSM 72133Status unverified

    ABS DTC U0126-87 lost communication with steering angle sensor

    2015range-rover, range-rover-sport · issued · NHTSA 10103342

    Describes an over-sensitive U0126-87 in the ABS module of supercharged V6 and V8 petrol versions with no related symptoms. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • PIT5405BStatus unverified

    Reduced power, steering assist, stall or blank displays with many DTCs

    2014–2016silverado-1500, suburban, tahoe · issued · NHTSA 10083324

    Check the body control module ground at G218 and connectors X183 and X133. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5076DStatus unverified

    Steering angle sensor learn, U0126 and related codes will not clear

    2010–2014camaro, cruze, equinox, malibu, volt · issued · NHTSA 10111916

    Diagnose the chassis bus and the data link connector interface if the codes will not clear. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

  • PIT5405B (GMC)Status unverified

    Reduced power, steering assist, stall or blank displays with many DTCs

    2014–2016sierra-1500, yukon · issued · NHTSA 10083324

    Same GM preliminary information as for Chevrolet. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Cadillac

  • PIT5405B (Cadillac)Status unverified

    Reduced power, steering assist, stall or blank displays with many DTCs

    2015–2016escalade, escalade-esv · issued · NHTSA 10083324

    Same GM preliminary information as for Chevrolet. Only the NHTSA summary was read.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Toyota

Jeep

Subaru

  • U0121Lost communication with the anti-lock brake (ABS) module

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    U0121 (lost communication with the ABS module) is listed beside U0126 in GM PIT5405B and was stored with it on a 2014 Silverado.

  • U0140Lost communication with the body control module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    U0140 and U0126 appear together in GM PIT5405B, where a pinched body control module ground is the named check.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

Sources and review

  1. NHTSA complaint ODI 10925556: 2010 Toyota Sienna — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11721623: 2016 Jeep Wrangler — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  3. GM PIT5405B (NHTSA 10083324): reduced power, steering assist, engine stall or blank displays with many DTCs — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  4. Land Rover SSM 72133 (NHTSA 10103342): ABS DTC U0126-87 lost communication with steering angle sensor — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  5. GM PIT5076D (NHTSA 10111916): steering angle sensor learn, codes that will not clear — NHTSA (manufacturer communication)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11732342: 2025 Subaru Outback — NHTSA (owner complaint)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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