Electrical system and control unitsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Monitor
Code U0401: invalid data received from the engine ECU
U0401 means: invalid data received from engine/powertrain control module (ECM/PCM) "A".[1][2] Another module in the car receives messages from the engine ECU (ECM/PCM) over the CAN network, but the values they contain are inconsistent or out of range. The network works: what is failing is the content.[1][3]
What code U0401 means
Another module in the car receives messages from the engine ECU (ECM/PCM) over the CAN network, but the values they contain are inconsistent or out of range. The network works: what is failing is the content.[1][3]
That is why it is considered a symptom of another problem: normally the ECU itself has another code stored (for example, an internal fault) and the module that logs U0401 is not the faulty one.[1][3]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM "A"[1][2]
Causes of U0401
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1An internal fault in the engine ECU or other codes stored in it that corrupt the values it sends; this is the most common cause.[1][3]
- 2Power or earth problems at the ECU, which make it send erratic data.[3]
- 3Incompatible software after an incomplete reprogramming or the replacement of a module without configuring it properly.[1][3]
- 4CAN bus wiring or connector problems on the ECU side.[3]
- 5Interference on the bus, rarely and normally after fitting non-original wiring.[1]
Symptoms
- Warning light on, sometimes with ABS, traction control or power steering.[1][3]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Reduced power or strange gearbox behaviour if a module adopts safe default values.[1][3]Limp mode: faults that cause it
- Other modules store their own invalid data codes pointing to the engine ECU; stability control or cruise control may fail.[3]Electronic warnings: faults that cause it
How to diagnose U0401
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Scan all modules and note which module logs U0401 and which codes are in the engine ECU: they usually explain the problem.[1][3]
- 2Repair the ECU's own codes first before touching the module that reported U0401; fixing the source signal usually clears the code.[1][3]
- 3Check battery voltage and the ECU's power supply and earths.[3]
- 4Inspect CAN wiring and connectors on the ECU side.[3]
- 5Verify software versions and reprogram or replace the ECU only if the erroneous values persist.[1][3]
Can I keep driving with U0401?
Monitor
AutoDTCs classifies it as moderate: it does not usually leave you stranded, but the erroneous data can disable stability control or steering assistance or limit power. It should be scanned before long journeys.[1][3]
Parts related to code U0401
The parts that most often cause this code. The code points to the circuit, not always the part: diagnose before you buy.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information
Documented faults related to U0401
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Control units and comfort electronics (BSI, SAM...): the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot 408Electronic faults with the doors, boot and screen (suspected BSI control unit)In 2025 Peugeot recalled around 60,000 2023-2024 Peugeot 308 and 408 cars (code MUV) over a software fault in the door control unit that can cause unintended opening or closing and disable the anti-trap protection on the windows; 408 owners also describe a power boot lid that will not open or close and a screen that goes black.
- High severityFrequency: CommonRenault Laguna IIMultiplex electrical system and hands-free card faultsThe Laguna II had a reputation problem because of faults in its multiplexed electrical network: the hands-free card, the card reader and the ABS, ESP and handbrake warning lights came on erratically, especially in the early years of production (2001-2003).
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda MX-5 IVDC/DC converter control unit fault with risk of short circuit and fireA 2018 Safety Gate alert covers MX-5 ND models built between August 2014 and April 2017: the DC converter control unit could fail, cause a short circuit and damage the converter, with a risk of fire. It is a precautionary recall; check the chassis number at the official service centre.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentFiat StiloElectrical and electronic faults in the multiplex systemThe Stilo has had a reputation for widespread electrical faults since its launch: poor contacts in the multiplex wiring, an instrument cluster that switches off and sensors that disconnect, sometimes while the car is running.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Main relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)Yes, on the first units: Hyundai and Kia recalled 2016–2018 Ioniq and Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids because the main relay that connects the high-voltage battery could come loose, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Clutch hydraulic actuator (HCA): leak or moisture with risk of short circuit and fireYes, this is the most documented hybrid system fault: the hydraulic actuator that engages the combustion engine with the hybrid assembly has had two recalls (2018 for a leak on the Niro and 2025 for moisture in its electronic board on the Niro, Ceed and XCeed PHEV), with a risk of short circuit and fire.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
12 V battery: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: CommonHyundai-Kia E-GMP (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6)Faulty ICCU: 12 V battery drains, charging fails and power is lostThe ICCU, which combines the on-board charger and the converter that powers the 12 V system, can fail on the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and EV6: it cuts AC charging, drains the 12 V battery and, in the worst case, the car loses power and stops. Hyundai and Kia have recalled units built from 2021 to 2024.Repair: €2,000–€5,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 Hybrid12 V battery going flat while parkedYes: on the hybrid Yaris and Yaris Cross, the 12 V battery can go flat within a few days while parked because of the residual draw of modules such as eCall or keyless entry. It is fixed with a software update or, if the battery is already damaged, by replacing it.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.8 HybridThe 12V battery drains on the C-HR and Corolla hybridsYes: on the first-generation C-HR hybrid, the 12V battery is one of the most frequently reported faults: it runs flat after a few days standing or on short trips, and the car will not start. The ADAC and Toyota itself point to it as a cause of faults on the C-HR and Corolla.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 and 2.5 HybridThe 12 V battery goes flat if the car sits unused for several daysYes, it is a common complaint: the 12 V battery can go flat after just a few days without using the car, because of the standby drain from the electronics (multimedia, telematics, keyless entry). With the 12 V battery very low, the hybrid system can lock itself into a safe mode.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 6 E63/E64Battery drain and loose positive cableThe battery and alternator are frequently cited by Fiches-auto, and there is a recall for the battery's positive cable, which can work loose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAcid leak from the 12 V battery (campaign 18P11)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, campaign 18P11 (August 2019) covers Galaxies built between February 2014 and February 2019 over a risk of battery acid leaking, which can worsen over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the module showing the code the one that is faulty?
Normally not. The code indicates that the data received from the engine ECU is not valid; the cause is usually in the ECU or in a code it already has stored.[1][3]
How does it differ from U0100?
With U0100 the ECU's messages are missing; with U0401 the messages arrive, but with invalid values.[3]
Does the ECU need replacing?
Only as a last step. First repair the ECU's own codes, check power, earths and wiring and check the software.[1][3]
Will I pass the MOT with code U0401?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[4]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- U0401: OBD-II trouble codeCarista · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- u0401 Generic DTC: Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM "A"DTCSearch.com · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- U0401: Invalid Data from ECM/PCM — Causes & How to FixAutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish