BrakesGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code U0415: invalid data received from the ABS control unit
U0415 means: invalid data received from the anti-lock braking system (ABS) control module.[1][2] Another module receives messages from the ABS/ESP control unit, but the value they contain is inconsistent, out of range or contradicts its own sensors. Unlike a lost-communication code (such as U0121), the message does arrive; it is its content that is unreliable.[1]
What code U0415 means
Another module receives messages from the ABS/ESP control unit, but the value they contain is inconsistent, out of range or contradicts its own sensors. Unlike a lost-communication code (such as U0121), the message does arrive; it is its content that is unreliable.[1]
It usually points to a problem that the ABS control unit itself already logs, and it is a generic code (U0) with the same meaning on all makes.[1][2]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control Module[1][2]
Causes of U0415
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Internal fault in the ABS/ESP control unit that makes it send wrong data, normally with its own codes stored.[1]
- 2Faulty wheel speed, brake pressure or steering angle sensor feeding out-of-range values.[1]
- 3Poor supply or ground to the ABS control unit.[1]
- 4CAN wiring with chafing, corrosion or intermittent faults.[1]
- 5Incompatible software or configuration after replacing or updating a module.[1]
Symptoms
- ABS and often traction and stability control (ESP) warning lights on.[1]ABS/ESP light: faults that cause it
- Functions that depend on wheel speed, such as cruise control, hill hold or parking aids, stop working; the speedometer may be erratic.[1]Electronic warnings: faults that cause it
How to diagnose U0415
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Scan all the modules and note the codes from the ABS/ESP control unit, as well as from the module that logged U0415, together with the freeze-frame data.[1]
- 2Diagnose the ABS/ESP's own codes first (wheel sensors, brake pressure, steering angle): fixing them usually clears U0415.[1]
- 3Check the ABS control unit's supply and ground.[1]
- 4Inspect the CAN wiring for chafing or corrosion.[1]
- 5Check the software and configuration if any module has been replaced.[1]
Can I keep driving with U0415?
Garage soon
AutoDTCs classifies it as moderate: normal braking is retained, but ABS, traction control and stability control may be disabled, so drive with care and get it diagnosed soon.[1]
Parts related to code U0415
The parts that most often cause this code. The code points to the circuit, not always the part: diagnose before you buy.
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Documented faults related to U0415
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
ABS and stability control (ESP): the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentHyundai Tucson IIIFire risk from the ABS control module (HECU)Yes. Hyundai recalled the Tucson TL built between February 2017 and August 2020 (campaign 11DC03) because the ABS module can fail internally and cause a short circuit with a risk of fire in the engine bay, even with the car parked. In the US the same campaign (20V543000) covered model years 2016-2021.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentKia Sportage IVShort circuit in the ABS/ESP unit with fire riskYes: Germany's KBA and the US NHTSA have recorded several campaigns (2021 and 2025) over a short circuit in the ABS/ESP unit that can cause a fire in the engine bay, even with the car parked and switched off.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOpel Corsa FBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (2024 production)The manufacturer recalled Opel Corsa F cars built between 24 May and 27 August 2024 because of an EBS valve block with a casting defect that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and the loss of stability control, ABS and electronic brake distribution.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 2008 IIReduced braking effectiveness from an HBC electronic fault (2023 production)On Peugeot 2008 II models built between 2 October and 15 November 2023, an error in the vacuum circuit can make the electronic unit send an invalid value to the hydraulic brake compensation (HBC), which reduces braking effectiveness.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with U0415?
With care: normal braking still works, but ABS and stability control may be disabled, especially on wet roads.[1]
Is it the same as U0121?
No. U0121 indicates lost communication with the ABS; U0415 indicates that the data arrives but is not valid.[1]
Does the ABS control unit have to be replaced?
Not necessarily. First read its own codes and check the sensors, supply and wiring.[1]
Will I pass the MOT with code U0415?
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.[3]
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.
- U0415: Invalid Data from ABS/ESP — Causes & How to FixAutoDTCs · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- u0415 Generic DTC: Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Control ModuleDTCSearch.com · 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