C0051: How to Diagnose & Fix — Steering Wheel Position Sensor
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $300-$3,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix C0051: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Fusion · 2011–2012
NHTSA recall 15V340 covers 2011-2012 Ford Fusion without the 3.5L engine (plus Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and 2011 Mercury Milan). A steering motor sensor fault can cause the electric power steering assist to shut down while driving. Owners notice heavier steering effort especially at low speeds, increasing crash risk. Dealers check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for DTCs; if any loss-of-assist codes are stored, the steering gear is replaced free. Note: 2010 Fusions had the same parts but were excluded from the recall — feds closed the probe without expanding scope. 2010-owner symptoms are real but uncovered by recall.
Common Symptoms
- Power steering warning message on dashboard
- Steering becomes heavy or requires extra force
- Intermittent loss of power steering assist
- Steering wheel off-center after loss of assist
- Clunking or grinding from steering column area
- Complete loss of power steering (requires significant force to turn)
- Steering assist comes and goes unpredictably
- Check engine light or power steering fault code stored
How to Fix
Check if your vehicle is covered under Ford recall (2011-2012 Fusion/MKZ power steering failure recall - free repair). For non-recall vehicles, the electric power steering rack must be replaced as a complete unit since the motor and control electronics are integrated. RepairPal estimates $1,958-3,362 installed. Remanufactured racks from PWR Steer or Cardone are available at $800-1,500, significantly cheaper than new OEM ($2,000+). Have the alignment performed after rack replacement.
Sources for this issue (1)
RAM 3500 · 2010–2025
The front hub bearings (wheel bearing assemblies) in the RAM 3500 fail prematurely, particularly on trucks that carry heavy loads in the bed or tow heavy trailers. The factory hub bearings are adequate for unloaded driving but wear rapidly under sustained heavy GVWR/GCWR conditions. 4x4 models are more affected due to the additional stress of the front axle components. Bearing failure typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 miles on heavy-use trucks.
Common Symptoms
- Humming or droning noise that changes with vehicle speed
- Noise increases when turning in one direction
- ABS or traction control warning light
- Play or looseness felt in the front wheel
- Vibration in steering wheel at highway speeds
How to Fix
Replace the front hub bearing assembly (Timken HA590576 or Moog 515162 are highly rated). The hub bearing is a bolt-on unit on these trucks — 4 bolts from the back of the steering knuckle. Replace both sides if one has failed, as the other is likely not far behind. Use ABS-compatible hub assemblies. Budget $300-$700 per side for parts and labor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Timken HA590467 front hub and bearing
Confirm VIN, drive, cab/chassis, build date, spline and ABS connector.
- Timken HA590628 front hub and bearing
Confirm the exact notes and ABS lead before ordering.
- Genuine Mopar 68292887AA front hub and bearing
2019-2025 Ram 3500 6.4L/6.7L listed configurations; confirm VIN, axle ratio and current supersession, including 68292887AB where applicable.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipTimken HA590576 and Moog 515162 are the top choices for replacement. Avoid cheap imported hub bearings — they often fail within 20,000 miles on a 3500 that tows.
- TipWhen one front hub bearing goes, replace both sides. If one failed at 80,000 miles, the other is likely at 85% wear and will fail within 10,000-15,000 miles.
Find C0051 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
C0051 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C0051 mean?
C0051 stands for "Steering Wheel Position Sensor." C0051 is a chassis code meaning the ABS/stability control module has detected a fault with the steering wheel position (steering angle) sensor signal. The stability system compares the driver's steering angle with yaw rate and wheel speeds; when the steering angle signal is missing, implausible, out of calibration or doesn't agree with how the vehicle is moving, the module sets this code and typically disables stability and traction control, with warning lights on. Normal braking and steering remain.
What are the most common causes of C0051?
The most common causes of C0051 are: Faulty steering wheel position / steering angle sensor, Steering angle sensor not calibrated after an alignment, steering or column repair, Wheel alignment off-center (steering wheel not straight when driving straight), Wiring or connector fault in the sensor circuit or loss of network communication with the sensor, Internal fault or software issue in the ABS/stability control or power steering module that supplies the steering angle signal, Implausible wheel-speed data (e.g. heavy wheel slip in sand) causing a plausibility fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C0051?
Repair costs for C0051 range from $300 to $3,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C0051?
Au7o has documented C0051 across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Ford, RAM.
Join 600+ people using Au7o to better understand their vehicles.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.