C1260: How to Diagnose & Fix — Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)
12 vehicles · 3 makes · $50-$1,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix C1260: 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.
Kia K5 · 2021–2024
On 1.6T turbocharged K5 variants, some owners and NHTSA complainants have reported a hissing sound from the brake booster area upon brake pedal application, accompanied by a noticeably harder brake pedal and reduced power assistance. The GDi turbocharged engine uses an electric vacuum pump to supplement braking assist; failures or leaks in the vacuum pump, vacuum check valve, or booster hose connection reduce available vacuum and compromise brake pedal feel and stopping distance. This has been flagged as a safety concern in NHTSA filings.
Common Symptoms
- Hissing sound when brake pedal is pressed
- Hard or stiff brake pedal requiring significantly more force to stop
- Longer stopping distances than normal
- Brake warning light or low vacuum warning illumination
- Brake pedal feel improving after engine warms up then worsening again
How to Fix
Inspection of the vacuum pump, vacuum reservoir, check valve, and all vacuum lines connecting to the brake booster is required. The electric vacuum pump (Kia/Mobis part number 59100-L2000 or per VIN) may require replacement if output is below specification. The vacuum check valve (a common failure point) is a lower-cost item at approximately $20–$50. Full vacuum pump replacement is $300–$700 parts and labor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Kia 28810-2M810 mechanical brake-vacuum pumpOEMKia 28810-2M810, superseded by 28810-2M831
Replace the engine-driven pump after a vacuum-output test confirms pump failure Fitment/availability: 2021-2024 Kia K5 with 1.6L Gamma-II turbo; seller shows supersession to 28810-2M831. Confirm VIN and current EPC before ordering, and d…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Audi SQ8 · 2020–2025
Audi TSB 2059363/6 applies to air-suspension-equipped 2020-2025 SQ8 vehicles when the instrument cluster reports an air-suspension malfunction and suspension control unit J775 stores C1260F0 for no communication or U112100 for a missing message, both with symptom code 262400. The bulletin identifies communication with compressor-control unit J1135; it does not establish universal air-strut, air-spring, compressor or complete-system wear.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Inspect the wiring and connector contacts between J775 and J1135 before replacing a component. For a first passive or sporadic occurrence, clear the fault and release the vehicle. If the same passive fault returns a second time, or the fault is active or static after wiring inspection, Audi directs replacement of J1135 under current repair and parts information. Do not buy struts, springs or a compressor solely from this warning.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi A8 · 2019–2025
On air-suspension-equipped 2019-2025 Audi A8 vehicles, the cluster may show an air-suspension malfunction warning while the suspension controller stores C1260F0 or U112100 with symptom code 262400. Audi directs diagnosis toward communication, wiring and connector contacts between the suspension controller and compressor control module; the bulletin does not establish that every warning is a failed compressor, leaking spring or collapsed suspension.
Common Symptoms
- Air-suspension malfunction warning in the instrument cluster
How to Fix
Record the complete DTC and symptom code and have an Audi-capable technician inspect the specified wiring and connector contacts. If no wiring or contact problem is found, continue the guided procedure in current Audi service information. Do not replace a compressor, spring or relay from this card alone.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (1)
Audi e-tron · 2019–2023
Audi Q8 · 2019–2025
Find C1260 by make
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C1260 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 C1260 mean?
C1260 stands for "Steering Angle Sensor Circuit / Signal (manufacturer-specific)." C1260 is a chassis code most commonly defined as a fault in the steering angle sensor (SAS) circuit or signal, used widely on Hyundai/Kia and GM vehicles (some platforms apply it to a wheel-speed comparison fault instead). The ABS/stability-control module relies on the SAS to know the steering wheel's angle and direction for electronic stability control calculations, and it sets this code when that signal is missing, corrupt, or illogical. The result is typically disabled stability/traction control with warning lights. Because the exact definition varies by make, confirm against the vehicle's service data.
What are the most common causes of C1260?
The most common causes of C1260 are: Faulty steering angle sensor, Steering angle sensor needs recalibration/initialization, Worn steering coupler/clock spring (common on Hyundai/Kia), Damaged wiring or connector to the SAS, CAN communication fault between SAS and ABS module, Faulty ABS/ESC control module, Recent steering or suspension work without recalibration. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1260?
Repair costs for C1260 range from $50 to $1,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by C1260?
Au7o has documented C1260 across 12 vehicle models from 3 manufacturers: Audi, Hyundai, Kia.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.