C1511 on Toyota
Torque Sensor 1 Malfunction (Torque Sensor Abnormal)
C1511 on Toyota vehicles indicates torque sensor 1 malfunction (torque sensor abnormal). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Toyota model — most commonly on RAV4. A Toyota/Lexus/Scion-specific chassis code in the electric power steering (EPS) system. The torque sensor in the steering column converts the rotational torque input from the steering wheel into an electrical signal that tells the power steering ECU how much steering effort the driver is applying, and therefore how much assist to provide. C1511 sets when the ECU sees an abnormal or out-of-range signal from torque sensor 1. The usual result is that the ECU disables power assist as a fail-safe, so the steering becomes very heavy — especially at parking speeds — with the EPS/power steering warning light on. The car remains steerable but takes noticeably more effort.
Common Causes of C1511
- •Faulty torque sensor, which is built into the steering column assembly on most applications
- •Open, shorted, or chafed torque sensor wiring harness
- •Poor or corroded connection at the sensor or ECU connector
- •Torque sensor zero point/calibration not performed after column, ECU, or alignment work
- •Low system voltage or a weak battery/charging system
- •Failed power steering ECU
C1511 on Toyota by Model
Toyota RAV4(1 issue)
- Certain 2019-2020 RAV4/2020 RAV4 Hybrid Steering-Gear Water Ingress - Recall 20V-3732019-2020
Toyota/NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-373 (Toyota 20TA11; interim 20TB11) covers 46 certain 2019-2020 RAV4 and 2020 RAV4 Hybrid vehicles. A screw attaching the electric-power-steering gear cover may be missing or improperly tightened, allowing water to enter and eventually damage the steering gear. Power-assist loss increases steering effort, especially at low speed, and increases crash risk. Model year alone does not establish eligibility; Toyota lists 41 RAV4 and five RAV4 Hybrid vehicles produced within limited periods.
Looking for C1511 on a different make?
View C1511 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C1511 mean on Toyota?▼
C1511 stands for "Torque Sensor 1 Malfunction (Torque Sensor Abnormal)." A Toyota/Lexus/Scion-specific chassis code in the electric power steering (EPS) system. The torque sensor in the steering column converts the rotational torque input from the steering wheel into an electrical signal that tells the power steering ECU how much steering effort the driver is applying, and therefore how much assist to provide. C1511 sets when the ECU sees an abnormal or out-of-range signal from torque sensor 1. The usual result is that the ECU disables power assist as a fail-safe, so the steering becomes very heavy — especially at parking speeds — with the EPS/power steering warning light on. The car remains steerable but takes noticeably more effort. On Toyota specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes C1511 on Toyota vehicles?▼
Common causes on Toyota: Faulty torque sensor, which is built into the steering column assembly on most applications, Open, shorted, or chafed torque sensor wiring harness, Poor or corroded connection at the sensor or ECU connector, Torque sensor zero point/calibration not performed after column, ECU, or alignment work, Low system voltage or a weak battery/charging system. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C1511 on a Toyota?▼
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and specific Toyota model.
Which Toyota models have C1511 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C1511 on 1 Toyota model: RAV4.