U0155 on Kia: How to Diagnose & Fix
Lost Communication with Instrument Cluster
2 Kia models · 2 documented issues · 1 critical
U0155 on Kia by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Seltos instrument cluster intermittently fails to illuminate on initial startup, displaying a completely blank screen. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights are not visible. The issue typically resolves after turning the vehicle off and restarting, but can recur. Some owners report it happens after extended driving followed by a short stop. A software update has been released to address the issue.
Common Symptoms
- Instrument cluster completely blank on startup
- No speedometer, tachometer, or fuel gauge display
- Warning lights not visible
- Issue resolves after restart
- Occurs intermittently, especially after short stops
How to Fix
Have dealer perform instrument cluster software update. If the issue persists after the update, the instrument cluster module may need replacement ($500-900). Some owners find that waiting 30 seconds before starting the engine allows the cluster to initialize properly.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipIf the cluster is blank, do not drive. Turn off the vehicle, wait 30 seconds, and restart. The cluster should initialize normally on second attempt
Certain Carnival and Carnival Hybrid digital instrument clusters can unnecessarily enter an overheat-protection mode due to excessive signal noise from the cluster's power-management circuit. When this happens the screen temporarily goes blank while driving, so the speedometer, warning lights and tire-pressure display disappear. Kia recalled the affected vehicles (Kia campaign SC361, tied to NHTSA) as a non-compliance with FMVSS 101 (Controls and Displays) and FMVSS 138 (TPMS). A blank cluster that hides speed and warning telltales raises crash risk.
Common Symptoms
- Instrument cluster screen goes black while driving
- Speedometer disappears intermittently
- TPMS and warning lights not displayed
- Cluster reboots or flickers
How to Fix
Covered free under recall SC361. Kia deploys a software update that prevents the cluster from falsely triggering overheat protection; the fix is delivered over-the-air (OTA) or installed at a dealer. Owners can verify eligibility by VIN at NHTSA.gov or owners.kia.com and should ensure the OTA update has installed. No hardware replacement is required.
Sources for this issue (3)
U0155 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 U0155 mean on a Kia?
U0155 stands for "Lost Communication with Instrument Cluster." This is a network communication code meaning a control module (usually the engine or body computer) has lost communication with the instrument cluster over the vehicle's data bus. Modern vehicles share information between modules over a network (such as CAN), and the cluster both displays data and relays messages. When messages from the cluster stop arriving, this code sets. You may see warning lights, dead or erratic gauges, missing displays, or other modules acting up. It usually points to wiring, power/ground, or the cluster itself rather than the engine. On Kia it is documented across 2 models: Seltos, Carnival.
What are the most common causes of U0155?
The most common causes of U0155 are: Faulty instrument cluster, Loss of power or ground to the cluster, Damaged or corroded CAN bus wiring, Loose or corroded connectors at the cluster, Blown fuse feeding the cluster, Short or open on the communication bus, A different failed module dragging down the bus. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix U0155 on a Kia?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Kia model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for U0155 on a different make?
View U0155 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.