U0171: Lost Communication with Restraints Rear Sensor "A"
The Restraints Rear Sensor "A" has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages. A rear crash sensor is unreachable, affecting rear airbag deployment. Safety-critical. Typical causes are loss of power or ground at the module, an open or shorted CAN/LIN bus wire, a connector fault, or an internal module failure.
What U0171 means
U0171 is a generic OBD-II network code in the lost communication group. In plain English: a control module stopped receiving messages from the Restraints Rear Sensor A on the vehicle’s data network.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Multiple warning lights may illuminate
- Affected modules may go into limp mode or shut down
- Specific functions inoperative depending on module
- Diagnostic tools may show communication faults
Common causes
- 01Rear sensor unpoweredMost likely
- 02Wiring to rear sensor brokenPossible
- 03Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Can I drive with U0171?
The car drives, but it is a safety risk.
With an airbag or restraint fault stored, one or more airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. Get it diagnosed soon and do not ignore a lit airbag light.
Why we rate it urgent
- An airbag or seat-belt pretensioner may not work in a crash
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose U0171
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just U0171. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for U0172. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Check module power, ground and the data bus
Confirm the module named in the code has battery voltage, ignition feed and a good ground. With the battery disconnected, a healthy CAN bus usually measures about 60 ohms between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port. Inspect connectors for corrosion and pushed-out pins.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Rear sensor unpowered; wiring to rear sensor broken; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
U0171 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Hard
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Involved testing or major parts. Most owners use a shop.
Parts and systems involved
- Restraints rear sensor
- CAN bus wiring
U0171 FAQ
What does U0171 mean?
U0171 means “Lost Communication with Restraints Rear Sensor A”. The Restraints Rear Sensor "A" has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages. A rear crash sensor is unreachable, affecting rear airbag deployment. Safety-critical. Typical causes are loss of power or ground at the module, an open or shorted CAN/LIN bus wire, a connector fault, or an internal module failure.
Is U0171 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate U0171 as urgent severity. The car drives, but it is a safety risk. With an airbag or restraint fault stored, one or more airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in a crash. Get it diagnosed soon and do not ignore a lit airbag light.
What causes U0171?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Rear sensor unpowered; Wiring to rear sensor broken; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix U0171?
Typical labor is about $125–$500 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix U0171 myself?
DIY difficulty is hard. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will U0171 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.