OBD-II code · Chassis
C0501 ESC Active Performance
ESC interventions occur but do not produce the expected vehicle response. May indicate hydraulic or mechanical limitation.
Is it safe to drive with C0501?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- PossibleBrake pads heavily worn
- PossibleHydraulic block internal wear
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- ESC/stability control deactivated
- Possible reduced brake assist
- Speedometer may behave erratically
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Hard
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–5 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- ABS Hydraulic Block, ABS Control Module, Brake Friction
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.