OBD-II code · Chassis
C0551 Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor Circuit/Open
Open circuit on the longitudinal acceleration sensor (used by ESP/ESC for braking-direction stability).
Is it safe to drive with C0551?
The car may go into limp mode (reduced power). Get it diagnosed before a long trip.
Common causes
- Most likelyWiring open
- Less likelyPin pushed back out of connector body
- Less likelyCracked solder joint inside the module or sensor
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on
- ESC/stability control deactivated
- Possible reduced brake assist
- Speedometer may behave erratically
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Medium
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–4 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Longitudinal Accel Sensor, Sensor Wiring
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.