OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)

P21B4 NOx Adsorber Over Temperature (Bank 1)

A temperature sensor at the NOx adsorber on bank 1 reports a value above the safe limit. Sustained over-temperature destroys the storage washcoat.

Is it safe to drive with P21B4?

The car may go into limp mode (reduced power). Get it diagnosed before a long trip.

Common causes

  • Most likelyRunaway desulphation regeneration

Symptoms

  • Check engine light or NOx warning on
  • AdBlue/DEF level or quality warning
  • Possible no-start countdown after ignore period
  • Failed emissions inspection (NOx)

Repair at a glance

Difficulty
Hard
DIY friendly
Best left to a mechanic
Typical labour
1.5–8 h
Emissions test
Likely to fail
Parts involved
Nox Adsorber Catalyst, Exhaust Temperature Sensor

Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.