OBD-II code · Network
U0151 Lost Communication with Restraints Control Module
The Restraints Control Module has stopped transmitting on the vehicle data bus, so other control units no longer receive its messages. The airbag/restraints controller is unreachable — airbags and belt tensioners may not deploy. 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 it safe to drive with U0151?
Usually safe for short trips, but don’t ignore it: the underlying fault can get more expensive over time.
Common causes
- Most likelySRS module unpowered (often water damage under seat)
- PossibleCAN wiring to SRS broken
- Less likelyGateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly
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
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Hard
- DIY friendly
- Best left to a mechanic
- Typical labour
- 1–5 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Restraints Control Module, Can Bus Wiring
Related codes
- U014DLost Communication with Mirror Control Module B
- U014ELost Communication With Multi-axis Acceleration Sensor Module B
- U0150Lost Communication with Side Object Detection Control Module Left
- U0152Lost Communication with Side Restraints Control Module Left
- U0153Lost Communication with Restraints Control Module B
- U0154Lost Communication with Restraints Occupant Sensing Module
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.