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C1201: ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Ground

Severity
Low
NHTSA Reports
6
Vehicles Affected
5
System
Powertrain

What Does C1201 Mean?

C1201 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Ground. This code relates to the chassis system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 5 different vehicle models.

Symptoms of C1201

Common Causes

C1201 Reports by Year

2012
2
2025
1
2020
1
2021
1
2019
1

Real Owner Reports

From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.

"While driving, the vehicle experiences unintended braking and refusal to accelerate. ABS, traction control, pre-collision system, and secondary collision brake warnings illuminate. Toyota dealer diagnostics documented ABS and brake system fault codes C1201 and C1A50. The vehicle also produces a loud"

— Toyota Camry owner, 12/31/2025

"THE VSC LIGHT IS FLASHING, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT IS ON AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON DOES NOT WORK EITHER NOW. I PLUGGED IN AN OBD SCANNER AND GOT A C1201 ERROR CODE WHICH WE WERE NOT ABLE TO CLEAR. I DON'T RECALL IF WE WERE MOVING, PARKED OUT JUST TURNE"

— Toyota Corolla owner, 07/03/2020

"WE WERE ON THE ROAD (ON A FAMILY VACATION). THE DAY THAT WE WERE COMING BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE VSC LIGHT AND THE SLIP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AS WE WERE PULLING OUT OF THE HOTEL PARKING LOT. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER, I ALSO FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS MISFIRING. THE DEALER FOUND "MULTIPLE CODES P0"

— Toyota Rav4 owner, 01/08/2012

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Most Reported Vehicles for C1201

Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.

# Vehicle Reports
1 TOYOTA TUNDRA
2 TOYOTA CAMRY
3 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 TOYOTA RAV4
5 KIA FORTE

C1201 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

TOYOTA TUNDRA
2 NHTSA reports · Peak: 2008, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with this code?
It depends on the severity. If the vehicle runs normally, short trips are usually OK. If you notice performance issues, drivability problems, or warning lights beyond the check engine light, get it checked soon.
Will this code clear itself?
Some codes clear automatically after the underlying issue is fixed and several drive cycles pass. But the root cause must be addressed first.
How do I find the exact cause?
A code alone doesn't pinpoint the failed part. You need a diagnostic scan ($50-150 at most shops) that reads freeze frame data and live sensor readings to identify the specific component.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

  • 🔧 Have the code scanned with a professional-grade scanner to read freeze frame data
  • 🔧 If DIY repair isn't feasible, get a diagnostic from a trusted mechanic ($50-150)
  1. 1
    Find your vehicle above

    Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.

  2. 2
    Check for recalls

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.

  3. 3
    Get a professional diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

Related Codes

C1200 ABS Inlet Valve Coil LF Circuit Short To Battery C1202 ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Failure C1203 ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Open C1204 ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery C1205 ABS Outlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Ground C1206 ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Failure C1207 ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Open C1208 ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Battery C1209 ABS Inlet Valve Coil Rear Circuit Short To Ground C1210 ABS Outlet Valve Coil RF Circuit Failure