U0131 on FORD EXPLORER — Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A

Q: "What does U0131 mean on a FORD EXPLORER?"

"U0131 indicates: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A. This is a network communication code. 3 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of U0131 on FORD EXPLORER?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Steering, Steering,Power Train,Electrical System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is U0131 serious on my FORD EXPLORER?"

"Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD EXPLORER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD EXPLORER shows U0131?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What U0131 Means on Your FORD EXPLORER

U0131 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A. This code relates to the network communication system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

3 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2013-2017. Most reports come from the 2013, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Steering (66.7% of reports).

Real FORD EXPLORER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Power steering goes out while driving. 2013 ford explorer, 86,000 miles. my wife was driving around a curve, going about 45 miles per hour on a highway, when it first went out."

— 2013 FORD EXPLORER owner · STEERING · Filed 10/06/2016

"Randomly whilst driving, my dash had multiple error messages pop up and my power steering went out completely. The error messages were as follows: Service AdvanceTrac, Terrain Management System Fault, Hill Start Assist Not Available, & Power Steering Assit Fault."

— 2016 FORD EXPLORER owner · STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 08/26/2024

"I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the electric power steering system on my 2017 Ford Explorer."

— 2017 FORD EXPLORER owner · STEERING · Filed 12/11/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'13

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on FORD EXPLORER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

STEERING 66.7%

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33.3%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does U0131 mean on a FORD EXPLORER? ▾

U0131 indicates: Lost Communication With Power Steering Control Module A. This is a network communication code. 3 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of U0131 on FORD EXPLORER? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Steering, Steering,Power Train,Electrical System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is U0131 serious on my FORD EXPLORER? ▾

Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD EXPLORER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD EXPLORER shows U0131? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

U0131 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on FORD EXPLORER