U0131 on 2018-2022 Honda Accord: Power Steering Communication Loss Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2018-2022 Honda Accord

On the 10th generation Accord, the various driver-assist systems (known as Honda Sensing) are deeply integrated. A surprisingly common issue is the failure of the forward-facing Multipurpose Camera mounted on the windshield. This camera is a central hub on the communications network. When it fails, often due to overheating, it can cause a cascade of communication codes across multiple systems, including U0131 for the power steering, even if the steering rack itself is perfectly fine. An owner complaint to the NHTSA reported U0131 along with nine other communication codes, which a dealer traced back to an intermittent multipurpose camera failure. [ODI #11589674] Forum users on Reddit have reported dealers quoting over $2,000 for this repair, though many have successfully replaced the camera themselves with a used part for a fraction of the cost.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Sudden loss of power steering assist, making the steering wheel feel very heavy
• Power Steering System (EPS) warning light illuminated on the dashboard
🎬 Watch this guide on fixing multiple warning lights on 2018–2022 Accords.
• Multiple other warning lights may appear simultaneously, such as for the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Inaccurate readings on the instrument cluster gauges

Most Likely Causes

1. Weak or Failing 12V Battery 🔴 High Probability Modern vehicles with numerous electronic modules are highly sensitive to system voltage. A weak battery can cause modules to drop off the network during high electrical loads, such as initial startup, triggering a flood of communication codes.
   How to confirm: Test the battery with a digital multimeter or a dedicated battery tester. A healthy, fully charged battery should read approximately 12.6 volts with the engine off. Check for readings below 12.2 volts or a failure on a load test. Many auto parts stores will test your battery for free.
   Typical fix: Replace the 12V battery.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300
2. Failed Multipurpose Camera Unit 🟡 Medium Probability This is a known issue on Honda platforms from this era, including the Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Odyssey. The camera can overheat and fail internally, disrupting the entire CAN bus network it acts as a gateway for. Some owners report the issue is more frequent after a non-OEM windshield replacement.
   How to confirm: Perform a full-system scan with an advanced OBD-II tool. Look for code U3000-49 (Internal Electronic Failure) in the Multipurpose Camera or Driving Support module. The presence of many other U-codes alongside U0131 also points to a network-wide issue originating from a gateway module like the camera. [ODI #11589674] A physical check may reveal the camera unit is extremely hot to the touch after driving.
   Typical fix: Replace the multipurpose camera unit. This repair requires a static and/or dynamic ADAS calibration procedure afterward, which must be done by a dealer or a qualified shop. Some owners have had success using a used camera from an identical model, which sometimes works without immediate recalibration.
   Est. part cost: $400-$800 (New OEM), $100-$250 (Used)
3. Failed Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack and Pinion Assembly 🟡 Medium Probability The Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) is integrated into the EPS rack assembly. An internal failure of the module's electronics or the steering motor itself will necessitate replacing the entire unit. This can sometimes be caused by water intrusion or internal short circuits.
   How to confirm: If the battery is healthy, fuses are good, and there are no codes for the multipurpose camera, diagnostics will focus on the EPS rack. A technician will verify power, ground, and CAN bus signals at the EPS connector. If all inputs are present but the module won't communicate, the module/rack is condemned.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire EPS rack and pinion assembly, followed by an alignment.
   Est. part cost: $1000-$2500
4. Blown Fuse ⚪ Low Probability While not a design flaw, a random fuse failure can cut power to the EPS module, causing it to go offline. A technician in one video found a blown main fuse at the battery terminal was the cause for a U0131 on a Honda City.
   How to confirm: Inspect the fuses in both the under-hood and interior fuse panels. Check all fuses related to 'EPS' or 'Power Steering'. Specifically check the main multi-fuse block on or near the positive battery terminal.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse. If it blows again, there is a short circuit that needs to be diagnosed.
   Est. part cost: $1-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wiring Harness or Connector Damage: Although less common than module failure, it's worth checking. Rodent damage or corrosion at the EPS rack connector can cause an open or short in the CAN bus or power supply wires, leading to this code.
• Poor Ground Connection: A loose or corroded chassis ground for the EPS system can create high resistance and intermittent communication failures. While not specific to Honda, other manufacturers have documented this exact issue causing U0131.
• Software Corruption / Infotainment Glitch: On rare occasions, a software corruption can cause camera or communication issues. Some owners have temporarily resolved camera-related problems by rebooting the infotainment system (holding the audio power button for several seconds). This is not a permanent fix for a hardware failure but can be a useful diagnostic step.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Test the 12V Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged (12.6V+) and passes a load test. A weak battery is a very common cause of electronic issues on these vehicles.
2. Inspect Fuses: Check all fuses related to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in both the interior and under-hood fuse boxes, paying special attention to the high-amperage fuses in the main fuse block attached to the battery terminal.
3. Perform a Full System Scan: Use a professional-grade scan tool capable of communicating with all modules (ECM, TCM, ABS, BCM, EPS, Multipurpose Camera, etc.). Record all stored DTCs.
4. Analyze the Codes: If U0131 appears alone, the problem is likely isolated to the EPS system's power, ground, or the module itself. If it appears with many other U-codes and/or U3000-49, the Multipurpose Camera is the primary suspect. [13, ODI #11589674]
5. Check for Camera Overheating: After a drive where the fault occurs, carefully feel the multipurpose camera unit behind the rearview mirror. If it is excessively hot to the touch, this strongly suggests an internal failure.
6. Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector at the EPS rack for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Do the same for the Multipurpose Camera connector behind the rearview mirror cover.
7. Verify Power and Ground at the PSCM: If no obvious cause is found, a technician will use a multimeter to confirm that the Power Steering Control Module is receiving proper voltage and has a solid ground connection at its electrical connector.
8. Test CAN Bus Signals: The final step involves using an oscilloscope or multimeter to check for proper voltage levels and signals on the CAN High and CAN Low wires at the PSCM connector to rule out a network wiring fault.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• 12V AGM Battery — A weak battery is a frequent cause of communication codes on modern vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Interstate, DieHard, Duralast
  OEM price range: $250-$350
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250
• Multipurpose Camera Unit (OEM #36160-TVA-A13, 36160-TVA-A06, 36160-TVA-A330-M1 (verify by VIN, many variations exist)) — A known failure point on this platform that can cause a cascade of communication codes.
  Trusted brands: Honda (Genuine OEM)
  OEM price range: $400-$800
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$250 (Used)

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• U3000-49 — This code indicates an internal failure of the Multipurpose Camera Unit. If you see this code, the camera is almost certainly the root cause of the U0131 and other communication codes. [13, ODI #11589674]
• U0100, U0122, U0151 — These are also 'Lost Communication' codes for the ECM, VSA (ABS), and SRS (Airbag) modules, respectively. Seeing a flood of U-codes from multiple modules points to a network-wide problem, such as a failing gateway module (like the camera), a bad ground, or a major CAN bus wiring fault, rather than a single failed part. [ODI #11589674]

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Reddit User Experience with Misdiagnosed Camera: A 2018 Accord 2.0T owner on Reddit (/r/10thgenaccords) reported a dash full of warnings, which a dealer diagnosed as a faulty multipurpose camera for $2200. The owner discovered the part number on their car was for a 1.5T model, not the 2.0T they owned, suggesting a potential factory installation error. This highlights the complexity and high cost of camera-related repairs.
• Honda Odyssey Forum Reports Identical Failure Mode: On an /r/HondaOdyssey Reddit thread, a 2019 Odyssey owner posted a picture of a dashboard lit up with numerous error messages. Other users immediately suggested the cause was either a weak battery or, more likely, a failed multipurpose camera, with one user noting the repair cost them around $800 at a dealership. This corroborates the camera failure as a common issue across Honda platforms using Honda Sensing.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• CAN Bus Resistance (Key Off, Battery Disconnected) — expected: ~60 Ω. Failure: 120 Ω indicates a missing terminating resistor; 0 Ω indicates a short between CAN High and CAN Low.
• CAN High Voltage to Ground (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: ~2.5V to 3.5V. Failure: Voltage stuck at 0V, 12V, or significantly outside the expected range indicates a circuit fault or module issue.
• CAN Low Voltage to Ground (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: ~1.5V to 2.5V. Failure: Voltage stuck at 0V, 12V, or significantly outside the expected range indicates a circuit fault or module issue.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• U0131-00 / U0131-F1: These are Honda-specific sub-codes. While public documentation is scarce, the format often indicates the nature of the fault (e.g., -00 for a general failure, -F1 for an intermittent or specific type of communication error). The presence of these codes, as seen in NHTSA complaint #11589674, confirms a Honda-specific scanner (HDS) can provide more granular detail than a generic OBD-II reader. (see via Honda Diagnostic System (i-HDS) or a high-end bidirectional scan tool with Honda-specific software.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Honda i-HDS: Multipurpose Camera Aiming (Static and/or Dynamic) — Required after replacing the multipurpose camera unit to ensure the Lane Keeping Assist and Collision Mitigation Braking Systems function correctly.
• Honda i-HDS: Torque Sensor Learn / Steering Angle Neutral Position Learn — Required after replacing the EPS rack or related steering components to calibrate the steering angle and effort sensors.
• Honda i-HDS or compatible J2534 device: ECU Reprogramming — Used to update the software of the EPS control unit or other modules if a technical service bulletin (TSB) indicates a software fix for a known communication glitch.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main EPS Fuse — In the main fuse block located on or directly next to the positive battery terminal in the engine compartment.. This high-amperage fuse provides the main power to the entire EPS system. If it blows, the PSCM will lose all power and be unable to communicate, directly causing a U0131 code.
• EPS Control Unit Connector — The Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) is integrated into the steering rack assembly on this generation Accord. The main electrical connector is on the rack itself.. This connector is the single point for power, ground, and CAN bus signals to the module. Corrosion or damage here will sever communication.
• Multipurpose Camera Connector — Behind the plastic housing surrounding the rearview mirror mount on the windshield.. If the camera is the source of the network disruption, checking for a loose connection or damage at this connector is a key diagnostic step before replacing the unit.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'makki autos' (2018 Honda City (platform shares similar electronics)) — EPS warning light on, heavy steering, U0131 F-CAN Malfunction (PCM-EPS) code stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial scan pointed to a communication failure with the EPS module.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The technician found no power at the EPS module connector. The cause was a blown main fuse located in the fuse block on the positive battery terminal. Replacing the fuse restored power and communication, clearing the code and fixing the power steering.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 36160-TGT-A11, 36160-TGT-A12 → 36160-TGT-A13 — Part revision for reliability or manufacturing improvements. These part numbers are for the Passport but demonstrate Honda's practice of superseding camera units.
  Heads up: While these specific numbers are for a different model, it highlights the critical need to verify the correct camera part number by VIN for the Accord, as multiple versions exist (e.g., 36160-TVA-A06, 36160-TVA-A13, 36160-TVA-A330-M1) and are not interchangeable.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2021-2022: The 2021 model year facelift included updates to the Honda Sensing suite. While core functionality remained, the software for Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) was updated for smoother operation. The front grille was also restyled, which improved the integration of the radar unit. These changes could potentially affect diagnostic procedures or part compatibility for ADAS components compared to 2018-2020 models.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Fuel Dilution in 1.5T Engine 🟠 Medium — More common in cold climates and on vehicles used for frequent short trips. Affects 2016-2018 Civics and 2017-2018 CR-Vs primarily, but the engine design is shared with the Accord. (Ref: Honda extended the warranty for certain components and issued software updates to help the engine warm up faster, which mitigates the issue.)
• Sticky or Notchy Steering Feel 🔴 High — Widespread issue affecting many 2022+ Honda/Acura models, including the subsequent 11th gen Accord. The issue is a mechanical defect in the steering gearbox. (Ref: Honda issued recall 24V-744 and Service Bulletin 23-037 to address the problem by replacing components within the steering gearbox. This is a separate issue from the U0131 electronic communication failure.)
• A/C Condenser Leaks 🟠 Medium — A very common problem across many modern Honda models, including the 10th gen Accord. The condenser is susceptible to leaks, causing the A/C to stop blowing cold. (Ref: Honda issued a warranty extension for the A/C condenser on many affected models, covering replacement for up to 10 years with unlimited mileage.)
• Body Control Module (BCM) Software Error 🟠 Medium — Affects 2018-2020 Accord and 2019-2020 Insight models. (Ref: A recall was issued (NHTSA #20V-771) for a software error that could cause intermittent disruptions between the BCM and other components, leading to malfunction of wipers, lights, and the rearview camera.)
• Front Damper Noise 🟡 Low — Some owners of 2018-2022 Accords report a creaking or popping noise from the front suspension when turning at low speeds. (Ref: Honda issued TSBs (e.g., ATI&03312023906) and dealer messages to investigate and address the noise, which is caused by the bump stop contacting the damper body.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For the Multipurpose Camera Unit. This is a known failure item, and a used part from a reputable salvage yard can cost a fraction of a new OEM unit ($100-$250 used vs. $400-$800+ new). Given the high cost of the new part, a used unit is a viable option if it comes with a warranty.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the part number on the used camera EXACTLY matches the one being replaced. Multiple incompatible versions exist.
• Ensure the donor vehicle was not in a major front-end collision.
• Ask for a short warranty (30-90 days) from the seller to protect against a dead-on-arrival part.
• Inspect the electrical connector pins for any signs of corrosion or damage.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack and Pinion. Due to the integrated control module and safety-critical nature of this part, a new or remanufactured OEM unit is strongly recommended to ensure reliability and proper function. Aftermarket racks can have issues with calibration and longevity.

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' Multipurpose Cameras from online marketplaces. These often fail to calibrate or have poor performance, making them a risky purchase despite the low price.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• U3000-49 — Indicates an Internal Electronic Failure within the Multipurpose Camera or Driving Support module; often appears alongside U0131 when the camera is the root cause.
• U0100 — A communication code that may appear simultaneously with U0131 when a weak 12V battery or a failing gateway module (like the camera) causes multiple modules to drop off the CAN bus.
• U0121 — Lost communication with ABS/VSA module; frequently seen in the 'cascade' of warning lights alongside U0131 during a network-wide failure.
• U0416 — Invalid data received from VSA/ABS; often accompanies U0131 when the EPS system cannot communicate with other chassis control modules.

Frequently Asked Questions