C0161: owner reports and bulletins

Chassis. We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got C0161 on your scanner? Tell the mechanic your year, make, model and any symptoms and you'll get the likely cause and what to check first. Ask about this code.

What owners report to NHTSA

5 complaints filed with NHTSA mention C0161, 3 of them since 2015, across 5 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: service brakes.

Manufacturer service bulletins that name C0161

3 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention C0161, from 3 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • CADILLAC ESCALADE (2012, 2013, 2014), bulletin 10112348: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician may find DTCs P057C and or P057D. Some vehicles m…
  • CHEVROLET AVALANCHE (2012, 2013, 2014), bulletin 10112348: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician may find DTCs P057C and or P057D. Some vehicles m…
  • GMC SIERRA (2012, 2013, 2014), bulletin 10112348: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician may find DTCs P057C and or P057D. Some vehicles m…

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.