P0502: owner reports and bulletins

Powertrain (generic, all makes). We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got P0502 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

2 complaints filed with NHTSA mention P0502, across 2 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: steering.

Manufacturer service bulletins that name P0502

16 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention P0502, from 4 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • CADILLAC ATS (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), bulletin 10190567: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Intermittently Unable to Shift into Reverse, DTC P0502 Set Condition/Concern Some customers may comment on a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. They may also comme…
  • CHEVROLET CORVETTE (2014, 2015), bulletin 10190567: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Intermittently Unable to Shift into Reverse, DTC P0502 Set Condition/Concern Some customers may comment on a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. They may also comme…
  • CHEVROLET COLORADO (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), bulletin 10112518: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles the have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and or engine running rough. Technician may find Diagnostic Tr…
  • GMC CANYON (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007), bulletin 10112518: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles the have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and or engine running rough. Technician may find Diagnostic Tr…
  • HUMMER H3 (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), bulletin 10112518: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles the have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on and or engine running rough. Technician may find Diagnostic Tr…

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.