U0416 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics Control Module
What U0416 means
U0416 points at the vehicle dynamics control module, the stability control unit that brakes single wheels and trims engine torque. A receiver logs the code when that unit's frames arrive but fail the plausibility check. GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 list adds sub-types 72 (counter wrong) and 74 (checksum error); Ford's 2014 code list carries U0416 without a lamp. Driver assistance suffers most: Honda bulletin 17-064 lists U0416-68 and U0416-92 on the 2017 CR-V after battery work, with adaptive cruise and brake warnings, and cures it with new radar software; Mercedes (LI54.71-P-078112) finds U0416FE in the Distronic unit of the G-Class, tied to weak battery health and gone after a key cycle. U0122 is lost contact, U0316 software. Assist systems switch off, the MIL normally stays dark.
U0416 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0416
- Adaptive cruise or emergency brake assist unavailable
- Stability or brake warning in the cluster
Common causes of U0416
- Most likelyWeak or recently disconnected 12 V battery disturbing the stability unit's data
- PossibleSoftware of the receiving assistance module (radar, camera) needs an update
- PossibleSteering angle or sensor calibration lost after battery work
- Less likelyMissing or damaged wire or connector in the bus branch
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Vehicle dynamics moduleCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0416 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0416 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about U0416
What does U0416 mean?
U0416 means "Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics Control Module". U0416 points at the vehicle dynamics control module, the stability control unit that brakes single wheels and trims engine torque. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0416?
U0416 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0416 fail an emissions test?
U0416 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0416 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0416 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.