U059E — Invalid Data Received From NOX Sensor "A"

OBD2 code U059E flags a problem with the vehicle network (CAN bus) communication (invalid data received from NOX sensor "A"). Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Common culprits: a faulty module pulling the bus down, corroded connectors, especially in wet areas, poor grounds or low battery voltage.

vehicle network

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Depends on what is affected. A single dead convenience module is fine to drive with; loss of communication with engine, braking or steering modules is not. If multiple critical systems drop out, do not drive.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

  1. Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U059E is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the vehicle network (CAN bus) communication for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Subsystem check Measure resistance between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port with power off — about 60 Ω is healthy.
  5. Subsystem check Scan all modules: the one that does not respond is either the culprit or downstream of the break.
  6. Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U059E does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U059E (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair CAN wiring or connectors: $100–$400; Replace the faulty control module: $300–$1,500; Remove interfering aftermarket device: $0–$150. Overall, fixing U059E usually costs between $0 and $1,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

Is it safe to drive with U059E?

Depends on what is affected. A single dead convenience module is fine to drive with; loss of communication with engine, braking or steering modules is not. If multiple critical systems drop out, do not drive.

How do I diagnose U059E myself?

Start with a scan: confirm U059E, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the vehicle network (CAN bus) communication, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

How much does it cost to fix U059E?

Repair CAN wiring or connectors — $100–$400; Replace the faulty control module — $300–$1,500; Remove interfering aftermarket device — $0–$150. Exact cost depends on the root cause, your vehicle and local labor rates — a proper diagnosis is the cheapest first step.

What is the most common cause of U059E?

The most common causes are: a faulty module pulling the bus down, corroded connectors, especially in wet areas, poor grounds or low battery voltage.

Will U059E clear itself?

Sometimes U059E clears after a few drive cycles if the fault was intermittent — for example a loose connector or a tank of bad fuel. The underlying cause usually remains, so the code tends to return. Clear it once; if it comes back, diagnose rather than erase it repeatedly.

What does U059E mean?

U059E (Invalid Data Received From NOX Sensor "A") is stored when self-diagnostics detect abnormal readings or behaviour of the vehicle network (CAN bus) communication. It belongs to the vehicle network category.

The module monitors this system continuously while driving. When readings fall outside the expected range for a defined number of drive cycles, it stores U059E and switches on the warning light. Freeze frame data saved with the code shows the exact conditions — rpm, load, temperature, speed — at the moment the fault was detected, which is the best starting point for diagnosis.

Common symptoms of U059E

  • no-start or intermittent starting in some cases
  • modules intermittently not communicating with the scanner
  • intermittent loss of functions (gauges, windows, steering assist)
  • random, hard-to-reproduce electrical glitches
  • multiple warning lights on at once

What causes U059E?

  • poor grounds or low battery voltage
  • corroded connectors, especially in wet areas
  • water ingress in harness junctions
  • a faulty module pulling the bus down
  • damaged CAN bus wiring or short to power/ground

How to diagnose U059E

  1. Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm U059E is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
  2. Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many U0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
  3. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the vehicle network (CAN bus) communication for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
  4. Measure resistance between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port with power off — about 60 Ω is healthy.
  5. Scan all modules: the one that does not respond is either the culprit or downstream of the break.
  6. Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm U059E does not return.

How to fix U059E

Start with the cheapest and most common causes before replacing expensive parts:

  • Repair CAN wiring or connectors — $100–$400
  • Replace the faulty control module — $300–$1,500
  • Remove interfering aftermarket device — $0–$150

How much does it cost to fix U059E?

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for U059E (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates):

  • Repair CAN wiring or connectors: $100–$400
  • Replace the faulty control module: $300–$1,500
  • Remove interfering aftermarket device: $0–$150

Overall, fixing U059E usually costs between $0 and $1,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Can you drive with U059E?

Depends on what is affected. A single dead convenience module is fine to drive with; loss of communication with engine, braking or steering modules is not. If multiple critical systems drop out, do not drive.

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