C0021 code: Brake Booster Performance
Code C0021 is named in 13 US owner complaints. Models: 9, model years 2010–2023.
What the code means
Brake Booster Performance. Generic meaning per SAE J2012 (the same for all makes).
How to read C0021: the letter C means chassis (brakes, ABS, steering, suspension); the second digit 0 marks a generic SAE code shared by all makes; the last three characters 021 identify the specific fault.
ABS/ESC codes: wheel speed sensors, the ABS hydraulic unit and pump, brake booster, pressure and yaw sensors. A hit to a wheel or suspension often damages the wheel speed sensor or its wiring, so on a damaged car this code is a reason to inspect the hub, knuckle and control arms, not just swap the sensor.
Key figures
- Complaints with this code
- 13
- Models
- 9
- Model years
- 2010–2023
Which models and years
Models whose owners name this code (9). Years link to the model year problems page.
Components named together with the code
Component as the owner filed it (one complaint can list several).
Complaints by model year
What to do if an auction car has this code
- Inspect the wheel and suspension on the impact side: the wheel speed sensor is often damaged together with the hub or knuckle.
- Check whether the ABS and ESC lights stay on after start-up.
- After replacing sensors or the hydraulic unit, bleeding and scan tool adaptation may be required.
What owners report
Excerpts of owner complaints in the original wording. Owner statements not verified by the regulator; personal data removed.
System message code C0021-02 brake booster general failure has been displaying on my vehicle when the outside temperature is below freezing because water has seeped into the booster and is freezing which is compromising boost enough to cause the sensor to set the warning message.
17427 miles 68143491aa control anti-lock brake system replaced 68347098ab module anti-lock brake system replaced code found C0021-01 replacement of the hcu and module. 12/30/2019 At 80,460 mi same code and information appeared again.
Electrical short on brake booster performance error code C0021 while operating vehicle . Brake pedal became stiff and higher than where I had it . Vehicle making hissing noises and will no longer start due to this error. Safety concern this is not part of a recall list. I nearly crashed.
Related codes
- C0020ABS Pump Motor Control
- U0121Lost Communication With Anti-Lock Brake System…
- U0415Invalid Data Received From Anti-Lock Brake…
- U0416Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics…
- U0418Invalid Data Received From Brake System…
- C0561Vacuum Sensor A/B Correlation
- C0063Yaw Rate Sensor
- C0040Brake Pedal Switch A
- C006CStability System
Sources: public official US data (owner complaints) and the SAE J2012 standard. Complaints are owner statements not verified by the regulator. A code from a complaint does not replace a scan tool diagnosis. Data updated 2026-11-10.