C1246 code in owner complaints

Code C1246 is named in 33 US owner complaints. Models: 7, model years 1999–2015.

There is little data for this code or its meaning is ambiguous, so this page is not indexed.

What the code means

This is a manufacturer-specific code: the meaning depends on the make and sometimes on the year.

How to read C1246: the letter C means chassis (brakes, ABS, steering, suspension); the second digit 1 marks a manufacturer code whose meaning is set by the make; the last three characters 246 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: 33
Models: 7
Model years: 1999–2015

Which models and years

Models whose owners name this code (7). Years link to the model year problems page.

Model	Years	Complaints
Ford Windstar	1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003	26
Chrysler 200	2015	2
Lexus HS	2010	1
Toyota Avalon	2002	1
Toyota Camry	2013	1
Toyota Land Cruiser	2000	1
Toyota Prius	2015	1

Components named together with the code

Component as the owner filed it (one complaint can list several).

Service brakes 27
Electrical system 8
Electronic stability control 2
Other 2
Vehicle speed control 2
Air bags 1
Engine 1
Fuel/propulsion system 1

Complaints by model year

1999 2
2000 2
2001 6
2002 8
2003 10
2010 1
2013 1
2015 3

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.

I did some reading and if I kept driving with this problem, eventually the brakes would fail and collapse completely and leave me unable to stop the vehicle. At the service center, they were able to read the code DTC C1246 and clearing the codes did not work.
Toyota Prius 2015 · 2025-09
Diagnostic machine advised Power Train System issues / Antilock brake system issues. Codes: P1634, U0420-00, C2101-17, & C1246-1C Mileage: 111250 upon doing my research these are common issues with this vehicle but yet no recall could be found for my specific vehicles using Vin #
Chrysler 200 2015 · 2023-10
When starting the car in low temperatures, approximately less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the ABS, VSC, and BRAKE warning lights remain on after starting. subsequent reading with an OBD reader indicates a C1246 trouble code.
Toyota Camry 2013 · 2023-03

Related codes

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.