Which cars report code U0170?

Code U0170 is named in 17 US owner complaints. Models: 5, model years 2008–2016. Pontiac G8, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Traverse, Pontiac G6.

U0170 code: Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor A

Q: What does code U0170 mean?

Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor A. How to read U0170: the letter U means network communication between modules; the second digit 0 marks a generic SAE code shared by all makes; the last three characters 170 identify the specific fault.

Code U0170 is named in 17 US owner complaints. Models: 5, model years 2008–2016.

What the code means

Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor A. Generic meaning per SAE J2012 (the same for all makes).

How to read U0170: the letter U means network communication between modules; the second digit 0 marks a generic SAE code shared by all makes; the last three characters 170 identify the specific fault.

Restraint system codes: airbag squibs, belt pretensioners, crash sensors and occupant classification. After a crash with airbag deployment, many makers require the restraint module to be replaced or reset by procedure because it stores crash data. An airbag light on an auction car is not cosmetic: airbags, the module and sensors can cost more than the body repair.

Key figures

Complaints with this code: 17
Models: 5
Model years: 2008–2016

Which models and years

Models whose owners name this code (5). Years link to the model year problems page.

Model	Years	Complaints
Pontiac G8	2008, 2009	11
Cadillac ELR	2014, 2016	3
Cadillac CTS	2008	1
Chevrolet Traverse	2011	1
Pontiac G6	2009	1

Components named together with the code

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

Air bags 15
Electrical system 2
Engine 1
Powertrain 1
Seats 1
Service brakes 1
Other 1

Complaints by model year

2008 6
2009 7
2011 1
2014 1
2016 2

What to do if an auction car has this code

Ask for a dash photo at start-up: the airbag light must go off after the self-test.
Check the interior photos for deployed airbags and fired belt pretensioners: replacing the restraint module, airbags and sensors is a large separate part of the estimate.
Budget a scan with a restraint module read-out: the code alone does not say which part failed.

What owners report

Excerpts of owner complaints in the original wording. Owner statements not verified by the regulator; personal data removed.

Component Affected: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/ AIR BAGS: FRONT: PASSENGER SIDE Description of Safety Defect: The Passenger Presence System (PPS) Module / Occupant Sensor Module failed on my 2014 Cadillac ELR, triggering diagnostic code U0170 ("Lost Communication with Passenger Presence Module") And illuminating the "Service…
Cadillac ELR 2014 · 2026-06
Vehicle is producing a "Service Airbag" warning message and red airbag light on the instrument cluster at each start. The problem code 'U0170' is found which correlates to 'Lost Communication With Passenger Presence Module'. The dealer advised that the part is discontinued and no longer available.
Cadillac ELR 2016 · 2025-09
The manufacturers guide advises to take the vehicle to the dealer. The [dealer] our town troubleshot the problem to code 'U0170', 'Lost Communication With Passenger Presence Module'. The dealer advised that the part is no longer available. The needed Part Number is: 23504893.
Cadillac ELR 2016 · 2024-12

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.