Network, generic

U0533 Invalid Data Received From Side Obstacle Detection Control Module A

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

Side obstacle detection modules are the corner radars behind the rear bumper that watch blind spots and crossing traffic. GM and Ford give letter A to the left unit: the 2011 Saab 9-5 code list names U0232 for the left side-object module, and Ford bulletin 24-2180 (Expedition/Navigator 2022-2024) logs U0232 in Ford's IPMA camera module together with faults of the left radar. Toyota instead labels U0232 as the slave sensor on the Tacoma. U0533 itself appears in no published manufacturer text; it would be set when the left module's frames reach the receiver but carry invalid content. The Ford case shows that mud, ice or corrosion at the sensor trigger false Blind Spot Not Available warnings. Blind spot and cross traffic alerts then switch off. U0232 is total loss, U0534 the right unit.

Likely causes

Mud, ice or damage at the left rear radar, bracket or bumper cover
Water or corrosion in the radar connector or harness
Radar module software or configuration fault

Symptoms

  • Blind spot monitoring unavailable message
  • Left mirror warning indicator inoperative
  • Rear cross traffic alert switched off

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–900
Time0.5–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

side obstacle detection module a

Related codes

U0232U0534U0233

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, saabwisonline.com, en.wikipedia.org.