C0210 moderate

Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Mismatch

The C0210 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Mismatch. This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?: Short distances only
DIY difficulty: moderate
Estimated cost: $50 - $400 (parts and labor)

Read ABS Codes

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro Scanner

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Read ABS Codes

LAUNCH CRP123X (Reads ABS + Chassis)

Basic scanners cannot read ABS codes. This one reads all four systems so you know exactly which sensor failed.

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Common Symptoms

ABS warning light on
Traction control disabled
Stability control light on
False ABS activation at low speeds
Drivetrain warning on AWD vehicles

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

One rear wheel speed sensor producing erratic signal Very High
Mismatched rear tire sizes or tread wear High
Damaged tone ring on one rear wheel Moderate
Rear wheel bearing play affecting sensor gap Moderate
Differential issue causing unequal wheel speeds Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

Compare left and right rear wheel speed data in live data at constant speed
Check that rear tires are the same size with similar tread depth
Inspect both rear tone rings for damage or missing teeth
Check both rear wheel bearings for play or noise
If AWD, verify the differential is not binding or slipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bad differential cause a rear wheel speed mismatch?

Yes. A failing limited-slip differential or transfer case can cause one rear wheel to spin at a different rate than the other, triggering a speed mismatch code.

Will rotating my tires fix a C0210 code?

If the code is caused by uneven tire wear between the rear wheels, rotating the tires may help. However, if the tires are significantly different in size or tread depth, replacement may be necessary.

Does this code affect AWD systems?

Yes. AWD systems are particularly sensitive to wheel speed mismatches. On some AWD vehicles, a rear speed mismatch can cause the transfer case or center differential to bind or overheat.