Mercedes-Benz U071286
U042986, Implausible data were received from the steering column module. There is an incorrect signal. Please open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox
Quick answer
U071286 is documented by Mercedes-Benz/NHTSA as an incorrect-signal fault involving the steering column module. The supplied bulletin says that if this error is stored and no other control unit points to the N80 steering column module, it should be ignored and erased. If specified related faults are also present in ESP and electric power steering, a TIPS case should be opened to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox.
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1. What does U071286 mean?
U071286 is documented by Mercedes-Benz/NHTSA as an incorrect-signal fault involving the steering column module. The supplied bulletin says that if this error is stored and no other control unit points to the N80 steering column module, it should be ignored and erased. If specified related faults are also present in ESP and electric power steering, a TIPS case should be opened to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox.
2. Technical explanation
The verified manufacturer communication describes an initialization event after bus sleep in which the N80 steering column module (SCCM) resets itself. It identifies U071286 in the ESP control unit as: “Steering column tube module control unit has a malfunction. There is an incorrect signal.” The supplied diagnostic record labels this entry with the related wording for U042986: “Implausible data were received from the steering column module. There is an incorrect signal.” The bulletin states that software is expected in Q4 2026.
3. What system is affected?
Steering column module (N80 SCCM), with bulletin-defined involvement of the Electronic Stability Program control unit (N30/3 ESP) and Electric Power Steering control unit (N68 EPS) when the specified accompanying DTCs are present.
4. How serious is this code?
Not yet established by verified evidence.
5. Symptoms you may notice
- An incorrect-signal/implausible-data DTC involving the steering column module may be stored.
- Specific driver-visible symptoms are not yet established by verified evidence.
6. Possible causes
- The official communication describes initialization after bus sleep followed by an N80 SCCM reset.
- Any additional root cause is not yet established by verified evidence.
7. Can I still drive the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence.
8. Can I charge the vehicle?
Not yet established by verified evidence.
9. What you can safely do
- Do not attempt high-voltage or steering-system repairs based on this information.
- Have the stored DTCs read and documented by a qualified Mercedes-Benz service facility.
- Provide the technician with the complete fault-memory results, including whether N30/3 ESP and N68 EPS contain the bulletin-specified related DTCs.
10. Step-by-step troubleshooting
- Verify whether U071286 is stored and whether another control unit points to the N80 SCCM.
- If the error is stored and no other control unit points to the N80 SCCM, the bulletin directs service personnel to ignore and erase the fault.
- If U071286 is stored in N30/3 ESP and U042986 is stored in N68 EPS as described in the bulletin, open a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox.
11. When to contact service
Contact a Mercedes-Benz service facility if the DTC remains stored, returns after erasure, or appears with the specified ESP and electric-power-steering DTC combination. The verified bulletin specifically calls for a TIPS case in that combination.
12. What the service center may check
- Read fault memory from N80 SCCM, N30/3 ESP, and N68 EPS.
- Determine whether another control unit points to N80 SCCM.
- Confirm whether N30/3 ESP stores U071286 and N68 EPS stores U042986.
- For the specified combined fault condition, submit a TIPS case to the Body/Chassis/Entertainment inbox.
13. Possible repair or resolution
- For an isolated stored error with no other control unit pointing to N80 SCCM, the bulletin’s stated remedy is to ignore and erase it.
- For the specified ESP/EPS DTC combination, the bulletin directs opening a TIPS case rather than specifying a component replacement.
- Software is expected in Q4 2026 according to the official communication.
14. Affected vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class · 2022–2026 · US
- Mercedes-Benz EQS · 2022–2026 · US
15. Related TSBs / service bulletins
- NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11029091, Mercedes-Benz LI82.90-P-080159, published February 28, 2026. It applies in the supplied evidence to 2022–2026 US Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and EQS vehicles.
16. Recall information
- No recall information was supplied in the verified evidence.
17. Official manufacturer information
Verified source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11029091, Mercedes-Benz LI82.90-P-080159: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ffdd/tsbs/TSBS_RECEIVED_2025-2026.zip#nhtsa_id=11029091
19. Frequently asked questions
What does U071286 mean?
The official communication identifies U071286 in N30/3 ESP as a steering column tube module control-unit malfunction with an incorrect signal. The supplied diagnostic title also references related code U042986 for implausible data received from the steering column module.
Does this code require replacement of the steering column module?
Not yet established by verified evidence. The supplied bulletin does not direct component replacement; it directs erasure for an isolated fault and a TIPS case for the specified combined ESP/EPS fault condition.
Which vehicles are covered by the supplied evidence?
The supplied applicability evidence lists US-market 2022–2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and EQS vehicles.
Is there a software update?
The official communication states that software is expected in Q4 2026. It does not provide further verified installation details in the supplied evidence.