C0045 on 2014-2019 Kia Soul: Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault, Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2019 Kia Soul

On the second-generation (2014-2019) Kia Soul, the rear wheel speed sensor is integrated with the wheel hub assembly in a way that requires removing the hub from the vehicle to service the sensor. This makes the repair more labor-intensive than on vehicles where the sensor is a simple bolt-on part. While wiring damage is a common cause across all cars, owners have reported everything from unplugged connectors to completely severed wires on these vehicles. Some owners on forums note that water intrusion is a common cause of failure for the rear sensors on this platform, a known issue acknowledged in a Kia TSB for related codes.

Symptoms You May Notice

• ABS warning light is on
• Traction Control or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light is on
• ABS and traction control systems are disabled
• Brake pedal feels different or pulsates at low speeds if the signal is intermittent

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop ABS Wheel Speed Sensor The sensor is exposed to road debris, water, and vibration, leading to internal failure over time. Forum users and a Kia TSB specifically mention water intrusion as a common failure mode for the rear sensors on this platform, causing a loss of signal.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool with live data to observe the wheel speed from the left rear sensor. If it reads 0, an erratic value, or a fixed high value (like 254 km/h) 🎬 Watch: A pro diagnostic walkthrough for this specific sensor failure. while the other wheels show a correct speed, the sensor is likely bad. You can also test the sensor's internal resistance with a multimeter; a good sensor should have a similar resistance value to the sensor on the opposite side, while a bad one may be open (no reading) or have a significantly different value.
   Typical fix: Replace the left rear wheel speed sensor. This requires removing the wheel, brake caliper, rotor, and the entire wheel hub assembly to access and swap the sensor.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness runs along the suspension and can be damaged by road debris, improper jacking, or corrosion. The pigtail connector at the sensor is a frequent point of failure.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire length of the wiring harness from the sensor to the chassis connection point. Look for breaks, chafing, corrosion in the connector, or loose pins. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and shorts between the sensor connector and the ABS module connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the broken section of wire or replace the damaged connector pigtail. Aftermarket pigtail connectors are available for this repair.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Damaged Tone Ring / Hub Assembly ⚪ Low Probability The magnetic tone ring is integrated into the rear hub assembly. While durable, severe impacts, rust buildup, or metallic debris attaching to the magnetic ring can cause signal interference.
   How to confirm: After removing the hub assembly to inspect the sensor, visually inspect the magnetic encoder ring on the hub that the sensor reads. Look for cracks, chips, heavy rust, or metallic debris stuck to the ring.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire rear wheel hub assembly, as the tone ring is not serviced separately. Some owners choose to replace the hub assembly proactively when replacing the sensor, especially on higher mileage vehicles.
   Est. part cost: $100-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed ABS/ESC Control Module: This is very rare and should only be considered after thoroughly testing the sensor, wiring, and hub assembly. A faulty module will typically trigger multiple wheel speed sensor codes, not just one.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner capable of reading ABS/Chassis codes to confirm C0045 is active. Note that some scanners may report this as C1206.
2. Access the live data stream on the scanner and monitor the speeds of all four wheels while driving slowly or spinning the wheels with the vehicle on jack stands.
3. Confirm that the Left Rear (LR) wheel speed sensor reads 0 mph, an erratic value, or a fixed incorrect value (e.g., 254 km/h) while the other three sensors report speed accurately.
4. Raise and safely support the rear of the vehicle on jack stands.
5. Visually inspect the left rear wheel speed sensor and its wiring harness for any obvious signs of damage, such as cut wires, chafing, or corrosion at the connector.
6. If the visual inspection reveals no issues, the next step is to remove the wheel, brake caliper (14mm bolts), and rotor (two Phillips head screws).
7. Remove the four 14mm bolts holding the hub assembly to the knuckle and remove the hub. A rubber mallet may be needed to persuade it.
8. With the hub on a workbench, you can now access and replace the sensor. Inspect the magnetic ring on the hub for debris or damage.
9. If you suspect a wiring issue, use a multimeter to check for continuity and shorts in the harness between the sensor connector and the ABS module.
10. After the repair, clear the code with the scan tool. The warning lights should go out and stay out after a test drive. On some occasions, the lights may go out on their own after the fix.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Rear ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (OEM #91920-B2000 (Left Rear)) — This is the most common failure point for the C0045 code, either due to internal failure or damage to its integrated wiring.
  Trusted brands: Mando, Standard Motor Products (SMP), WVE, Delphi, Kia (Genuine)
  OEM price range: $60-$95
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90
• Rear Wheel Hub Assembly (OEM #52730-B2100) — Needed if the magnetic tone ring, which is integrated into the hub, is found to be damaged, or if the wheel bearing itself has failed.
  Trusted brands: Timken, SKF, MOOG, TRQ
  OEM price range: $180-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• C1206 (also Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Fault, used by some scan tools)
• C1207, C1209, C1210, C1211 (codes for other wheel speed sensors, may indicate a wider issue)

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A diagnostic video on a 2014 Soul showed the faulty left rear sensor was outputting a fixed, erroneous speed of 254 km/h even when stationary, confirming an internal sensor failure.
• The rear sensor is not a simple bolt-in part; it is integrated with the hub assembly, requiring full removal of the hub from the knuckle for service 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to removing the hub and sensor., as detailed in multiple DIY videos.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Wheel Speed Sensor Resistance — expected: Passive sensors typically measure between 800-1500 Ohms. The most important check is that the resistance is nearly identical to the sensor on the opposite (working) side.. Failure: A reading of infinity (Open Loop) or a value significantly different from the known-good sensor on the other side indicates a failed sensor.
• Wheel Speed Sensor Signal (Live Data) — expected: A value in MPH or KPH that increases smoothly as the wheel is spun.. Failure: A reading that stays at 0, is erratic, or is stuck at a high, fixed value (e.g., 254 km/h) while the wheel is spinning indicates a fault in the sensor or circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (KDS): DTC Analysis — To read the specific chassis fault code (C0045/C1206) and any related sub-codes or history codes that a generic OBD-II scanner might miss.
• Kia GDS (KDS) or equivalent professional scanner: Live Data / Sensor Data Graphing — To monitor and graph the signal from all four wheel speed sensors simultaneously while driving or spinning the wheels. This is the primary method to confirm that only the left rear sensor is failing.
• Kia GDS (KDS): Actuation Test — While less common for a sensor circuit code, this function can be used to test the ABS module's ability to command other components in the system, helping to rule out a module failure after the sensor and wiring have been verified as good.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• ABS Module Connector — Typically located in the engine compartment, on the driver's side, attached to the hydraulic control unit.. This is the termination point for the wheel speed sensor harness. Testing for signal, power, and ground at these pins can definitively isolate a wiring fault from a sensor or module fault. Based on similar Kia models, the Left Rear sensor signal would be on a dedicated pin at this connector.
• ABS Module Connector Pins (based on 2015 Rio) — At the main ABS module harness connector.. A wiring diagram for a similar 2015 Kia Rio shows specific pins for each sensor: Pin 19 for RL VCC (Rear Left Voltage Supply), Pin 20 for RR SIG (Rear Right Signal), Pin 21 for FR SIG (Front Right Signal). The Left Rear Signal pin would be in a similar location on the Soul's connector, allowing a technician to probe for the signal directly at the module.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Brian Gann' (2015 Kia Soul) — ABS and TCS warning lights were on solid.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user went straight to diagnosis and replacement based on the C1206 code.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user scanned the vehicle and found code C1206 (Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit). They replaced the left rear wheel speed sensor, which required removing the entire hub assembly. After reassembly, the ABS and TCS lights went out on their own without needing to clear the codes with a scan tool.
• YouTube channel 'BYK LIFE' (2018 Kia Soul) — ABS and Traction Control lights were on.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A scan revealed code C1206. The owner replaced the rear wheel speed sensor, which also fixed the problem. This confirms the issue and fix are consistent across the generation.

Documented NHTSA Reports

• In a cross-manufacturer reference, an owner reported that code C0045 was resolved by replacing the left rear hub bearing assembly (NHTSA ODI #11165895).
• Another report involving this code noted that the left rear wheel speed sensor encoder ring was broken, which required replacing both the sensor and the rear hub assembly (NHTSA ODI #11219167).
• NHTSA ODI #11399819 describes a scenario where C0045 appeared alongside fuel system codes P0463 and P069E, though this was on a different make.
• A report on a different vehicle platform mentioned C0045 appearing with several other codes (C0057, C0231, C0232, C0282) where the initial dealer response was to erase codes and reprogram software (NHTSA ODI #10382746).

OEM Part Supersession History

• 91920-B2000 → 58980-B2050 — The original part was side-specific (Left Rear). The newer part 58980-B2050 is a universal design that fits both left and right rear positions.
  Heads up: The two parts are interchangeable for the left rear position, but 91920-B2000 cannot be used on the right side.
• 52750-2K000 → 52750-B2050 — Part update for the rear wheel hub assembly.
  Heads up: The newer part 52750-B2050 is the correct replacement for the 2014-2019 generation.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2016 (produced before Oct 30, 2015): Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) CHA069 for a grinding/humming noise from the rear wheel hub on these earlier models. While not directly for the C0045 code, it indicates a known issue with the early-production hub assemblies, which house the sensor's tone ring. A failing bearing could potentially affect the sensor signal.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Engine Failure / Fire Risk (1.6L & 2.0L GDI) 🔴 High — Widespread, particularly in 2012-2016 models. Can occur at various mileages. (Ref: Recalls SC176 / NHTSA 19V120 and SC200 / NHTSA 21V028.)
• Catalytic Converter Failure 🔴 High — Commonly linked to the engine issues, where overheating exhaust gas damages the converter. (Ref: Addressed as part of recall SC176 / NHTSA 19V120.)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Frequently reported on 2.0L engines, often a precursor to more serious engine failure. (Ref: Related to engine recalls; Kia has extended warranties and implemented a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update.)
• Steering Coupler Failure 🟠 Medium — Common across many Kia/Hyundai models of this era, causing a clicking or clunking noise in the steering column when turning.
• Vehicle Theft Vulnerability 🔴 High — Affects models with key-based ignition (not push-button start) and without a factory immobilizer. Extremely widespread. (Ref: Service Campaign 976 (Software Update) and customer-pay hardware options offered by Kia.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used rear wheel hub assembly can be a cost-effective choice if it comes from a low-mileage, accident-free donor vehicle. However, a used wheel speed sensor/harness is generally not recommended due to its high failure rate and exposure to the elements, which can cause invisible damage to the wiring.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a hub assembly, physically spin the bearing by hand; it should be perfectly smooth with no noise or roughness.
• Ensure there is zero play or wobble in the bearing.
• Visually inspect the integrated magnetic tone ring for any cracks, chips, or heavy rust buildup.
• Check the donor vehicle's history for flood or heavy front-end damage, even if the rear seems okay.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Hub Assemblies: TRQ, MOOG, Timken, SKF
• Sensors/Harnesses: Standard Motor Products (SMP), Delphi, WVE

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, ultra-low-cost sensors and hubs from online marketplaces may have poor quality control and a high rate of premature failure.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• C1206 — An alternative manufacturer-specific code for the Left Rear Wheel Speed Sensor circuit, often reported by scanners instead of C0045.
• C1207 — Often appears alongside C1206/C0045, relating to the range or performance of the left rear wheel speed sensor signal.
• C1209 — Relates to the Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor; owners often find multiple wheel speed sensor codes when road debris or water intrusion affects the rear axle.
• C1210 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor circuit code that may appear with C0045 if there are shared wiring harness issues or similar environmental damage to both rear sensors.
• C1211 — Right Rear Wheel Speed Sensor signal code frequently cited by Kia Soul owners experiencing multi-sensor ABS system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions