P0481 — OBD-II trouble code

A generic powertrain OBD-II trouble code. Below are the vehicles and failure patterns where owners report it, drawn from NHTSA complaints.

In ProblemsByVin's analysis of the NHTSA owner-complaint record, owners cite P0481 across 9 vehicle failure patterns. Diagnostic codes in complaints are reported by owners and are unverified — they point to where this code shows up, not a confirmed diagnosis. Open a page below for the full pattern (symptoms, mileage, repair costs owners cite).

Vehicles where owners report P0481 9 patterns

2017 Jeep Renegade

electrical — Stalling and loss of motive power while driving

2016 FIAT 500X

powertrain — Unexpected shift to neutral

2016 Jeep Renegade

engine — Cooling fan failure and overheating

2016 RAM Promaster City

engine — Cooling fan module failure / overheating

2015 Jeep Renegade

electrical — Engine stalling while driving

2015 Jeep Renegade

engine — Radiator cooling fan failure, vibration, and electrical fire hazard

2015 RAM Promaster City

powertrain — Cooling fan relay and fan failure with overheating

2015 RAM Promaster City

engine — LIMP Mode / Reduced Power & DEF System Malfunction

2005 Ford Mustang

electrical — Water intrusion into Smart Junction Box and electrical short-circuit

Codes are pulled from what owners wrote in their NHTSA filings — they're allegations, not a shop diagnosis. Always confirm with a live scan. Browse all diagnostic codes →