B1651
Low Severity (Level 1)Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Failure
B1651 usually means seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Failure.
Can you still drive with B1651?
✅Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
Typical repair cost: $100 – $800
Severity Level 1 — Low
This code indicates a minor issue that is unlikely to cause immediate driveability problems. You can typically continue driving but should have the vehicle inspected at your earliest convenience.
Common Symptoms
- Power seats not functioning as expected
- Seat memory settings not saving or recalling correctly
- Power seat won't move in one or more directions
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
Possible Causes
- Failed seat motor/module — internal fault from age, heat cycling, and vibration
- Damaged wiring or corroded connector in the power seat system circuit
- Blown fuse for the power seat system circuit — check before replacing components
- Faulty control module driving the seat motor/module
- Loose or corroded ground point shared by the power seat system
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($33-97 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $73 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the power seat system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($5-11 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the power seat system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-141 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does B1651 mean?
B1651 stands for "Seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Failure". B1651 usually means seat Driver Recline Backward Circuit Failure.
Can you drive with B1651?
Safe to drive — this is an informational or minor issue. Schedule diagnosis at your convenience.
How much does it cost to fix B1651?
Repair costs for B1651 typically range from $100 to $800, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($33-97 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the power seat system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $73 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace seat motor/module if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($100-800).
Will B1651 clear itself?
Explore Repair Costs
Related OBD-II Codes
These codes are in the same range as B1651 and often share similar causes and fixes.
Worried about repair costs?
Get transparent estimates and verify your mechanic's quote before authorizing repairs.
Related Discussions
See what other car owners are saying about this code and related repairs.
View B1651 discussions in the community