Home ← Back
HomeOBD-II Codes › P0401

P0401 — EGR Flow Insufficient

Medium Severity  ·  Emissions

OBD-II code P0401 means your vehicle's ECU detected: EGR Flow Insufficient. Below: causes, step-by-step fixes, and repair cost — free, no signup needed.

Drivable short-term but schedule a diagnosis soon. Prolonged driving can worsen the issue.
Typical Repair Cost
$100–$700
Parts + labor, national average
Severity
Medium
Schedule repair soon
🔍

Common Causes of P0401

  • Clogged EGR valve (very common)
  • Failed EGR solenoid
  • Clogged EGR passages
  • Bad DPFE sensor (Ford)
🔧

How to Fix Code P0401

1
Clean EGR valve with EGR cleaner spray ($10)
2
Test EGR solenoid valve
3
Replace DPFE sensor on Ford vehicles ($30–$100)
4
Replace EGR valve if cleaning fails ($150–$400)

FAQ — Code P0401

What does OBD-II code P0401 mean?
P0401 means your vehicle's onboard computer detected: EGR Flow Insufficient. This is a medium-severity code in the Emissions category.
How much does it cost to fix code P0401?
Typical repair cost for P0401 is $100–$700 including parts and labor. Costs vary by vehicle make, model, and location. A free scan at AutoZone or O'Reilly is a good first step.
Can I drive my car with code P0401?
Code P0401 is generally safe for short trips, but have it diagnosed soon to prevent the problem from worsening.
What are the most common causes of P0401?
The most common causes are: Clogged EGR valve (very common), Failed EGR solenoid, Clogged EGR passages, Bad DPFE sensor (Ford). Always start with the cheapest diagnosis step before replacing parts.
Will code P0401 clear itself?
Code P0401 will clear itself after the underlying issue is fixed and the ECU completes several successful drive cycles. Clearing it without fixing the root cause only masks the problem temporarily.

Is P0401 showing on your car?

Enter your VIN for a free vehicle-specific report — recalls, specs, and market value. No signup required.

🔗

Related Emissions Codes

📋

Browse All OBD-II Codes

OBD-II code data is based on SAE J2012 standards and general repair industry data. Repair costs are national averages and vary by vehicle, location, and shop. Always consult a qualified mechanic for a diagnosis specific to your vehicle.