Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0600
P0600 Powertrain · generic OBD-II
Serial Communication Link
P0600 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 4 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 9, 2026.
- 4owner reports
- 4car models
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention a fire
- 2014–2023model years
Which cars get code P0600?
Every model whose owners mentioned P0600 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Where does P0600 show up?
By brand
- Ford2
- Mercedes-Benz1
- Dodge1
Component the owner filed it under
Is there a recall for P0600?
The others concern the component owners file this code under (Engine) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2021-2023 Corsair, and 2022-2023 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines that were repaired incorrectly under recall 23V380. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine…
2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Escape, 2022-2023 Maverick, and 2021-2023 Corsair vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources…
2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, 2021-2022 Lincoln Corsair, and 2022 Maverick vehicles equipped with 2.5L HEV or PHEV engines. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources…
2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. The engine oil separator housing may crack and develop an oil leak.
2020 Ford Escape. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
What happened when owners saw P0600?
4 of the 4 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
AT 5,500 MILES, WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC, I WOULD LOSE POWER TO MY PEDAL. MY PEDAL WOULD BE NON RESPONSIVE FOR UP TO 40 SECONDS WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. AFTER ABOUT 40 SECONDS, IT COULD COME ALIVE AND CATCH, BUT BY THEN, I AM IN DANGER BECAUSE THE CAR BEHIND ME THINKS I'VE ACCELERATED TO FLOW INTO TRAFFIC. DEALERSHIP SAW THE CODE WHERE THEY SAID IT WAS P0600 FOR OIL PRESSURE CONTROL CIRCUIT STUCK. I WAS ABLE TO TEST DRIVE WITH THE TECH WHO ATTACHED HIS LAPTOP TO THE SENSOR, AND SHOW HIM THE "STALL/SURGE". HE COULD SEE AND FEEL THE "STALL/SURGE" AS IT WAS HAPPENING BUT THE LAPTOP DID NOT REGISTER ANY ISSUES. THE TECH TESTED AND DIAGNOSED THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WAS…
…The official scan log revealed a critical internal failure of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) identified by Diagnostic Trouble Code P0600 (serial communication link failure). This total electronic communication breakdown immediately triggered an un-commanded cascade of secondary transmission performance faults, specifically P0751 (shift solenoid A Stuck off) and P2700, P2701, P2704, P27B2, P27B4 (transmission friction element application time/performance faults). The failure terminated in codes P073D (unable to engage neutral), P07E4 (unable to engage gear 7), and P07E6 (unable to engage gear 8) which locked the powertrain. Crucially, this sudden module collapse and cascading powertrain…
…The vehicle has displayed diagnostic trouble code P0600 – Serial Communication Link. The ignition coils and spark plugs have already been replaced, but the condition remains unchanged. I am concerned because the hesitation, jerking, surging, and unexpected acceleration occur while the vehicle is being driven and could affect safe and predictable vehicle control in traffic. I have not yet received a final diagnosis confirming whether the cause is related to the transmission, torque converter, PCM/TCM, communication system, speed control system, or another component. I am reporting this issue so that NHTSA has a record of the condition in case other owners of 2020–2021 Ford Escape vehicles are…
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the "Service Engine Soon" warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle several times; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved DTC code: P0600 -which was related to the secondary oil pump. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle could be repaired at that location; however, the contact was later informed that the dealer did not have the part needed to service the vehicle and referred the contact to another dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where another diagnostic test was…
P0600: questions drivers ask
What does code P0600 mean?
P0600 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "Serial Communication Link". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 4 car models.
Which cars get code P0600 most often?
In NHTSA owner complaints, P0600 is mentioned most for the Dodge Charger (1), Ford Edge (1), Ford Escape (1), across 4 models and model years 2014 to 2023. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Is there a recall for code P0600?
No NHTSA recall text names P0600 directly. 4 recalls on the cars that report this code concern the same component owners name most (Engine); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should I do if my car shows P0600?
Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.
How this page was made
CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0600. The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. More answers: the fault code FAQ. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 9, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.
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