The Lemon IndexThe oil pressure reading doesn't make sense.
Fix soon. Book a shop visit this week. Stop driving if the car slips, shakes, overheats or warns you.
Low oil. Then: failing oil pressure sensor; worn oil pump.
Owners named P0521 in 13 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Chevrolet Silverado.
Cars owners report it on
Complaints that name P0521, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
The details
What P0521 means
The oil pressure reading doesn't make sense. Check the oil level first.
Can I drive with P0521?
Fix soon. Book a shop visit this week. Stop driving if the car slips, shakes, overheats or warns you.
38% of the owner complaints that name P0521 also say the car uses or leaks oil. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0521
- Low oil
- Failing oil pressure sensor
- Worn oil pump
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Uses or leaks oil: 38% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 31% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 23% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Related codes
P0520 P0523 P0524 P052E P051B P0513 P050D P050B
Quick answers
What does P0521 mean?
Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch A Range/Performance. The oil pressure reading doesn't make sense. Check the oil level first.
Can I drive with P0521?
Fix soon. Book a shop visit this week. Stop driving if the car slips, shakes, overheats or warns you.
What causes P0521?
Low oil; Failing oil pressure sensor; Worn oil pump.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0521. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.