A method for detecting a roll rate sensor fault

A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (19) having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor (31) is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller (26) receives the roll rate sensor signal and generates a reference roll angle. The controller (26) also compares the reference roll angle to the roll rate sensor signal and generates a roll rate sensor fault signal in response to a fault determined in said roll rate sensor.