P0700 on Nissan
Transmission Control System Malfunction
P0700 on Nissan vehicles indicates transmission control system malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 15 Nissan models — most commonly on 370Z, Altima, GT-R. P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. Typical repair costs on Nissan range from $150 to $20,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0700
- •Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault
- •Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid
- •Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid
- •Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor
- •Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission
- •Failing transmission control module (TCM)
- •Internal transmission mechanical wear or clutch problems
- •Valve body fault or sticking valves
P0700 on Nissan by Model
Nissan 370Z(1 issue)
- Manual Transmission Synchro Wear (2nd/3rd)2009-2020
The CD009 6-speed manual transmission can develop synchro wear, particularly affecting 2nd and 3rd gears. This results in grinding when shifting, especially under aggressive driving. The synchros are brass and wear faster than some competitors.
Nissan Altima(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder2013-2023
The CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread problems. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk.
Nissan GT-R(1 issue)
- GR6 Dual-Clutch Transmission Judder and Failure2009-2024
The Nissan GT-R GR6 dual-clutch transmission (built by BorgWarner) develops judder during low-speed maneuvers, parking, and first gear takeoffs. The clutch packs wear unevenly, and the transmission control module software can cause harsh engagement. Track use accelerates wear dramatically. Nissan extended the transmission warranty on early models. Replacement costs are exceptionally high.
Nissan Juke(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7)2011-2017
The Juke CVT (Jatco CVT7/JF015E) paired with the turbocharged engine is stressed beyond its design capacity. The turbo's torque output accelerates CVT wear, leading to shuddering, slipping, and failure often before 100,000 miles. AWD models add additional strain on the CVT.
Nissan Kicks(2 issues)
- CVT Overheating During Highway Driving2018-2024
The Nissan Kicks CVT transmission (Jatco CVT7 W/R) overheats during sustained highway driving, particularly in hot weather or hilly terrain. The transmission enters limp mode to protect itself, limiting speed to 40-50 mph. The small displacement 1.6L engine forces the CVT to work harder at highway speeds, contributing to heat buildup.
- Excessive Engine Noise and Vibration (HR16DE)2018-2024
The Kicks HR16DE 1.6L engine produces excessive noise and vibration that transmits into the cabin, particularly at highway RPMs where the CVT holds the engine at 3,000-4,000 RPM. The lack of sound insulation and the CVT's tendency to keep RPMs high under load amplifies the issue.
Nissan Maxima(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Shudder and Failure (Jatco CVT8)2016-2023
The 2016-2023 Maxima (8th generation) uses the Jatco CVT8 paired with the VQ35DE engine. Despite being a flagship sedan, the CVT suffers from shuddering, hesitation, and premature failure. The high torque output of the 3.5L V6 exacerbates CVT wear. Nissan TSB NTB16-076 addresses CVT judder for these models.
Nissan Murano(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder2009-2020
The 2009-2020 Murano equipped with the CVT (Jatco JF010E and later JF016E) is prone to premature failure. Symptoms include shuddering, slipping, and complete loss of drive. The 2009-2014 models with JF010E are particularly problematic. Nissan extended CVT warranties on some model years but many owners face failures outside coverage.
Nissan Pathfinder(2 issues)
- CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT8/JF016E)2013-2020
The 2013-2020 Pathfinder uses the Jatco CVT8 (JF016E) which suffers from premature failure under the heavier loads of the SUV. The transmission overheats during towing, climbing, or sustained highway driving. Nissan issued TSB NTB15-024 for CVT judder and extended the warranty under CSI P8242. A class-action settlement provided additional coverage for some owners.
- Radiator/Transmission Cooler Mixing (SMOD)2005-2010
The 2005-2010 Pathfinder shares the same radiator design flaw as the Frontier and Xterra. The internal transmission cooler within the radiator can develop cracks, allowing coolant to mix with ATF. This causes catastrophic transmission damage often called "Strawberry Milkshake of Death" (SMOD) due to the pink frothy appearance of contaminated fluid. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 miles.
Nissan Quest(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure Under Load2011-2017
The Quest CVT (Jatco JF010E/RE0F09B) paired with the VQ35DE V6 suffers from premature failure, particularly when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The combination of a heavy minivan with a CVT designed for lighter vehicles leads to overheating and accelerated wear. Failures commonly occur between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Nissan Rogue(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder2014-2020
The Nissan Rogue's CVT transmission is prone to premature failure, shuddering, and jerky operation. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on many affected vehicles to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread issues. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk for complete failure.
Nissan Rogue Sport(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure2017-2022
The Nissan Rogue Sport uses the same Jatco CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that has been problematic across the Nissan lineup. The CVT can develop shuddering during acceleration, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. The belt and pulley system wears prematurely, and the transmission fluid degrades faster than Nissan service intervals account for. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles for some model years due to the widespread nature of this issue.
Nissan Sentra(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E)2013-2021
The 2013-2021 Sentra uses the Jatco CVT7 (JF015E) transmission which is prone to premature failure, shuddering, and overheating. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles under Customer Service Initiative P8242. The transmission can fail as early as 60,000 miles. Common failure modes include belt slipping, valve body failure, and bearing wear.
Nissan Stanza(1 issue)
- Automatic Transmission Failure1990-1992
The 4-speed automatic transmission in the Nissan Stanza is prone to premature failure, particularly the torque converter and forward clutch packs. Symptoms include slipping, harsh shifts, and eventual loss of forward gears. The transmission was marginal for the KA24E engine output and deteriorates faster with aggressive driving or towing. Rebuilds are possible but finding a transmission specialist familiar with the Stanza-specific unit can be challenging.
Nissan Versa(1 issue)
- CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E)2012-2021
The 2012-2021 Versa CVT (Jatco JF015E) is one of the most failure-prone transmissions in Nissan's lineup. The combination of a budget vehicle with heavy use leads to premature CVT failure, often before 100,000 miles. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2012-2017 models to 10 years/120,000 miles due to a class-action settlement (Batista v. Nissan).
Nissan Z(1 issue)
- Manual Transmission Synchro and Clutch Issues2023-2025
The 2023+ Nissan Z with the 6-speed manual transmission reports synchro issues (particularly 3rd and 4th gear) and premature clutch wear. Some owners experience gear grinding, difficulty shifting, and clutch chatter. TSB NTB23-012 addresses rev-matching issues and shifting concerns. The 9-speed automatic also has reports of harsh shifting.
Looking for P0700 on a different make?
View P0700 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0700 mean on Nissan?▼
P0700 stands for "Transmission Control System Malfunction." P0700 is a general code indicating the transmission control module (TCM) has detected a fault somewhere in the transmission control system and has requested the check engine light be turned on. By itself it doesn't pinpoint the problem — it's an 'umbrella' code that tells you to look for additional, more specific transmission codes stored alongside it. The actual fault could be electrical, a sensor, a solenoid, or an internal transmission issue. You may notice harsh or delayed shifts, slipping, or the transmission going into a protective 'limp' mode. On Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 15 models.
What causes P0700 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: Stored companion transmission codes pointing to the real fault, Faulty shift solenoid or pressure control solenoid, Low, dirty, or degraded transmission fluid, Faulty transmission speed or input/output sensor, Wiring, connector, or ground problems at the transmission. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0700 on a Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $150 to $20,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0700 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0700 on 15 Nissan models: 370Z, Altima, GT-R, Juke, Kicks, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Stanza, Versa, Z.