P0868: How to Diagnose & Fix — Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
51 vehicles · 21 makes · $100-$9,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0868: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Nissan Altima · 2013–2023
The CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Through class-action settlements, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2013-2016 and 2017-2018 Altimas from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Jerky or hesitant response
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Whining noise from transmission
- Complete loss of power
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Change CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3. Check if vehicle is covered by Nissan extended CVT warranty. If shuddering, may need valve body or complete CVT replacement. Avoid aggressive driving to prolong CVT life.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- OEM 2013-2018 Altima 2.5L CVT service kit
2013-2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L QR25DE CVT; select exact year. Maintenance/contamination service only, not a cure for internal CVT damage.
- OEM 2013-2018 Altima 3.5L CVT service kit
Service cannot repair confirmed mechanical judder or belt/pulley damage.
- OEM 2019-2023 Altima 2.5L CVT service kit
Confirm year, drivetrain and VIN.
- OEM 2019-2023 Altima 2.0T CVT service kit
2019-2023 Nissan Altima 2.0T KR20DDET CVT for this card; verify exact year/VIN. Not for the 2.5L engine.
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipChange CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3.
- WarningThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Sources for this issue (2)
Nissan Rogue · 2014–2020
The Nissan Rogue's CVT transmission is prone to premature failure, shuddering, and jerky operation. Under a class-action settlement, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2014-2018 Rogues to 7 years/84,000 miles due to widespread issues. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk for complete failure.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Jerky or hesitant response
- Whining or humming noise from transmission
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Complete loss of power
- Check engine light with CVT codes
How to Fix
Change CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid. Check if vehicle is covered by Nissan's extended CVT warranty. If shuddering occurs, may need valve body replacement or complete CVT replacement. Avoid aggressive driving to prolong CVT life.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid 999MP-CSHNS3
2014-2020 Rogue CVT when the owner/service manual specifies Nissan NS-3; confirm VIN, transmission, service-fill quantity and temperature-based level procedure.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipChange CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid.
- WarningThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
- TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
Sources for this issue (3)
Nissan Versa · 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. Following a class-action settlement, Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2012-2017 Versa sedans (and 2014-2017 Versa Note) from 5 years/60,000 miles to 7 years/84,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering and jerking during acceleration
- Complete loss of drive
- Transmission warning light
- Whining or buzzing noise
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Vehicle won't move despite engine running
How to Fix
Check if covered by extended CVT warranty (7yr/84k for 2012-2017). Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with NS-3. Valve body replacement for shuddering ($1,200-2,000). Complete CVT replacement ($3,000-4,500). Consider manual transmission on earlier models if available.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid quart 999MP-CSHNS2
Confirm the owner manual/VIN; do not substitute NS-3 or mix fluids.
- Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid quart 999MP-CSHNS3
2013-2017 Versa Sedan N17 and 2014-2017 Versa Note E12 CVT branch in this warranty group; confirm VIN/manual and fill procedure.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
Nissan Sentra · 2013–2021
Nissan Pathfinder · 2013–2020
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P0868 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0868 mean?
P0868 stands for "Transmission Fluid Pressure Low." This code indicates the transmission's internal fluid pressure is reading lower than the computer expects for current operating conditions. The transmission control module uses a pressure sensor to monitor line pressure, which is what applies the clutches and bands that engage gears. When that pressure stays below the target threshold, P0868 sets. Low line pressure can cause slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, and in severe cases internal clutch damage, so it should be addressed promptly.
What are the most common causes of P0868?
The most common causes of P0868 are: Low transmission fluid level, Worn or stuck-open pressure control solenoid, Internal leak (worn seals, gaskets, or valve body), Faulty transmission fluid pressure sensor, Clogged transmission filter, Failing transmission (oil) pump, Worn or leaking valve body, Wiring or connector fault to the pressure sensor/solenoid. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0868?
Repair costs for P0868 range from $100 to $9,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0868?
Au7o has documented P0868 across 51 vehicle models from 21 manufacturers: BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, RAM, Renault, Subaru, Toyota.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.