P0868 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
4 Honda models · 5 documented issues · 5 critical · $100-$7,000 repair
P0868 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 10th generation Accord 2.0T uses the ZF 9HP48 9-speed automatic transmission - the same unit that caused widespread complaints in the Honda Pilot (2016-2019) and Acura TLX/MDX. Software-controlled dog clutches are incompatible with Honda's original calibration, causing violent shuddering, harsh downshifts (especially 2nd-3rd gear), hesitation accelerating from stops, and torque converter shudder between 20-65 mph. Honda issued multiple TSBs. The 10th gen 1.5T uses a different transmission (CVT or 6-speed) and does NOT share this issue. 2.0T models are exclusively affected.
Common Symptoms
- Violent shuddering or vibration between 20-65 mph during light acceleration
- Harsh, jerky downshifts from 3rd to 2nd when slowing
- Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating from complete stop
- Torque converter judder (feels like driving over rumble strips)
- Transmission "hunting" between gears on flat highway
- Grinding noise or lurch during shifts
- Check engine light with P17F0 or torque converter codes
How to Fix
Visit Honda dealer for TSB software update (TCM reprogramming) - free under warranty and improved calibration reduces most shuddering. Complete triple drain-and-fill procedure with Honda ATF DW-1 fluid (Honda OEM part #08200-9008, 5 quarts needed, $50-80). Some 2.0T owners report significant improvement after TCM update + fluid change. Severe cases (persistent judder after multiple attempts): ZF 9HP transmission fluid flush with ZF LifeGuard 9 ($100-150). Last resort: transmission replacement ($5,000-7,000). Class action lawsuit filed.
Sources for this issue (1)
Early Honda Accord CVT transmissions suffer from widespread start clutch juddering caused by a manufacturing defect. The issue causes shaking or juddering during acceleration, especially from a stop. Honda acknowledged the problem and extended the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years for affected VINs.
Common Symptoms
- Shaking or juddering during acceleration from a stop
- Vibration felt through the steering wheel and floor
- Hesitation during gear transitions
- Rough or jerky shifts at low speeds
How to Fix
Start clutch replacement (covered under extended warranty for affected VINs). CVT fluid service with Honda HCF-2 fluid. Software update from dealership. Complete CVT transmission replacement in severe cases.
Find a Honda dealer
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What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Honda 06270-5C4-315 lower CVT valve-body kitOEMHonda 06270-5C4-315
Install the updated lower valve body required by Honda bulletin 13-053 Fitment/availability: 2013 Accord L4 CVT all VINs and only the specified 2014 L4 CVT VIN ranges in bulletin 13-053. VIN validation and the accompanying PGM-FI softwar…
- Honda 08200-HCF2 HCF-2 CVT fluid, 1 quartOEMHonda 08200-HCF2
Refill the second-generation CVT during the diagnosed valve-body repair or specified fluid service Fitment/availability: 2013-2015 Accord L4 CVT only after confirming the HCF-2 fill-plug label and VIN.
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Sources for this issue (1)
New CVT in 3rd gen Fit (2015-2020) had significant issues, particularly 2015-2016. Hesitation, shuddering during acceleration, whining/howling noise from transmission. Honda addressed some issues with software updates. Transmission cooler addition ($80-150) reportedly prevents issues according to some owners. CRITICAL: Use ONLY Honda HF-F CVT fluid ($35-50/quart) - other fluids void warranty and cause damage. Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles religiously.
Common Symptoms
- Hesitation or shuddering during acceleration
- Whining or howling noise from transmission
- Sudden loss of power
- Jerky acceleration
- Check engine light with transmission codes
- Transmission slipping
How to Fix
Perform Honda CVT software update immediately at dealer (often free or low cost). Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles religiously with Honda HF-F fluid only. Avoid aggressive acceleration and towing. Transmission cooler addition ($80-150) may help. If internal failure: Replacement $2,500-4,500, rebuild $1,500-2,500. Multiple Honda TSBs issued - check VIN for specific recalls.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 HCF-2 CVT fluid, one quartOEMHonda 08200-HCF2
Verify capacity and procedure in the applicable owner/service information; fluids a
- Genuine Honda 90471-PX4-000 18 mm CVT drain-plug washerOEMHonda 90471-PX4-000
Honda Fit CVT drain plug; confirm against the applicable service diagram/VIN.
- Genuine Honda 94109-20000 20 mm CVT fill-plug washerOEMHonda 94109-20000
Honda Fit CVT fill plug; confirm plug configuration against VIN/service information before ordering.
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
- WarningUse ONLY Honda HF-F CVT fluid ($35-50/quart) - other fluids void warranty and cause catastrophic damage
- TipSoftware updates from dealer ASAP - Honda issued multiple TSBs to address CVT issues, get them applied
- TipChange CVT fluid every 30,000 miles religiously - $150 service prevents $2,500+ transmission replacement
- WarningAvoid aggressive acceleration and towing - CVT is not designed for performance driving or heavy loads
- TipCheck VIN for Honda extended warranty coverage on CVT - many 2015-2016 models have extended coverage
Sources for this issue (3)
The 2010-2014 Honda Insight (second generation) CVT transmission experiences judder, shuddering, knocking noise during acceleration, and complete failure. Early CVT steel belt failures were identified. When CVT fails, the green "D" indicator on dash blinks. The transmission shudders at low speeds (15-35 mph) and makes knocking noises when shifting or accelerating. Honda extended CVT warranty to 10yr/150k miles on some models. CVT replacement: $3,000-5,000.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission shuddering or juddering
- Knocking noise from CVT when accelerating
- Green "D" indicator blinking on dashboard
- Hesitation during acceleration
- Grinding or whining noise from transmission
- Complete transmission failure (no movement)
How to Fix
Early stage: CVT fluid replacement with genuine Honda CVTF ($150-250) may help. Severe cases: Complete CVT replacement ($3,000-5,000). Check if your Insight qualifies for Honda's extended CVT warranty (10yr/150k miles on some models). If CVT fails under warranty, Honda covers replacement. Keep records of all CVT fluid changes to support warranty claims. InsightCentral forum recommends changing CVT fluid every 25k-30k miles.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda CVT-1 transmission fluid 08200-9006OEMHonda 08200-9006
Use only the quantity and level-setting procedure in current Honda service information; do not substitute HCF-2 and do not power flu
- Genuine Honda 90471-PX4-000 18 mm CVT drain-plug washerOEMHonda 90471-PX4-000
Confirm VIN and torque specification.
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 every 25k-30k miles (not Honda's "lifetime" claim). Owners who follow this schedule report CVTs lasting 150k+ miles.
- WarningBlinking "D" indicator means CVT is failing - stop driving immediately and have it towed. Continuing to drive will destroy the CVT completely.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2016-2022 Honda HR-V CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) experiences shuddering, judder, hesitation, and premature belt deterioration. Symptoms include vibrations during acceleration (especially 15-35 mph), delayed engagement, and strange whining/grinding noises. Honda extended the CVT warranty to 7 years/150,000 miles for 2016-2020 models due to premature belt wear. If caught early, CVT fluid replacement can help, but severe cases require complete CVT replacement ($3,000-5,000).
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering or vibration during acceleration
- Hesitation when accelerating from a stop
- Whining or grinding noise from transmission
- Delayed engagement when shifting to Drive
- Loss of acceleration or power
- Check engine light with transmission codes
How to Fix
Early-stage: Replace CVT fluid with genuine Honda HCF-2 fluid every 25,000-30,000 miles (not per Honda's "lifetime" fluid claim). Severe cases: Replace entire CVT assembly ($3,000-5,000). Check if your vehicle qualifies for Honda's extended 7yr/150k warranty coverage (2016-2020 models). Avoid frequent towing, heavy loads, and aggressive driving to extend CVT life.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda 08200-HCF2 HCF-2 CVT fluid, one quartOEMHonda 08200-HCF2
Verify quantity and procedure in current Honda service information.
- Genuine Honda 90471-PX4-000 18 mm CVT drain-plug washerOEMHonda 90471-PX4-000
Honda HR-V CVT drain plug; retailer currently enforces a multi-piece minimum, so verify order quantity.
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 every 25k-30k miles regardless of Honda saying "lifetime fluid" - owners who follow this schedule report CVTs lasting 150k+ miles without issues.
- WarningCRITICAL: Avoid towing or heavy loads with the HR-V CVT - the transmission is not designed for it and will fail prematurely under stress.
- TipCheck if your 2016-2020 HR-V qualifies for Honda's extended 7yr/150k CVT warranty - many owners got free replacements under this program.
Sources for this issue (3)
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 on a Honda?
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. On Honda it is documented across 4 models: Accord, Fit, Insight, HR-V.
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 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $100 to $7,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0868 on a different make?
View P0868 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.