P0868 on Nissan: How to Diagnose & Fix
Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
13 Nissan models · 16 documented issues · 14 critical · $150-$6,000 repair
P0868 on Nissan by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
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.
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
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.
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
The Rogue's JATCO continuously variable transmission uses a torque converter with a lock-up (TCC) clutch, and P0741 sets when the ECM/TCM commands lock-up but the clutch doesn't engage or slips. On the Rogue this is part of the notorious Nissan CVT failure pattern: contaminated/degraded CVT fluid, a worn or sticking valve body/lock-up control valve, or a failing lock-up solenoid prevent proper clutch application. It commonly appears alongside CVT judder/shudder codes (P17F0/P17F1) and P0776/P0841/P0868 pressure faults. Owners report shudder while slowing or under light 25-45 mph acceleration, a 'rubber-band' hesitation, harsh or slipping engagement, and in worse cases overheating into limp mode. Nissan addressed the family via a TSB and extended CVT warranty coverage (up to 84 months/84,000 miles for many 2014-2018 units) rather than a recall.
Common Symptoms
- Shudder or judder while slowing to a stop
- Rubber-band hesitation from a stop
- Harsh or slipping engagement
- Loss of power / limp mode at highway speed
- Check engine light with CVT judder codes
How to Fix
First confirm CVT fluid level/condition and perform a proper fluid exchange with genuine Nissan CVT fluid (NS-3); degraded fluid alone can cause lock-up slip. If judder/lock-up faults persist, follow the Nissan TSB — reprogram the TCM and, where specified, replace the control valve body (valve body) and/or the torque converter. Severe internal wear requires a rebuilt or replacement CVT. Verify against the CVT warranty extension before paying out of pocket.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid four-quart set 999MP-CV0NS2
Confirm the owner's manual/VIN and calculate quantity from the exact operation.
- Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid quart 999MP-CSHNS3
Confirm VIN and required quantity.
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Sources for this issue (3)
Separate from the well-known JATCO belt/pulley judder, many T32 Rogues suffer CVT failure driven specifically by inadequate fluid cooling. The factory cooling circuit struggles in heat, towing, or hilly/stop-and-go use; CVT fluid overheats, the TCM commands a protective 'limp' mode (power cut to protect the unit), and sustained heat permanently degrades the belt and pulleys. Cooler-line leaks and contaminated (brown) fluid accelerate the cycle. Nissan addressed related overheating on earlier Rogue/Rogue Select with a TSB calling for an auxiliary trans-cooler kit, underscoring the thermal-management root cause.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission overheating warning
- Sudden loss of power / limp mode
- Shuddering on acceleration
- Whining noise from transmission
- Brown or burnt-smelling CVT fluid
How to Fix
Verify the failure mode with a CVT fluid temperature scan and inspect cooler lines for leaks/restriction and fluid for overheating (dark/burnt) signs. Remedy is restoring cooling capacity: replace a clogged factory cooler, repair leaking lines, install an auxiliary/aftermarket CVT cooler for towing or hot climates, and flush to fresh NS-3 fluid. Severe heat damage requires CVT rebuild/replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid quart 999MP-CSHNS3
2014-2020 Rogue T32 CVT applications that specify Nissan NS-3; verify the under-hood/service information and calculate quantity from the exact 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 (3)
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).
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 (10yr/120k 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.
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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.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering during acceleration
- Transmission slipping or jerking
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Whining or buzzing noise
- CVT overheating warning
- Loss of power at highway speeds
How to Fix
Check if covered under Nissan CVT warranty extension (10yr/120k miles). Have CVT fluid changed every 30,000 miles with Nissan NS-3 fluid. If shuddering, valve body replacement may help ($1,500-2,500). Complete CVT replacement costs $3,500-5,000. Avoid aggressive acceleration 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 quart 999MP-CSHNS3
Confirm VIN, transmission, procedure and required quantity; not manual-transmission fluid and not an internal-wear cure.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
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 Nissan?
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 Nissan it is documented across 13 models: Altima, Rogue, Versa, Sentra, Pathfinder, Murano, Juke, Quest, Kicks, Cube, NV200, Rogue Sport, Maxima.
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 Nissan?
Published repair estimates on Nissan range from $150 to $6,000 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.