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P0868: Transmission Fluid Pressure Low

Severity
Warning
NHTSA Reports
12
Vehicles Affected
8
System
Powertrain

What Does P0868 Mean?

P0868 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Transmission Fluid Pressure Low. This code relates to the transmission system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 8 different vehicle models.

Symptoms of P0868

Common Causes

P0868 Reports by Year

2021
3
2022
2
2020
1
2024
1
2016
1

Real Owner Reports

From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.

"Hi my Nissan has 120k miles son it and the transmission is completely wrong don’t go more than 30 mph I take it to the shop to inspect and they told me that it need to be replace. It has code p1778 and code p0868 they told me that the transmission has no oil presure that it was a mechanical problem "

— Nissan Altima owner, 12/13/2022

"THREE HOURS INTO MY DRIVE, I WAS GOING ABOUT 70 MPH AND NOTICED MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND WAS MAKING A NOISE. I PULLED OVER, GOT OUT, CHECKED MY POWER STEERING FLUID. IT WAS FINE SO I DROVE OFF AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY, I NOTICED THE CAR WASN'T PICKING UP SPEED AGAIN. I DROVE TO THE N"

— Nissan Altima owner, 11/20/2020

"CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT HAS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY 3 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. UPON GETTING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT A NISSAN DEALERSHIP, THE SECOND TIME THE LIGHT CAME ON, I WAS TOLD THEY NEEDED THE CAR ANOTHER DAY, FOR A LONGER TIME TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE TWO CODES THAT CAME UP DURING TH"

— Nissan Maxima owner, 07/30/2016

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Most Reported Vehicles for P0868

Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.

P0868 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive with this transmission code?
Use caution. Transmission codes can indicate serious issues that worsen with continued driving. Avoid highway speeds until diagnosed.
Do I need a full transmission rebuild?
Not necessarily. Many transmission codes are caused by solenoids, sensors, or low fluid — which are much cheaper fixes than a rebuild.
How much does a transmission repair cost?
Solenoid replacement: $200-500. Valve body: $500-1,000. Full rebuild: $1,800-3,500. Get a proper diagnosis first.

Reported Repair Costs for P0868

Based on 4 owner-reported repair costs from NHTSA complaints.

Low End
$157
Typical
$1576
High End
$3589

⚠️ These are owner-reported costs, not estimates. Actual costs vary by location, labor rates, and root cause. Source: NHTSA complaints database.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

  • 🔧 Have the code scanned with a professional-grade scanner to read freeze frame data
  • 🔧 Check transmission fluid level and condition; top off or change if needed
  • 🔧 If DIY repair isn't feasible, get a diagnostic from a trusted mechanic ($50-150)
  1. 1
    Find your vehicle above

    Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.

  2. 2
    Check for recalls

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.

  3. 3
    Get a professional diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

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