P2859: Clutch A pressure disengagement performance

Clutch A pressure disengagement fault

Severity: Inspect soon

PartsAvatar says this needs prompt attention to prevent erratic shifting, slipping and stalling, and Nissan's bulletin lists hesitation or reduced power, so get it checked soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: Treat as Stop if the vehicle loses power, stalls or the transmission slips badly.

Source: how we rate severity

P2859 in short

P2859 means clutch A pressure was not disengaging as commanded. PartsAvatar lists the brake solenoid valve, control valve assembly, wiring, low fluid and clutch pressure parts. Nissan bulletins list it with hesitation and reduced power on the Kicks and Versa. Get it checked soon.

The computer expects clutch A pressure to drop when it commands disengagement. If it does not, P2859 sets.

PartsAvatar lists the brake solenoid valve, control valve assembly, wiring, low fluid and clutch pressure parts.

Nissan NTB19-040a, 040b and 040c list P2859 with P0744, P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P2857, P2858 and P285A on the Kicks (2018-2020) and the 2020 Versa, with hesitation or reduced power.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Nissan CVT bulletin repair
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Nissan NTB19-040a, 040b and 040c list P2859 with hesitation and reduced power on Kicks and Versa.
What would change this
Rises on a listed Nissan. Falls otherwise.
Cause 2: Solenoid valve or control valve assembly
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists the brake solenoid valve and control valve assembly.
What would change this
Rises if solenoid codes are stored.
Cause 3: Low fluid or wiring
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists low fluid and wiring.
What would change this
Rises if fluid is low.
Cause 4: Clutch pressure components
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
PartsAvatar lists clutch pressure components after other causes.
What would change this
Rises if all else tests good.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Ask a dealer about the CVT bulletin for your VIN and check fluid.
Low riskTool: scan tool
- IfA bulletin applies
  It meansFollow it.
  Points to: Nissan CVT bulletin repair
- IfFluid is low
  It meansCorrect it.
  Points to: Low fluid or wiring
- IfNeither
  It meansTest the solenoid.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Have a shop test the solenoid, valve assembly and wiring.
Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scan tool
Warning:Have a qualified shop do this step.
- IfSolenoid or valve fails
  It meansRepair it.
  Points to: Solenoid valve or control valve assembly
- IfPass, yet pressure is wrong
  It meansClutch parts.
  Points to: Clutch pressure components

Symptoms

Check engine light
Hesitation or reduced power
Erratic shifting or slipping Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Step 1: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a CVT bulletin for P2859.

Parts and cost context

Transmission control module (TCM):Bulletin repairs may involve software or valve work. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Nissan

2018–2020 · Kicks
Supported by vehicle data
Nissan NTB19-040a and 040c list P2859 with hesitation or reduced power on the Kicks. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.
2020 · Versa
Supported by vehicle data
Nissan NTB19-040b lists P2859 on the 2020 Versa. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

NTB19-040aStatus unverified
MIL with P2859 and other CVT DTCs, hesitation or lack of power
2018–2019kicks · NHTSA 10164655
Nissan bulletin for Kicks.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
NTB19-040cStatus unverified
MIL with P2859 and other CVT DTCs, hesitation or reduced power
2018–2020kicks · NHTSA 10174415
Nissan bulletin, amended, for the Kicks.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
NTB19-040bStatus unverified
MIL with P2859 and other CVT DTCs, hesitation or lack of power
2020versa · NHTSA 10168902
Nissan bulletin, amended; the cache lists the 2020 Versa.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Transmission codes

P2859 questions

Can I drive with P2859?

Short trips to a shop are usually possible; stop if power drops, it stalls or it slips.

Sources and review

OBD II error code P2859: Clutch A Pressure Disengagement Performance — PartsAvatar
P2859 Trouble Code: Clutch A Pressure Disengagement Performance — TroubleCodes.net
Nissan NTB19-040c: MIL with P2859 and others — Nissan (via NHTSA flat file)
Nissan NTB19-040b: MIL with P2859 and others — Nissan (via NHTSA flat file)

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Nissan CVT bulletin repair

Cause 2: Solenoid valve or control valve assembly

Cause 3: Low fluid or wiring

Cause 4: Clutch pressure components

What to test first

Step 1: Ask a dealer about the CVT bulletin for your VIN and check fluid.

Step 2: Have a shop test the solenoid, valve assembly and wiring.