P0744 on 2018-2021 Nissan KICKS: Torque Converter & CVT Problems

What's Unique About the 2018-2021 Nissan KICKS

The 2018-2021 Nissan KICKS uses a Jatco RE0F11B or JF020E Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that is known for having specific issues. The appearance of P0744 is often not an isolated solenoid problem but a symptom of a larger, well-documented issue within the CVT. Nissan has issued multiple, evolving Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that group P0744 with other codes, pointing towards systemic problems that may require valve body or complete CVT assembly replacement, rather than a simple component swap.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle. 👇

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Reduced or lack of power
• Vehicle feels like it's stuck in one gear
• Poor fuel economy
• Transmission judder, shake, or shudder
• Temporary loss of power after extended highway driving, which may resolve after restarting the vehicle
• Engine RPMs fluctuate while driving at a steady speed

Most Likely Causes

1. Internal CVT Failure (Valve Body, Belt, or Pulleys) 🔴 High Probability Nissan has issued multiple TSBs (e.g., the NTB19-040 series) for the 2018-2021 KICKS that link P0744 to major internal CVT faults. These Jatco CVTs are known to develop issues with the valve body's hydraulic control or mechanical wear on the belt and pulleys, leading to widespread component failure.
   How to confirm: A technician will follow the diagnostic procedure in the relevant TSB, which involves checking for other codes and inspecting the CVT belt for slippage using a borescope through a port in the transmission case. Finding metal debris in the fluid is also a strong indicator of internal failure.
   Typical fix: Depending on the diagnostic outcome (e.g., belt damage found), the fix is either replacing the control valve (valve body) or replacing the entire CVT assembly, followed by a mandatory TCM recalibration.
   Est. part cost: $800-$1500 for a valve body, $3500-$5000+ for a CVT assembly.
2. Low or Degraded CVT Fluid 🟡 Medium Probability CVT transmissions are very sensitive to fluid condition and level. Old, contaminated, or incorrect fluid (must be Nissan NS-3) can cause sludge buildup and affect hydraulic pressure, leading to solenoid and valve body issues.
   How to confirm: Check the level and condition of the CVT fluid. Look for a dark color, burnt smell, or the presence of metal shavings. This often requires a professional as there is no traditional dipstick. A fluid change is often the first, albeit sometimes temporary, step.
   Typical fix: Perform a CVT fluid drain and fill using the correct Nissan-specific fluid (NS-3). If significant debris is found, it's a sign of a more severe internal problem requiring transmission or valve body replacement.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300 for fluid and filter.
3. Faulty Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Automatic Transmission Torque Converter While a faulty solenoid is a generic cause for P0744, on this specific vehicle it is more often a symptom of a larger problem (like a failing valve body or fluid contamination) rather than an isolated failure. Mechanics familiar with these CVTs report that replacing just the solenoid is rarely a successful long-term fix.
   How to confirm: A technician can test the solenoid's resistance and function with a multimeter and a specialized scan tool. The solenoid is located within the valve body, making access difficult.
   Typical fix: Replace the TCC solenoid. However, on the KICKS, this is almost always done as part of a complete valve body replacement due to the high likelihood of the valve body itself being the root cause.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250 for the solenoid itself, but labor is high as it's inside the transmission.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wiring Issues: Damage to the wiring harness leading to the transmission can cause intermittent signals. This is less common than mechanical failure but should be checked to avoid unnecessary transmission replacement.
• Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM): → Shop Transmission Assembly While rare, the TCM itself can fail. This should only be considered after all other mechanical and electrical possibilities have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the TCM for all stored DTCs. Note any other codes that appear with P0744, as they are critical for diagnosis per Nissan TSBs.
2. Check for and review any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the vehicle, specifically the latest revision of NTB19-040.
3. Inspect the CVT fluid level and condition. Look for signs of contamination, metal particles, or a burnt smell. Ensure correct NS-3 fluid is being used.
4. If fluid is contaminated, drop the transmission pan to inspect for larger debris on the magnets and in the pan. Significant debris indicates severe internal wear.
5. Follow the diagnostic flowchart in the relevant Nissan TSB. This will involve removing the valve body to inspect the CVT belt for slippage and damage using a borescope.
6. Test the TCC solenoid circuit for proper voltage and resistance if accessible and if indicated by the TSB diagnostic path.
7. Based on the TSB flowchart and the physical inspection (especially the belt condition), determine if the correct repair is a valve body replacement or a full CVT assembly replacement.
8. After replacement of the valve body or CVT, perform the mandatory 'Write IP Chara' (TCM Calibration) procedure using a Nissan-compatible scan tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• CVT Assembly (OEM #31020-50X1A (for 2018-19 models, may be superseded)) — This is the most common resolution prescribed by Nissan's TSBs when P0744 is accompanied by other codes or evidence of internal wear like a damaged belt.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine OE
  OEM price range: $3500-$5000+
  Aftermarket price range: $2500-$4000 (Remanufactured)
• CVT Control Valve Body (OEM #31705-50X0B, 31705-50X5A (superseded by 31705-50X0E, 31705-50X5C)) — In cases where the TSB diagnostic points to a hydraulic control fault without widespread mechanical damage (i.e., the belt is OK), the valve body may be replaced. The existence of multiple superseded part numbers suggests Nissan has revised this part to improve reliability.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine OE
  OEM price range: $1000-$1500
  Aftermarket price range: $700-$1100 (Remanufactured)

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0741 — Both P0744 (intermittent) and P0741 (performance/stuck off) relate to the torque converter clutch system and are often triggered by the same underlying faults. Nissan TSB NTB19-040H lists them together.
• P17F2 — This code indicates 'CVT Judder (T/C Inspection)'. It frequently appears with P0744, reinforcing that the root cause is often a mechanical issue with the torque converter and CVT assembly.
• P2857, P2858, P2859, P285A — These codes relate to clutch pressure control within the CVT. Their presence alongside P0744 points to a widespread hydraulic control problem, often implicating the valve body or the entire unit as noted in TSB NTB19-040c.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB19-040H: The latest version in a long series. It now functions as a directory, telling technicians to refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for P0744, or to a different TSB (NTB22-021) for other codes, indicating a complex diagnostic tree.
• NTB19-040c: An earlier version that explicitly links P0744 with symptoms of hesitation and reduced power, and provides a repair flowchart that can result in CVT assembly replacement.
• NTB19-040a: An even earlier version of the bulletin with similar content, showing the long-standing nature of this issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Nissan Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., NTB19-040a through NTB19-040H) address P0744 on the 2018-2021 Kicks. The long revision history of this TSB shows it is a well-known, persistent issue that Nissan has been addressing for years. These bulletins provide a specific diagnostic flowchart that often leads to the replacement of the valve body or the entire CVT assembly.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Solenoid Resistance — expected: 10 - 30 Ohms (typical, value can vary by specific part). Failure: A reading outside the expected range (open circuit or shorted) indicates a faulty solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III Plus: WRITE IP CHARA - REPLACEMENT AT/CVT — This is a mandatory procedure after replacing the CVT assembly or the valve body. It writes the specific calibration data from a file (originally on a CD with the new part) to the TCM to ensure it controls the new hardware correctly.
• Nissan CONSULT-III Plus: READ IP CHARA - REPLACEMENT TCM — Used before replacing a TCM to save the existing calibration data from the old module, which can then be written to the new TCM.
• Nissan CONSULT-II: TCC SN FNCTN P0744 — This is a specific diagnostic test found under the 'DTC WORK SUPPORT' menu. It runs a dedicated routine to check the function of the TCC and helps confirm if a malfunction is present after a repair or during diagnosis.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/NissanKicks (2021 Nissan Kicks) — Not specified, but part of a general discussion on CVT failures.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A brand new CVT was put in at 60,000 miles. This supports the conclusion that major internal failure is a common outcome for transmission issues on this platform.
• Reddit user in r/NissanKicks (2018 Nissan Kicks) — Not specified, but part of a general discussion on CVT failures.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The CVT was replaced at approximately 144,000 miles, demonstrating a failure at higher mileage as well.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2018-2019: The TCM programming requires a specific ROM Data ID based on the vehicle's production date. This is critical when programming a new TCM. For example: 31039-5RD0A (04/2018-05/2018), 31039-5RD0C (05/2018-10/2018), and 31039-5RR2A (from 10/2018). Using the wrong ID can cause compatibility issues.