Trouble code · Powertrain · Generic (all makes)

P0720 Output Speed Sensor Circuit

The transmission isn't getting a usable signal from the sensor that measures how fast the transmission's output shaft is turning.

Safe to drive?
Drive with caution
Get it fixed soon
Scanner you need
Any OBD2 scanner
Even a basic code reader shows it
NHTSA complaints quoting it
125
Vehicle complaints, 2015–2025

Common causes

  • Failed output speed sensor
  • Damaged wiring or connector
  • Low transmission fluid
  • Faulty transmission computer

Symptoms

  • Harsh or erratic shifting
  • Speedometer not working or erratic
  • Cruise control not working
  • Limp mode

Can I drive with it?

Drive gently and get it checked soon. If the speedometer isn't working, watch your speed.

Tip: If the speedometer is also dead, the sensor or its wiring is the likely cause rather than the transmission itself.

Which scanner reads it?

Any OBD2 scanner reads the basic code. A multi-system scanner can read the transmission module directly for more detail.

Budget tools like the ANCEL AD310 read it; tools with live data and graphing – like the BlueDriver or OBDLink MX+ – help you find the cause. Not sure which fits you? Try the Find My Scanner quiz.

In the data

Of the vehicle complaints owners filed with NHTSA from 2015 to 2025, 125 quote P0720 – most often from Ford, Infiniti, Nissan owners. Complaints lean toward serious problems, so treat this as a sign of how often the code turns up in real reports, not how often cars get it.

Both sources are compared on the Trends page.

General information to help you understand a code – not a diagnosis. Your car’s service information or a qualified mechanic has the final word. See how we research.