P0068: MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes with care - the computer is running on distrusted data and may limit power.
Symptoms
- Reduced power in some cases
- Rough running
- Hesitation on throttle
Likely causes, most common first
- Large vacuum leak after the throttle
- Intake boot torn
- MAF or MAP sensor misreporting
- Throttle body carbon skewing airflow at small openings
Read P0068 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0068 is a three-way disagreement: the throttle position says one thing, and the MAF and MAP sensors report airflow and pressure that do not match it. The computer cross-checks these constantly precisely to catch a lying sensor - this code means the cross-check failed.
The most common physical cause is unmetered air: a torn intake boot between the airflow sensor and the throttle lets the engine breathe air the MAF never counted, so throttle opening and measured airflow stop agreeing. Squeeze-testing the rubber boot along its folds - tears hide in the pleats and open under engine torque - finds a large share of these before any sensor is blamed.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0068
“This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. Driver: will not accelerate past 9 mph Tech: code P0068 throttle body and code P0089 high pressure fuel pump and P0101 mass air flow sensor.”2019 Chevrolet Tahoe · Sep 2023
“Complete engine failure at 80k miles.oil changed regularly. Service at dealer only. P000a camshaft positioner bank 1 intake - slow response p0016 cmp sensor/engine speed sensor incorrect correlation p0068 map/maf < throttle position correlation p164d oil pressure switch for reduced oil pressure no aftermarket parts, completely stock. Dealer says I need a new engine. $12,000.00”2016 Volkswagen GTI · Nov 2019 · 80,000 mi
“P0017, p0018, p0019, p0068, p0089, p0106, p228c 2012 traverse all of these code are on the scanner. The vehicle will slow to just about a stop going down the road. Lots of lights come up on the dash, traction control and stabilitrac, the car is in the driveway and will not turn over. Gm is doing nothing about this issue, I have called, considering that they have had the same issue with the engines in the traverse models. Car only has 83k miles on it and gets oil changes just about every 3000 miles. From michigan”2012 Chevrolet Traverse · Feb 2018 · 83,000 mi
Cars that report P0068 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0068?
Yes with care - the computer is running on distrusted data and may limit power.
How much does it cost to fix P0068?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (intake boot or clamp) to $450 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0068. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.