P0404: EGR A Control Circuit Range/Performance
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes - expect occasional rough idle and a failed emissions test.
Symptoms
- Rough idle
- Hesitation
- Emissions test failure
Likely causes, most common first
- EGR valve position sensor drifting
- Valve sticking part-way through its travel
- Carbon buildup restricting movement
- Wiring fault in the position feedback circuit
Read P0404 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
P0404 means the EGR valve is not moving the way it was told to. Electronic EGR valves report their own position back to the computer, and this code sets when the commanded and reported positions disagree during the check.
A valve that sticks part-way is the usual finding, and carbon is the usual reason. Watching the commanded and actual position side by side on a scan tool while sweeping the valve makes a sticky valve obvious - the reported position lags, jumps, or stalls at the same point each time.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0404
“I get error message for my 2019 nissan altima of engine malfunction, reduce power, service now. Along with other safty features like cash detection, traction and engine light. My car shakes, feels like it will stall especially when stopped and jerks. My VIN does not show this recall. I have gotten this message several times and a obd code reader gives code p0404.”2019 Nissan Altima · Oct 2025
“Warning reduced power engine sign came on out of no where. This is the second time this shows up on my dash.. plugged computer to it and shows code p0404 EGR valve stuck.. mileage at only 10,000”2023 Mitsubishi Outlander · Jul 2024
“Got a technical service bulletin code p0406 and ask local dealer if they could repair this emission problem. They said no. Engine light comes on regularly and getting bad fuel mpg. Also codes p0404 and p0405 was recorded.”2007 Dodge Ram 1500 · Feb 2017 · 69,000 mi
Show 6 more owner reports
“Lack of power or runs rough condition, and/or the malfunction indicator light on with egr related diagnostic trouble codes (p0401, p0402, p0403, p0404, p0405, or p0406). Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve). *tr”NHTSA complaint · Mar 2014 · 40,000 mi
“Check engine light that ford dealership couldn't fix, couldn't find the problem even after full inspection. Codes appeared: p0299, p0401, p0404, p1335.”2006 Ford F-250 · Jan 2014
“Check engine light came on. Mechanic did diagnostics to find the egr valve was not good (code p0404). From researching this issue, chrylser has been having problems with the egr valve. Paid $375 to resolve this. This should be a recall item.”2008 Chrysler Town And Country · May 2013 · 97,000 mi
“1. While driving the esp indicator light and engine comes on and wheels automatically go into slow mode (as if I were on ice). I manually shut off button. Took it to dealer and said the coil in my steering module is bad, needs replacing. I complained of van having hard shifting in accel and decel. Fault code c1210-steering angle sensor 2. The engine light reports that I have a bad egr valve, needs replacing. Found code p1404 & code p0404. *tr”2008 Chrysler Town And Country · Sep 2012 · 51,430 mi
“2005 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4.7l v8. 3-4 times / week the engine stalls while driving less than 10 mph, usually while slowing down to stop and sometimes while accelerating slowly. Check engine light is on with engine codes p0404 & p0406 set (egr valve) talked to service department at dodge dealership. They said that this is a common problem with this model and that dodge isn't doing anything to correct it unless I pay to have them fix it. The egr valve apparently has a design flaw and prone to fail. *jb”2005 Dodge Ram 1500 · Feb 2006 · 29,000 mi
“Egr valve: replaced twice, cleaned once; gm rep. Says not his problem after 24k miles; car has miss and idles rough, codes detected p0300, p0404, p1404, p0405; dlr replace pcm computer. Called state a.g.”1998 Chevrolet Cavalier · May 1999
Cars that report P0404 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0404?
Yes - expect occasional rough idle and a failed emissions test.
How much does it cost to fix P0404?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (egr valve cleaning) to $700 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0404. 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.