P0722: Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Short distances, cautiously - expect harsh shifts or a transmission locked in one gear. The sensor is cheap; what its debris may reveal is the real question.
Symptoms
- Speedometer dead or erratic on many cars
- Harsh or delayed shifts
- Transmission held in a fixed gear (limp)
- Cruise control refusing to engage
Likely causes, most common first
- Output speed sensor failed
- Metal debris stuck to the sensor's magnetic tip
- Wiring or connector fault
- Damaged tone ring inside the transmission
Read P0722 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
P0722 means the output shaft speed signal went silent - the computer knows the engine is turning and the input shaft is turning, but the sensor that reports what actually reaches the wheels says zero. Without that number the transmission cannot verify its own gear ratios, so it retreats to a safe fixed gear and shifts harshly if at all.
On most cars this sensor threads into the case from outside and costs little. The step people skip is looking at the old sensor's tip: it is magnetic, and it collects what the fluid carries. A light gray film is normal wear; glitter and fuzz are clutch and bearing material announcing bigger trouble. Pulling the sensor is also the moment to check the fluid itself - a burned smell alongside this code changes the conversation from sensor to transmission health.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0722
“I purchased a 2017 Ford F-150 on July 9th. It is covered under Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V23700). On July 25th, the vehicle entered highway limp mode due to an Output Speed Sensor failure (Code P0722). A Ford dealership performed the 26S28 software flash but left the failing physical lead frame hardware in the vehicle. On August 15th, the truck reverted to a dangerous limp mode on the highway due to the same unaddressed P0722 hardware failure. Ford Corporate is refusing to authorize the physical hardware replacement under the safety recall framework, leaving the vehicle fundamentally unsafe to drive.”2017 Ford F-150 · Aug 2026
“Automatic transmission failed due to code P0722 (Output Speed Sensor signal lost). The vehicle experienced sudden loss of propulsion, violent/harsh shifting, and severe drivability issues while operating on the highway. Loss of forward motive power at high speeds creates an immediate collision hazard. The vehicle was previously serviced for transmission issues but the defect recurred. The vehicle remains parked and inoperable due to safety concerns.”2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jul 2026
“An internal transmission Output Shaft Speed Sensor (OSS) failure causes the vehicle to enter "limp mode" and shift violently, creating a risk of rear-end collisions or loss of control, according to the report. A GM dealer confirmed diagnostic codes P0722 and P0700, isolating the issue to an internal component after an inspection of the external wiring harness.”2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Truck unexpectedly downshifts into first gear and refuses to leave first. Wrench icon appears, speedometer and odometer stop working, truck enters "limp mode". OEM reading DTCs P0720, P0722.”2013 Ford F-150 · Apr 2026
“I got a code P0722-00 it says something about a sensor and a molded lead frame in the transmission this is affecting how the truck shifts gears and the amount of gas it consumes and in some cases it says that it can go from speed 6 to 1 currently not using it until its fix but I am reporting it just incase a recall were to happen later on”2017 Ford F-150 · Mar 2026
“I have a P0722-00 code which is the output shaft speed sensor which made my truck down shift and change gears while driving on the highway which was very dangerous me”2012 Ford F-150 · Nov 2025
“The transmission down shifted from 5th to first while going approximately 50 mph out of nowhere and without warning. This caused a rapid deceleration while on a busy road and scared the crap out of me. The truck stayed in a reduced power mode until I shut it down and restarted. I used my auto scan tool to look up if any fault codes were registered. Fault code P0722:00-68 was registered (Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal) which indicates a problem with the molded lead frame in the transmission. Why has Ford not issued a safety recall for this known problem? This can cause a catastrophic failure/safety issue while driving.”2017 Ford F-150 · Oct 2025
“Vehicle started to violently lurch when shifted into drive. A week later loud clunking sound also started when shifting into drive. Sometimes would not go into drive and had to use manual 1st, 2nd, etc. Reverse was fine, no issues. No dash lights ever came on. Auto parts store had error code P0722. Have a diagnostic appt in a week at local Hyundai dealer. We may attempt to replace input/output speed sensor to solve, but probably will let dealership do diag first. Mileage approx 84686. Very dangerous at stop lights if can not get car into drive. Crash risk is high.”2016 Hyundai Elantra · Oct 2025
“Sudden limp mode - stuck in 1st/3rd/5th gear at highway speed. Dealer confirmed codes: P0720, P0722 Major Safety risk: Loss of power/speed control as vehicle slams out of gear at speed without warning. Known issue with TSB 13-6-8 but issue continues in vehicles like mine post 2013.”2015 Ford F-150 · Aug 2025
“2016 F150, 6R80 Transmission - threw codes P0720 and P0722, dealer indicated known issue under recall 24S37, but my VIN is not included, but should be. Unexpected downshift to first gear, check engine light, truck enters "limp" mode, only allowing 3rd and 5th gear - real safety issue - especially if Ford knows it has a fix - although parts are in short supply (molded lead frame)”2016 Ford F-150 · Aug 2025
Cars that report P0722 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0722?
Short distances, cautiously - expect harsh shifts or a transmission locked in one gear. The sensor is cheap; what its debris may reveal is the real question.
How much does it cost to fix P0722?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (output speed sensor) to $350 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0722. 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.