P0017, P0012 and P0018 in 2026: Cam Phasers, Timing Chain, Oil, Recalls, and What to Check Before Paying

P0017, P0012 and P0018 are three different statements, and many pages treat them as one: the crank and the cam are out of step; a cam would not reach its target; or the same step test on the other cylinder bank.

P0017 — printed by Bentley and Audi as "Crankshaft Position-Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B" and by Honda as "Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor B and Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Correlation" — is the code that compares the crankshaft signal with a camshaft signal, called sensor B, on bank 1. When the two disagree by more than a set amount, the engine computer sets a code. P0018 is the bank 2 sensor A version in Subaru's table, "CRANKSHAFT POSITION-CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK2, SENSOR A", and P0012 is a different statement, printed by Mazda as "Electric variable valve timing control system: Over-retarded": in general terms, a cam that turned later than the engine computer asked; Mazda's bulletins on the code name different causes: a worn actuator spring shaft (01-007/15), a false error in the engine computer software (01-014/19 and 01-021/19, the second also replacing a damaged actuator) and, on 2024-2025 CX-90 and 2025 CX-70, the intake motor (2025 bulletin).

We searched NHTSA's index for manufacturer communications that name a camshaft-timing code (P0011 to P0025), the timing chain, a cam phaser, a valve timing unit, a solenoid or an oil control valve, added the recall filings and investigation records for the same parts, and went through one of each cluster of near-identical bulletins in full: 708 files, 685 distinct documents, gone through; of the files, 78 print P0017 in their own text, and 22 print P0012 and 47 P0018. An independent completeness check added 202 files the first search had missed. The documents agree on one thing: the code does not name the part. The same code is fixed with a solenoid cycle, a software file, an oil change, a moved sensor ring, a chain or an engine, depending on the maker and the engine.

We also went through 6,766 complaints from NHTSA's file, received from 2015 through early October 2026, that name a camshaft-timing code, the timing chain with a symptom, a cam phaser or valve timing part with a symptom, or the word correlation with a crank or cam context. Each was sorted twice, independently, by the same written rules (method at the end). 6,430 describe a timing-chain, cam-phaser or cam-timing event on the owner's car; 336 do not. Only 610 of the 6,430 name a camshaft-timing code (P0011 to P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 or P0025; P0017 in 179, P0012 in 42, P0018 in 39): most owners write what the car did. The timing chain set is the named cause in 2,499 (39%), the cam phaser or VVT unit in 1,104 (17%), the engine in 379, the oil control valve or solenoid in 192, oil in 127, a position sensor in 33; in 1,843 (29%) nothing was diagnosed or the owner only guessed. Those are complaint counts, not failure rates.

Claims marked 🟢 rest on a document listed in the Sources section. Claims marked ⚪ are shop-price estimates carried from our repair guides. Owner-reported figures are what people told NHTSA, published with NHTSA complaint numbers; every complaint count comes from the 6,766 complaints sorted twice and published.

I built PulsCar after a $380 "full diagnostic" in Phuket in 2025 led to roughly $6,000 over six months across several shops (the story is on the About page).

What P0017, P0012 and P0018 say: the crank and the cam disagree, or a cam cannot reach its target

In plain words. The computer compares the crankshaft signal with the camshaft signals. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1 (an inline engine has only bank 1; a V or flat engine has two banks); sensor A and sensor B name the two cams, and which is which depends on the maker. VVT is the general name; VCT (Ford), VTC (Honda), CVVT (Hyundai and Kia) and VANOS (BMW) are makers' names for systems that turn a cam against the crank; on most engines oil pressure, steered by a solenoid (the oil control valve, OCV), turns a cam phaser. DTC means trouble code; TSB, SSM, PIP and SIB are dealer bulletins; ECM, ECU and DME are the engine computer.

Where the codes come from. 🟢 GM's bulletin PIP4945B gives the trigger for P0017: "a DTC p0017 DTC sets when CMP sensor pulse is greater than 16.31 degrees out of sequence with the corresponding crank sensor pulse", and lists the reasons it can set, from a restricted cam actuator solenoid to a cam flat "one tooth off". 🟢 Kia's bulletin PS731 prints the label with the side: "P0017 - Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B [Exhaust])".

What you feel. It varies by engine. 🟢 Chrysler's 09-009-16 says a small number of customers may see the light or a rough-running engine; GM's PIP5598D lists a crank no-start or an extended crank; Honda's hybrid bulletin lists "a no start condition, low speed rough idle, engine RPM hunting"; the Karma bulletin TB-17-12-01 adds "a sharp rattle noise from the generator engine on startup". And 🟢 on some 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.6L engine, FCA says the stall can come with no light and no code (recall 18V-049), so a clean scan does not clear the engine.

What it is not. P0017 is not the crank sensor circuit code (that is P0335), not the camshaft sensor circuit code (P0340), not a misfire (P0300), and not a stand-alone cam timing code: P0011, P0014 and P0016 have their own guides, and the repair routes below apply to them too.

First: P0017, P0012, P0018 or a neighbour? One fault, several labels

Read the exact code, with its six-character form if the reader shows one, before you buy anything.

The labels do not agree. 🟢 Chrysler's papers print P0017 as "Crankshaft/Camshaft Timing Misalignment - Bank 1 Sensor 2.", Audi's as "DTC P001700 (bank 1, camshaft pos./crankshaft position sensor 2 incorrect assignment)", Honda's with "Sensor B", Kia's with "[Exhaust]". Sensor A and B are not the same cam on every engine, so a reader's label does not tell you which side is at fault; the maker's table for your engine does. 🟢 Ford's TSB 16-0038 pairs the codes by cam: "b. P0015 and P0017 (1) Yes - replace the bank 1 exhaust VCT solenoid."

The same fault in other spellings. Audi, Bentley and Mercedes print the six-character form P001700 (the last two characters are the failure type); Jaguar prints P0011-71. BMW prints its own fault codes, for example 🟢 "130E20 - Intake camshaft: Angular offset to the crankshaft out of tolerance" (SI B12 08 18), and its cause there, on B38, B46 and B58 engines built to March 14, 2018, is "A software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME)." Owners wrote the code as P0017, p0017, P000017, "POO17" (two letter Os), "P0 017" or "P017", and some wrote only "0017".

The maker atlas: who prints a chain, a phaser, a solenoid, software or a recall

The documents split by maker, and the split is the most useful thing on this page: a Ford truck, a Honda hybrid and a GM crossover with P0017 are on different roads.

The Ford and GM clusters are the biggest in the complaints. Ford is 1,313 of the 6,430 relevant complaints (914 F-150, 216 Expedition), and 593 of them end at the cam phaser. Chevrolet is 1,064 (Equinox 483, Traverse 242), GMC 441 and BMW 540; on those cars the chain set is the commonest named cause (496 of 1,064, 236 of 441, 213 of 540).

The 10-minute check

1. Oil level, today (3 minutes). Cold engine, level ground, dipstick. 🟢 Ford's 5.0L F-150 bulletin starts with it: "To resolve this condition, verify the engine oil is at the proper level." (SSM 49583); Kia: "Improper oil viscosity can cause lack of lubrication and improper CVVT operation and DTCs." (Tech Times 17-3). Look at the colour and for metal glitter.

2. Read all the codes and the freeze frame (2 minutes). Which bank, which cam, which other codes. 🟢 GM's PIP3423M applies to "two or more of the following DTCs", Ford's TSB 16-0038 to specific pairs.

3. Listen (2 minutes). A rattle for a few seconds after a night's rest, a chirp at hot idle, a whine that rises with revs, or a loud knock. 🟢 BMW's N20 and N26 bulletin (SIB 11 03 17) describes a whine near the oil pump that rises with revs; Ford's primary-tensioner chirp is TSB 19-2140.

4. Did anything just get repaired? (1 minute). A code right after an engine, head, harness or timing job is its own case: 🟢 "The cam adjuster spacer tubes may not have been transferred from the original engine or cylinder head." (15-22-01TT); two identical connectors swapped after harness work (19-NA-150).

5. Your VIN and paperwork (2 minutes). Check nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, then ask a dealer for open campaigns and special coverage by VIN; the recall site shows safety recalls only.

Five situations, and which is yours

"A cold-start rattle for a few seconds, no light." → Route 5, and the VIN check first (on a 2010-2013 BMW, see the triage box).

"The light is on with P0017 alone, the car drives normally." → Routes 1 and 2.

"The light came on right after an engine, head or timing job." → Route 2.

"P0016 to P0019 together on a GM 3.6L V6, or a loose-chain noise." → Route 4.

"The engine stalled, or will not restart." Stop driving and have it towed, as in the triage box; ask for the recalls by VIN first, because some Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models have recalls for a connector or software that can stall the engine. → Routes 2, 4 and 5.

The P0017, P0012 and P0018 price ladder, from the bottom up

The ⚪ lines are shop-price estimates carried from our timing chain cost guide, our oil change cost guide and our P0011 and P0014 guides; the other lines are what owners told NHTSA, listed with NHTSA complaint numbers. The top of the diagnosis row is dealers' quotes to take an engine apart and look, $1,800 to $6,000 in eight narratives. 870 of the 1,403 figures are quotes, not bills; counting only bills and amounts paid, the chain median is $2,290.92 (134 figures), the phaser median $3,400 (43) and the engine median $6,709.22 (70).

What does it cost to fix P0017, P0012 or P0018 in 2026, and when is a part the wrong purchase? In PulsCar's review of 6,430 federal complaints, owners report 1,403 dollar figures, 870 of them quotes rather than bills: 443 for chain work (median $2,500), 158 for a cam phaser, VVT unit or camshaft (median $3,514.20), 20 for a solenoid or oil control valve (median $582.50), 86 for a diagnosis (median $286.25) and 373 for an engine (median $8,000). An oil level check and a VIN lookup cost nothing, software and relearn files cost a fraction of an hour, and recall remedies are free where the VIN qualifies, while extensions pay by their printed terms, some prorated by mileage. A part is the wrong purchase when the oil has not been checked, when the maker prints a no-parts or do-not-replace line for your engine, or when a recall already covers the part you were quoted.

The five P0017, P0012 and P0018 routes, cheapest first

Route 1 · The oil: level, grade, filter and pressure — $0 to $140

What it is. Most cam phasers are turned by engine oil pressure and many chain tensioners are held by it, so an engine that is low, old, the wrong grade or fed through a clogged screen can set these codes with no failed part at all. It is the free first step.

What the documents say.

🟢 Ford. For 5.0L F-150 trucks with P0011, P0012, P0021 or P0022, SSM 49583 puts the oil first: "To resolve this condition, verify the engine oil is at the proper level." and then "replace only the VCT solenoid(s) associated with the DTCs present."

🟢 BMW. SIB 11 02 08, Revision 9: "The VANOS faults can be caused by an insufficient oil pressure supply to the inlet VANOS adjustment unit." The repair is "Replace both VANOS solenoids, change the engine oil and filter", with "Do not replace the intake or exhaust camshafts."

🟢 Mazda and Subaru. Mazda's P0015 and P0524 bulletin blames "a drop in engine oil pressure" from a foreign object on the oil pump relief valve or the OCV and starts with an oil pressure test (01-016/19); Subaru: "DO NOT supplement the engine oil with any additives." (02-163-16R).

🟢 Karma and Chrysler. "Once the codes are verified it is recommended to change the oil and filter." (TB-17-12-01); on the 2.0L Wrangler, "Check if engine oil is contaminated by metallic debris." (18-011-25 Rev. C). If the oil carries metal, tell the shop: that is what the bulletin asks about.

🟢 A hose that loses the oil. Toyota's Lexus campaign 9LH (2007-2009 RX 350, 2007-2008 ES 350) covered a VVT-i oil supply hose: "the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-I actuator may degrade over time" (extension letter). The free repair ended on December 31, 2021 by its printed date.

What the owners report. The oil is the named cause in 127 of the 6,430 complaints, mostly on Chevrolet (35), Hyundai (24) and Kia (23) engines; 66 of the 127 describe a stall, a loss of power or a no-start and 60 report engine damage. 369 complaints use words such as oil consumption, burning oil or excessive oil. A Kia Forte owner wrote: "You had an oil change completed at 101k miles and 106k miles and there was no oil left in the engine per mechanic. This caused the check engine light to turn on. Upon running the engine scans the code for a crankshaft error was discovered. P0017". A GMC Terrain owner wrote that the papers at the engine replacement state "TIMING CHAIN AND CAM WORN DUE TO LOW OIL".

The cheap cause that gets skipped. The dipstick. Ford, BMW, Mazda and Subaru print an oil step before a part, and Kia's technician magazine lists oil as a cause. Also the oil change history: Audi and Volkswagen tie their chain extension to proof of oil changes within 10% of the schedule.

Fix it yourself. Free steps only: check the level cold on level ground, use the specified grade, keep the receipts, add no additives (Subaru). An engine that shows an oil-pressure warning is a tow. If the dipstick is low and no warning shows, top up to the mark and book a shop within days; if it shows no oil at all, do not drive and have it towed.

At the shop — say this: "Please check the oil level and condition first and write it on the repair order. Before any chain or phaser work, run the maker's oil pressure test for my engine, and tell me what the maker prints for this code."

Route 2 · No part: software, a relearn, a connector or a sensor — $0 in parts, sensors $120 to $350

What it is. The computer, not the engine, is wrong, or something small is out of place after a repair. The papers print this mostly under neighbouring codes in the same family.

What the documents say.

🟢 Software, or a code to clear. GM's PIP5568E (some 3.6L and 3.0L engines, 2016-2018, P0011, P0014, P0021 and P0024 after an auto stop-start) names "a software anomaly that allows the 'Verify Sync' status to not restart and reach full 'Sync' when the engine restarts" but prints no update: "it will be necessary to clear the codes and release the vehicle to customer." BMW's SI B12 08 18: "A software error in the Digital Motor Electronics (DME)." Lexus and Toyota's P05CE00 bulletins (for example L-SB-0025-24) tell the dealer the engine computer should not be replaced. Subaru's 02-137-12 for P0017 and P0019 on the 2013 BRZ reprograms the ECM if the exhaust cam values are inside 85 to 95 degrees and replaces it if they are outside.

🟢 A relearn. Kia's ENG 170, 2.0L Forte built May 2016 to June 2018: "DTC P0016: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A Intake)" from "a stuck intake CVVT assembly", fixed by resetting adaptive values and at least two drive cycles. Chrysler asks for the cam and crank variation relearn after any powertrain repair (09-009-16).

🟢 Something turned, swapped or missing after engine work. GM 19-NA-150, 2017-2019 Colorado and Canyon after an engine harness repair: "These two connectors are identical and can only be identified by wire color in the connector." "No parts are required for this repair." Kia PS731: the reluctor wheel may sit wrong after an engine replacement. Volkswagen 15-22-01TT: spacer tubes not transferred. Land Rover SSM62857, a replacement 5.0L that cranks and will not start: "The engine may have been fitted with the wrong camshaft timing rings."

🟢 A pressure sender. Audi 2062862/1, 2021 A4 and A5, only when P227900 (an intake air leak) is stored first: "Please replace the intake manifold pressure sender according to ELSA repair instructions." and "it is very important to reset the air pressure-based camshaft angle adaptation/correction as otherwise the problem will not be solved". Its listed cause is "Under investigation."

🟢 A sensor, when it really is the cause. Kia: mis-positioned sensors "will trigger timing to set, even if all of the CVVT components can function normally." (Tech Times 17-3).

🟢 A recall on the connector. Chrysler's recall 16V-907 for 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass and Patriot: the crank (Journey) or crank and cam (Compass, Patriot) sensor connectors were improperly made, and the repair splices on a new connector; FCA says a stall while driving could cause a crash without warning.

What the owners report. Software or a campaign procedure is the only repair stated in 38 complaints (18 on a Ford) and a position sensor is the named cause in 33. 36 of the 38 mention a recall or campaign and 22 say the fault came back. 55 more were checked and cleared with nothing found. A Chevrolet Traverse owner: "I KEEP GETTING THIS CODE P0017 TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND GOT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR B FIXED AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON TIMING CHAIN IS NOT OUT THE TRUCK IS STILL WORKING".

The cheap cause that gets skipped. The published file for your VIN. A software search, a relearn and a connector check take minutes; BMW, Subaru, Kia, GM, Lexus, Chrysler and Audi each print one for some engine, and the letters on the repair order will tell you which.

Fix it yourself. Not the flash or the relearn: both need the maker's tool and a charged battery.

At the shop — say this: "Is there a software update, relearn, connector or ground bulletin for this code and my VIN, in the maker's service information? Please check it, and any stored history codes, before any part."

Route 3 · The solenoid or oil control valve and its screen — $150 to $400, median owner figure $582.50

What it is. The solenoid (the oil control valve) is the small electric valve that sends oil to the phaser. A speck of debris or a torn screen can hold it, and a held valve sets the codes.

What the documents say.

🟢 Cycle it first (Ford). SSM 50067 for 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln: "This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick." and the dealer is told "to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris." before any component diagnosis or replacement of the solenoid. The later SSM 54366 repeats the codes but drops the cause.

🟢 Replace the pair, or only the one (Chrysler, GM, Subaru). Chrysler's 09-009-16, 2016 Grand Cherokee and Durango 3.6L built by February 16, 2016: "This bulletin involves replacing both left and right intake variable valve timing solenoids due to multiple DTCs." GM's PIP5096B for P0014 and P0024: check the engine sticker for an A, then "replace the OCV/Cam Actuator Solenoid Valve with a replacement 'service' valve" and "DO NOT JUST SWAP FROM ANOTHER LOCATION." Subaru's 02-132-12R: "Swap the Oil Control Solenoid Valves side-to-side", and replace the valve only if the fault follows it; if it stays on the bank, "Replace the suspect camshaft sprocket with a new part."

🟢 A batch of weak valves. Jaguar Land Rover SSM74160: "a number of Variable Valve Timing Solenoids have not been manufactured in accordance with the required specification", and "If the manufactured date is prior to 180823xxxxx (23rd August 2018), do not fit to the vehicle and order another valve." A later JLR action to renew both VCT solenoids (H299 on Jaguar, N481 on Land Rover, different part numbers) closed on October 31, 2022.

🟢 Screens. Chrysler 18-011-25 Rev. C, 2024 Wrangler 2.0L: "Remove and inspect both OCVs for torn screens Fig. 1 and Fig. 2."; the OCVs are replaced only if torn.

What the owners report. The valve or solenoid is the named cause in 192 complaints (Chevrolet 65, Mercedes 18, Ford 17, Kia 14, Hyundai 13); 90 stalled and 48 say the fault came back. A Ram 1500 owner: "I have had my Dodge Ram 1500 in the shop from November 2022 through September 2023 five different times for defective camshafts vvt solenoids oil control valves." A Malibu owner could not get the part: "NOT ONE CHEVY DEALER IN THE COUNTRY HAS THE PART." Owners report 20 dollar figures here, median $582.50, and the top figure, $8,500, is a quoted oil control valve job where the owner wrote that "the transmission must be removed to repair the vehicle"; the next two are Mercedes cam solenoid figures of $8,000, one billed and one an owner's estimate.

The cheap cause that gets skipped. The cycle test, and the second solenoid. Ford prints the cycling step first and Chrysler replaces the pair. GM says to fit a new service valve and not to move one from another position; Subaru prints a swap test that tells a bad valve from a bad sprocket before a sprocket is replaced.

Fix it yourself. Rarely: on some engines the valve is on top, on others behind the front cover or the transmission. Ask for the printed part number and date code.

At the shop — say this: "Which solenoid or oil control valve is tied to my stored code, was the Ford cycle test or the maker's swap test run, and does a date-code or sticker check apply? Please replace only that part."

Route 4 · The timing chain set: chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,500 to $4,000

What it is. The chain carries the engine's valve timing from the crank to the cams. When the chain stretches, a guide breaks or a tensioner collapses, the cam falls behind the crank. On many engines a jumped or broken chain can bend valves; 65 complaints mention bent valves.

What the documents say.

🟢 A stretched chain, confirmed by a number. Ford TSB 17-0026, P0016 on 2011-2014 F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost built by October 10, 2014: "This concern may be due to a worn primary timing chain." and "If VCT_INT_ACT1 PID reads +6 degrees or greater, proceed to Step 4." Volkswagen's Tech Tip 10-18-01TT: "If seven or more splines are visible: the camshaft timing chain must be replaced." BMW's N63 check: "The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls." (SI B11 16 14).

🟢 A kit, and no other parts. GM 12-06-01-009F for the 3.6L High Feature V6 with P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019: "Idler gears, camshaft actuators, crankshaft driven gears and timing chain guides are being replaced unnecessarily and are not worn and should not be replaced." Guides "should only be replaced in cases where the guide wear block surface is worn down into the base friction material."

🟢 A broken part behind a chain code. GM 17-NA-272: "This may be caused by a broken engine crank sprocket caused by incomplete machining." and "Failure of the sprocket will cause the timing chain to stop moving or break." On 28 listed Cadillac VINs, once the sprocket is verified, the repair is an engine. GM PIP3423M: check "for loose timing chains or tensioners", and if the service-information diagnosis finds no cause, a crankshaft sensor ring that may have moved is cured by replacing the crankshaft. GM 20-NA-085: P0018 and P0019 on some 3.6L engines built January 2019 to March 2020 may come from a missing chain guide insert.

🟢 Free repairs that existed. GM special coverage 11340C: "Dealers are to replace the timing chain." for "10 years or 120,000 miles" on 2007-2009 vehicles; by our computation it has run out for almost every car. Nissan's Juke campaign P4213 and Infiniti's P6305 have ended (Infiniti: "Claims submitted for repair orders opened after this date will be rejected."). BMW's N20 and N26 chain and oil pump chain extension covers "7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date" (SIB 11 03 17); the Audi and Volkswagen 2.0L chain and tensioner extension covers 10 years or 100,000 miles (Audi's bulletin pays only a share of a damaged engine, falling with age and mileage) (AWA-18-15). Both have run out for almost every car in October 2026 by our arithmetic (the clock starts at the in-service date, which a dealer confirms by VIN).

🟢 What NHTSA found. In its investigation EA06-009 of 2001 Saturn L-Series cars (2.2L engines built November 2000 to February 2001), NHTSA recorded chain failures that stalled the engine while driving with no restart, and about one in five stalls leaving the driver unable to get out of traffic; GM's recall 07V-519 replaced the chains with redesigned parts.

What the owners report. The chain set is the named cause in 2,499 of the 6,430 complaints, led by the Chevrolet Equinox (216), Ford F-150 (175), Chevrolet Traverse (171) and GMC Terrain (132). 1,105 of the 2,499 (44%) describe a stall, a loss of power or a no-start, 769 (31%) report engine damage, 706 mention a recall, bulletin or coverage program and 358 say it came back. A Traverse owner described the stop: "PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF CAR. ATTEMPTED ONE RESTART BUT THE ENGINE SOUNDED ROUGH SO SHUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. MECHANIC FOUND 3 CODES RELATED TO THE TIMING CHAIN AND METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL AND FILTER."

The cheap cause that gets skipped. The proof. Ford wants an angle reading, Volkswagen a spline count, BMW a test plan, GM a look for loose chains before it blames the crank ring.

Fix it yourself. No: a mistake in timing the chain can damage the engine. Ask for the maker's reading and a written reason.

At the shop — say this: "What measurement shows the chain is stretched on my engine, what was it, and did you check the oil, solenoids and the crank and cam sensor signals first? Please list the parts: for GM's 2007-2012 3.6L V6 the maker says not to replace the sprockets, actuators or guides without cause."

Route 5 · The cam phaser, and the engine it can take with it — $300 to $900 in parts plus teardown, or up to $13,000

What it is. The phaser is the oil-driven unit on the end of a cam that turns the cam against the chain. When its lock pin, bolts, seal or stopper fails, the cam moves wrong and the engine rattles, runs rough or stops. If it breaks up inside the engine, the bill is an engine. This is where most of the recalls are.

What the documents say.

🟢 Recalls on phaser bolts and screws. BMW's 14V-176 and 23V-707: in 23V-707, "The VANOS assembly (engine) bolts may, over time, loosen, and eventually break." The 23V-707 Q&A: if the car stalls, runs rough or makes unusual noise, "you should carefully move away from traffic and pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Do not continue to drive your vehicle."; asked whether it can keep driving before the recall appointment, the same Q&A answers yes and asks for an appointment as soon as possible. The dealer is told "Do not automatically replace both VANOS assemblies if only one unit has a loose and/or broken bolt(s)." Toyota's 13V-395: the intake VVT gear housing and sprocket "could separate and result in the engine stopping while the vehicle is being driven, increasing the risk of a crash." Porsche's 17V-368 camshaft controller screws.

🟢 Noise bulletins. Ford 21N03, 3.5L EcoBoost: "This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up." The program replaced all four phasers: "NOTE: Do not replace any additional VCT or engine timing related components." Ford's TSB 20-2315 (2017-2020 F-150, 2018-2020 Expedition and Navigator built on or before October 31, 2019, a tick or rattle of 2 to 5 seconds after a cold soak) adds "Customers should continue to drive vehicles while parts are on order." Ford's 21N03 letter says this noise does not affect safety; a new loud knock that changes with revs or load, or any sign in the triage box, is still a tow. Honda's 09-010: "The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective."

🟢 Parts failing inside. Land Rover LTB00916NAS5 (LR2, Discovery Sport, Evoque): the stopper in the intake VCT actuator can detach, with "P0016, P0017, P0026, or P0341", and Jaguar's JTB00480NAS3 adds a hand-rotation test (the exhaust unit turns with more resistance, the intake unit with less) "to prevent misdiagnosis". On a Bentley V8T with the lamp on and a stored code, any adjuster with a date code before 09T08 (September 8, 2016) is replaced with its control valve (2047762/3). Mercedes extended the M271 camshaft adjuster warranty (C250 2012-2014, C250 Coupe and SLK250 2012-2015) from 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (extension).

🟢 When the cam or the block is the cause. GM PIP5921A, 2.7L turbo trucks and CT4-V: if loose cover plate screws damaged the cam carrier face, "replacement of the engine assembly and turbochager [sic] will be recommended due to metal debris in the engine from Cam Carrier face."; if the face is not damaged and the oil is clean, only the intake actuator, any necessary parts and an oil and filter change. GM 19-NA-212, a crank/no-start tip for V8 cars and trucks that names no trouble code: "If the cam sprocket locator pin has sheared, engine replacement is required." Honda's two 2023 hybrid emissions recall bulletins 23-048 and 23-049: inspect the block markings and, if needed, replace the short block and catalytic converter after Honda Tech Line approval.

What the owners report. The cam phaser or VVT unit is the named cause in 1,104 complaints (Ford 593, BMW 138, Honda 134, Mercedes 40), and 608 of them (55%) describe a noise; 531 mention a recall, bulletin or program and 218 say the fault came back. The engine is the end in 379 (Kia 67, Chevrolet 59, GMC 44, Hyundai 43, Ford 40), and 378 of those report engine damage. A Ford F-150 owner: "The failure would cause the vehicle to stall while driving. The dealership replaced them for $4945.26." A BMW 335i owner: "VANOS BOLTS BACKED OUT AFTER RECALL SERVICE REPLACEMENT COMPLETED. VEHICLE WENT INTO SAFE MODE ON THE FREEWAY SUDDENLY."

The cheap cause that gets skipped. The recall and the extension lookup. Four recalls in this file are about phasers or their bolts and screws (BMW twice, Toyota and Porsche), each free where the VIN qualifies, and Mercedes and BMW ran extensions for the same parts. On those BMW, Toyota and Porsche cars, a phaser job quoted before the VIN is checked can be a free repair.

Fix it yourself. No: the phaser sits behind the front cover under chain tension. Write down the noise, its length and when it happens.

At the shop — say this: "Is a recall, extension or special coverage open on my VIN for the phasers or their bolts? If the maker prints a replace-all-four rule, please show it; if only one bank is at fault, please say which part the stored code points to."

The coverage file: is there a recall, and which programs still run in October 2026

No safety-recall filing prints P0017, P0012 or P0018. The filings of recalls on these parts contain none of the three codes (the Chrysler 16V-907 chronology names P0335 and P0339). NHTSA's own text for the BMW recall says "Loose or broken VANOS housing bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash." (23V-707 acknowledgment). Honda's emissions recall bulletins do print P0017; they are dealer bulletins for one block fault, listed below.

The status column is our computation as of October 2026 from the terms each document prints; none prints your car's in-service date, so a dealer confirms it by VIN. End dates for the Ford, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover programs come from the later supplements and closure notices in the sources.

BMW, and what "free" covers and leaves out. 🟢 Revision 8 of the dealer bulletin (SIB 11 09 23) warns the dealer that these old, high-mileage cars can arrive with other engine issues, and that "You may be required to identify, diagnose, and address these other engine issues before you can start performing the VANOS bolts' recall remedy repair that applies." and that "this corresponding repair work is not covered by this Recall." Revision 8 also tells the dealer that when bolt heads fall into the engine, "the most likely resulting consequential issue is damage to the oil pump chain drive and/or the timing chain drive", and that work "required due to being a direct result of the issue" is claimed under the recall, with the reason written on the repair order. Ask which of the two your repair order is.

Toyota and Lexus. 🟢 The dealer notice names the early sign: a rattle of about one second at a cold start (dealer notice and owner Q&A).

What is not covered. 🟢 Ford's 21N03 extended cam-phaser coverage until January 1, 2023 in its last supplement (Supplement #4, for vehicles that had the 21B10 reflash by February 28, 2022; September 1, 2022 in the March 2021 letter) as "a one-time repair program", one repair per vehicle with mileage proration. Chrysler's 09-022-23 rapid-service update expires 18 months after issue (May 16, 2025). 🟢 BMW says the N63 chain check is "NOT mandatory", to be done "based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule".

What 6,766 complaints about timing codes and cam noise show

How we went through them. The complaints are those in NHTSA's file received from 2015 through early October 2026 that matched searches for a camshaft-timing code in any spelling, the timing chain with a symptom, a cam phaser or valve timing part with a symptom, or the word correlation with a crank or cam context: 3,549 from the first search and 3,217 added by an independent completeness check. Every complaint was sorted twice, independently, by the same written rules, fixed before the sorting; the two sortings matched on the category for 6,063 of 6,766 (90%). 6,430 were about a timing-chain, cam-phaser or cam-timing event on the owner's car; 336 were not: a match on the word chain or correlation in a brake, airbag, throttle or transmission complaint, a list, news or lawsuit text with no fault on the car, or a timing belt with no cam-timing code. Every disagreement was settled under written rules, and a final check changed 158 entries on which the two sortings had agreed, because the cause came from the owner and no shop or part was named.

Is the timing chain usually the cause of a P0017, P0012 or P0018 warning, and how often does it come back? PulsCar went through 6,766 complaints from 2015 to 4 October 2026 that matched searches for timing codes, chain, phaser and valve-timing words, each sorted twice, independently, by the same written rules; 6,430 describe a timing-chain, cam-phaser or cam-timing event on the owner's car, and only 610 of them print a family code. The chain set ends as the named cause in 2,499 of those, 39%. A cam phaser or VVT unit is named in 1,104, an engine in 379, a solenoid in 192 and oil in 127; in 1,843 nothing was diagnosed. 972 owners (15%) report that the fault came back or the repair did not hold. The shares describe owners who wrote to NHTSA, not every car with a light. The deciding fact for a car is a reading, not a count.

Which code. Owners print P0017 in 179 complaints, P0016 in 170, P0014 in 156, P0011 in 111, P0012 in 42, P0018 in 39. P0017 owners end at the chain in 50, at nothing diagnosed in 76 and at an engine in 18 and at a sensor in 3; the other 32 name oil, a solenoid, a phaser, software, another cause or a check that found nothing.

Recalls and programs. 2,063 mention a recall, a campaign or a coverage program (32%). Owners name BMW's 23V-707 in 64 complaints, 14V-176 in 29, Toyota's 13V-395 in 11, GM's 07V-519 in 5 and Porsche's 17V-368 in 4.

Safety. 2,356 describe a stall, a loss of power, limp mode or a no-start (37%) and 1,548 engine damage (24%). In NHTSA's own fields 25 are marked as a crash, 25 as a fire, 18 report an injury (28 people) and 334 a tow; nine stalls are also marked as a crash. One record carries 40 deaths and 38 injuries in its fields but its text is a video link, so we leave it out.

When and how old. Median model year 2013; among 3,929 with a mileage from 1,000 to 400,000 the median is 89,000 (chain 91,000, phaser 80,000).

What owners say they paid

Of the 6,430 relevant complaints, 1,191 state a dollar figure tied to the repair, 1,403 figures in all: 870 quotes, 250 bills, 171 amounts paid, 81 where the narrative does not say and 31 offers or shares. The figures are what owners wrote, not audited invoices, and we publish them with NHTSA complaint numbers.

The $56,000 is a dealer quote to repair an engine that a second shop traced to a failed tensioner or guide, which the owner called "OBVIOUSLY WAY TOO HIGH"; the $48,000 is a BMW quote for a new engine and fuel system. The $42.58 is the price of one of two solenoids an owner replaced without fixing the fault.

Why P0017 comes back after a repair

It was not the part. 972 owners report that the fault came back or the repair did not hold. In 55 cases a shop cleared the code and found nothing. In the 38 where software or a campaign procedure was the only repair, 22 came back.

The recall may fix the bolts and not the rest (Trap 2). A BMW 335i owner wrote that the bolts backed out again after the recall repair, and a Ford Expedition owner that the failure recurred after what they called a cold-start rattle recall.

The oil. A phaser replaced in an engine whose oil is low or carries metal may fail again.

A relearn that was skipped. 🟢 One Kia bulletin (2017-2018 Forte, P0016) ends its reset with "at least 2 drive cycles" to confirm proper operation; Chrysler wants the cam and crank variation relearn after any powertrain repair; Volkswagen has a separate tech tip for the chain elongation adaptation reset after a chain replacement (15-20-01TT).

Can you drive with P0017, P0012 or P0018?

The same rule applies everywhere in this guide; it is our advice, and BMW is the one maker whose owner letters tell drivers to stop driving. Stop and tow: the engine stalled or shut off, lost power or dropped into reduced power or limp mode, runs rough, will not restart, has a new loud knock or clack (or one that changes with revs or load), grinds, shows an oil-pressure warning, or the check-engine light is flashing. Shop within days: a steady light, normal driving, no new noise; check the oil level today (if the dipstick shows no oil at all, do not drive and have it towed). On a 2010-2013 BMW under 23V-707, unusual engine noise alone means pull over and have it transported, as BMW's letter says. 🟢 BMW's 23V-707 recall Q&A tells owners to pull over and not continue to drive when symptoms appear, and in the same list answers "Q4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle? Yes. However, when you are notified by BMW of this Safety Recall, please contact an authorized BMW center to schedule an appointment as soon as possible." (the 23V-707 dealer package). 🟢 NHTSA's Saturn investigation EA06-009 (2001 L-Series, 2.2L) closed after GM determined that "THE DEFECT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING WITH NO RESTART.", and GM says that on a list of 28 Cadillacs a broken crank sprocket makes the chain stop or break. A steady light is therefore not permission to wait for months, and Ford's "Customers should continue to drive vehicles while parts are on order." covers noise bulletins on two EcoBoost engines, not a stall.

Should you buy a used car with a P0017 history?

🟢 Which part was named, and by whom? Was the oil level and pressure checked? Is a recall or extension open or closed on this VIN, and did the closed work include more than bolts? For BMW 2010-2013, Lexus GS and IS 350 and Porsche Cayenne and Panamera, ask for the recall record.

Clearing P0017 before an inspection

Will P0017 make you fail an emissions inspection, and what should you do before the test? PulsCar went through 685 distinct manufacturer documents and investigation records and 6,766 complaints: no document says P0017, P0012 or P0018 alone fails a test, but Honda writes that its 2023 hybrid block fault "may affect a vehicle's compliance with California and Federal emissions standards", and Toyota and Lexus fix P05CE00 under the Federal Emission Warranty. Many stations read the lamp and the readiness monitors, and one Kia bulletin (2017-2018 Forte, P0016) ends its reset with at least two drive cycles to confirm proper operation. Before the test, check the oil level, look up your VIN for recalls, let the shop read and write down the codes, and drive several normal trips after any repair instead of clearing the code and heading to the station. Ask the station what it reads, and keep the repair order that shows what was done.

Three P0017 traps the documents warn about

Trap 1 · Replacing what the code names. The code names a correlation, not a part. A chain job quoted from the code alone runs $1,500 to $4,000 by our estimate, while a solenoid cycle, a relearn or an oil change is a fraction of that.

Trap 2 · Treating a closed recall as a repaired engine. BMW's bolts are free, and damage that is a direct result of them is claimed under the recall; unrelated engine repairs are not covered. Ask what was done, what was found, and which of the two your repair order is.

Trap 3 · Clearing the code to hide a noise. A cleared code leaves the dealer and the inspection station nothing to read, and a cold-start rattle is the early sign Toyota prints for its Lexus recall.

The P0017 plan: 10 minutes, today, this week

Today (10 minutes). Check the oil level and your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, write down the code with its six-character form, the bank and any other codes, the noise and when it happens, and the mileage. This week. If the car is still under a new-car or powertrain warranty, start at the dealer. Ask for the maker's printed fix for your engine, the oil pressure result and the stored history codes in writing before approving any chain or phaser work.

These are composite scenarios, not individual customers: a Ford F-150 owner with a cold-start rattle who finds an ended program and a quote for four phasers; a 2011 BMW owner whose recall bolts have not been replaced yet; a Chevrolet Equinox owner with an oil-hungry engine and a chain code who is quoted a chain before anyone checks the dipstick. They use only facts and price ranges already in this article.

Sources and documents

Primary documents only. Where a claim in this guide is marked 🟢, it rests on one of the items below. Claims marked ⚪ are shop-price estimates carried from PulsCar's repair guides, not measurements from a dataset we own.

1. Ford: SSM 49583, SSM 50067, TSB 16-0038, TSB 17-0026, TSB 19-2140, 21N03 with Supplement #4, 21B10, 21B26, TSB 20-2315, TSB 23-2049.
2. General Motors: PIP3423M, PIP4945B, PIP5568E, PIP5598D, PIP5096B, PIP5921A, 12-06-01-009F, 17-NA-272, 19-NA-150, 19-NA-212, 20-NA-085, 11340C, N232430470.
3. Chrysler and Karma: 09-009-16, 18-011-25 Rev. C, 09-022-23, Karma TB-17-12-01; recalls 16V-907, 18V-049.
4. Honda, Toyota, Lexus: 23-048, 23-049, 09-010, L-SB-0025-24, LSC 9LH, recall 13V-395 with its Part 573, dealer notice and quarterly report.
5. BMW: recalls 14V-176 and 23V-707, acknowledgment, owner letter, dealer package, SIB 11 09 23 Rev. 8, quarterly report, SI B12 08 18, SIB 11 02 08, SI B11 16 14, SIB 11 03 17, SIB 11 03 17 Rev. 6, MINI settlement notice.
6. Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Bentley: 15-22-01TT, 10-18-01TT, 15-20-01TT, AWA-18-15, 2062862/1, 2047762/3, Porsche recall 17V-368, Porsche noise bulletin, Audi TSB 2039995/2.
7. Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes: Kia ENG 170, PS731, Tech Times 17-3, Mazda 01-016/19, Subaru 02-137-12, 02-132-12R, 02-163-16R, Nissan P4213, Infiniti P6305, NTB14-030e, Jaguar JTB00480NAS3, LTB00916NAS5, SSM74160, Land Rover SSM62857, NAS22.02.002, JLR closure notice, Mercedes M271 extension, Mazda 01-007/15, 01-014/19, 01-021/19, 2025 CX-90 bulletin.
8. NHTSA investigation: EA06-009, from NHTSA's investigation file.
9. PulsCar analysis of NHTSA public data, October 2026: 6,766 complaints sorted twice by the same written rules; owner-reported amounts; the document list. Complaints, amounts, documents, the sorting rules and how we did it.

For the neighboring pages: P0016, P0011, P0014, P0335, P0340, timing chain replacement cost, oil change cost, how to reset a check engine light and the check engine light guide.

Methodology. The complaint set (6,766 complaints received from 2015 to 4 October 2026, in two batches of 3,549 and 3,217; 6,430 relevant) and the twofold sorting are described under "What 6,766 complaints about timing codes and cam noise show". The documents are 708 files (685 distinct, 23 exact copies): 625 from NHTSA's index of manufacturer communications, 77 recall files and 6 investigation records; 13 scanned recall letters were taken from page images.

Prices verified July to October 2026 in the repair guides they are carried from and in the owner reports above, and reviewed quarterly. Technical documents verified October 2026: the 685 distinct documents we went through, listed in our published file.

Had P0017, P0012 or P0018 cleared by oil, software, a solenoid or a recall, or a recall refused? Email [email protected] with the vehicle, mileage and outcome.