P0008 on Buick
Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1
P0008 on Buick vehicles indicates engine position system performance - bank 1. Au7o has documented this code across 5 Buick models — most commonly on Cascada, Enclave, Encore. P0008 means the engine computer detected that Bank 1 of the engine is timed incorrectly relative to where it should be — specifically, the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions on that bank is off. The 'Engine Position System' refers to the components (timing chain/belt, sprockets, tensioners, and the variable valve timing actuators) that keep the camshafts synchronized with the crankshaft. When the computer commands a timing position but the sensors report the bank is out of the expected range, it sets this code. It generally signals a mechanical timing problem on Bank 1 that can affect performance and, if severe, risk internal engine damage. Typical repair costs on Buick range from $1,200 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0008
- •Stretched or worn timing chain
- •Failed or worn timing chain guides or tensioner
- •Faulty camshaft position (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting timing actuator operation
- •Jumped or mistimed timing chain/belt after service
- •Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
- •Clogged oil control valve or oil passages
P0008 on Buick by Model
Buick Cascada(1 issue)
- Cascada 1.6L Turbo (Opel SIDI) Timing Chain & Carbon Buildup2016-2019
The German-built Buick Cascada uses the Opel 1.6L SIDI turbo (A16XHT family). Same engine family is documented for timing chain stretch on Opel Astra K and Insignia. Direct-injection design also leads to intake valve carbon buildup typically by 70,000-100,000 miles, causing misfire and rough running.
Buick Enclave(2 issues)
- Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption2008-2012
Early Enclaves (2008-2012, plus shared Traverse/Acadia/Outlook) with the 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 share LaCrosse's timing chain stretch and a separate excessive-oil-consumption issue. The PCV system pulls oil into the intake, intake valves carbon up (no port injection to wash them), and the chain wears prematurely from stretched OLM intervals.
- Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V62008-2013
The 3.6L (and 2.8L) high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged the defect (occurring even with regular oil changes) and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected engines.
Buick Encore(1 issue)
- Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch2013-2022
The 1.4L Turbo LUJ (2011-2015) and LUV (2016+) in Encore — and shared Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax — develops timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. Cold-start rattle, then misfire codes, then risk of chain skip. Same engine family used in Opel Astra J (Astra Adam Mokka — see prior Opel issues).
Buick LaCrosse(2 issues)
- LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch2010-2016
The GM 3.6L LLT (2007-2011) and LFX (2012+) "High Feature" V6 in LaCrosse, Enclave, Acadia, Traverse, CTS, Cadillac SRX, and many others suffers timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-150,000 miles. Root cause is oil-related — original OLM intervals (up to 12,000 miles) starved the chain of fresh oil. Excessive oil consumption (LLT also has a known consumption issue) accelerates wear.
- 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear2010-2012
The GM 3.6L V6 (LY7/LLT, and to a lesser extent the early LFX) used in the second-generation LaCrosse is prone to premature timing chain wear and stretch, especially on pre-2012 engines. Worn chains throw off cam-to-crank correlation, setting timing codes and, if neglected, can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. The problem is worsened by extended oil-change intervals and a marginal PCV system that accelerates oil contamination.
Buick Regal(2 issues)
- Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch2011-2017
The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.
- Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)2011-2013
On 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage including bent valves and lost compression, often with little or no warning. Owners report failures as early as ~35,000 miles, sometimes just outside the powertrain warranty. Contributing factors include the early oil-life-monitor intervals being too long for this soot-heavy DI engine (GM later shortened recommended intervals).
Looking for P0008 on a different make?
View P0008 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0008 mean on Buick?▼
P0008 stands for "Engine Position System Performance - Bank 1." P0008 means the engine computer detected that Bank 1 of the engine is timed incorrectly relative to where it should be — specifically, the relationship between the crankshaft and camshaft positions on that bank is off. The 'Engine Position System' refers to the components (timing chain/belt, sprockets, tensioners, and the variable valve timing actuators) that keep the camshafts synchronized with the crankshaft. When the computer commands a timing position but the sensors report the bank is out of the expected range, it sets this code. It generally signals a mechanical timing problem on Bank 1 that can affect performance and, if severe, risk internal engine damage. On Buick specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P0008 on Buick vehicles?▼
Common causes on Buick: Stretched or worn timing chain, Failed or worn timing chain guides or tensioner, Faulty camshaft position (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting timing actuator operation, Jumped or mistimed timing chain/belt after service. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0008 on a Buick?▼
Repair costs on Buick range from $1,200 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Buick models have P0008 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0008 on 5 Buick models: Cascada, Enclave, Encore, LaCrosse, Regal.