P0011: Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
112 vehicles · 25 makes · $50-$32,000 repair
Most Reported On
P0011 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1).” P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. This code is most commonly reported on 2015-2023 Ford Mustang (GT, GT Premium, Bullitt, Mach 1), 2008-2014 Volkswagen Golf (GTI, GTI Autobahn, GTI S, GTI SE, Golf R, R, R32), and 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S (John Cooper Works, S), plus 109 other vehicles, with repair costs ranging from $50 to $32,000.
Common Causes
Typical Repair Cost
Based on 134 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0011, you'll need an OBD-II scanner. Here are our recommendations at every price point.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple, affordable code reader that reads and clears check engine codes. Great for quick diagnostics on any OBD-II vehicle (1996+).
- Read & clear engine codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with a free companion app. Provides enhanced diagnostics, smog readiness, and repair reports sourced from a database of verified fixes.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
A professional-grade handheld scanner that reads all four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level diagnostic tablet with bi-directional control, active tests, and full system coverage. Ideal for serious DIYers and small shops.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
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Vehicles Affected (112)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.2L V6 & 4.2L V8)
B6/B7 4.2L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.2 / 1.4 TFSI (EA111) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.0T Supercharged)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (4.2L V8 & 3.0T)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Catastrophic Engine Damage)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Class Action Settlement)
VANOS Solenoid/System Issues
S55 Crank Hub Slip/Failure
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure
S55 Crank Hub Bolt Loosening
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure
VANOS Solenoid Oil Sludge Buildup
B48 Timing Chain Tensioner Weakness
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - 428i F32/F33/F36
E39 M5 VANOS Solenoid/Seal Failure Causing Rattle, Power Loss, and Check Engine Lights
B38 Turbocharger & Timing Chain Issues - High Mileage
Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Tensioner Noise on the S62 V8
N20 Timing Chain & Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F25 xDrive28i
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F26 X4 xDrive28i
N63 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Failure - xDrive50i
VANOS Solenoid & System Failure - E85/E89 Z4 (All Engines)
VANOS High-Pressure Pump & Line Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - E60 M5
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure (Catastrophic) - xDrive50i
S63 VANOS Solenoid Failure - E70/F85/F95 X5 M
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F30 320i/328i
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (E71/F16 xDrive50i)
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F10 528i
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure & Valve Stem Seals (Catastrophic)
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (F12/F13 650i)
N63TU3 Timing Chain Guide Wear (M850i)
S55 Crank Hub Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - M2 Competition
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - E84 X1
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F22/F23 228i
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - XTS
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Issues (XT5 V6 models)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - SRX
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (ATS V6 models)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Concern (XT6)
2.4L Ecotec Timing Chain Premature Failure
Water Pump Failure (3.6L V6)
Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Guide Failure
2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil
5.0L Coyote Engine Tick/Knock Noise at Idle
5.4L 3V Triton Cam Phaser and Timing Chain Failure
5.0L Coyote Cam Phaser Tick/Rattle
3.5L EcoBoost First-Gen Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
Water Pump Leak/Failure (3.5L EcoBoost)
3.5L EcoBoost V6 VCT Cam Phaser Rattle on Cold Start
3.5L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and VCT Phaser Rattle
Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost
3.5L Duratec Cam Phaser Rattle
VTC Actuator Failure - Cold Start Rattle
Timing Chain VTC Actuator Rattle on Cold Start (8th Gen)
K24 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure - VTC Actuator Rattle (3rd Gen)
Critical Timing Belt and Water Pump Service
Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A)
Timing Chain / VVEL Rattle and Front Timing Cover Oil Leaks on VQ37VHR
VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
VQ37VHR Timing Chain Noise
Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Noise
Timing Chain Guide Wear / Chain Noise
Timing Chain Stretch on 3.7L V6
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator Failure
VVT Actuator Failure and Timing Chain Stretch
VVT Actuator Failure
Cam Adjuster Solenoid Failure
Timing Chain Variator Noise on M276/M278 Engines
M270/M274 Timing Chain Stretch & Tensioner Wear (Cold-Start Rattle)
Cold-Start Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Rattle
N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure
N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Valve Cover and VANOS Solenoid Oil Leaks
Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (N18/B48 Engines)
ALL4 AWD Coupling Wear and Timing Chain
N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
N18 Timing Chain and Turbo Oil Line Leak
VANOS Solenoid Issues (N18/B48 Engines)
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE)
Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine)
Timing Chain Guide Failure (VK56DE Engine)
Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (MR20DD Engine)
Timing Chain Stretch (MR16DDT Engine)
Timing Chain Rattle and Failure (QR25DE 4-Cylinder)
KA24DE Timing Chain Guide Wear and Rattle
KA24E Timing Chain Guide Failure
VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
EA888 Gen1/Gen2 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (TSI)
2.5L 5-Cylinder Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
VR6 3.6L Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure
1.2 TSI (EA111) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure
VR6 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.8T Engine Oil Sludge Formation
2.5L I5 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
FAQ
What does P0011 mean?
P0011 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy.
What are the most common causes of P0011?
The most common causes of P0011 are: Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced, Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change, Wiring or connector fault to the VVT solenoid, Faulty camshaft position sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0011?
Repair costs for P0011 range from $50 to $32,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0011?
Au7o has documented P0011 across 112 vehicle models from 25 manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Saturn, Skoda, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen.
Sources (12)
- videoEricTheCarGuy - Timing Chain Replacement on 3.7L Mazda CX-9
- NHTSANHTSA Complaint #11415968
- TSBAudi TSB - Timing Chain Tensioner Update
- articleHow to Fix the Cam Timing System in Ford's Troublesome Modular 3-Valve V8
- ForumFord Expedition Forum - 5.4L 3V Mileage vs. Symptoms Thread
- articleFord Triton Timing Chain Problem and Solution - FixMyOldRide
- mediaCarTruckInfo: Chevy Traverse And GMC Acadia Timing Chain Problems
- ForumGM Inside News: 3.6L timing chain error p0008
- ForumAcadia Forum: P0017 Code Timing Chains?
- mediaGoTech: GM 3.6L Timing Chain Problems Symptoms, Codes & Fix
- ForumAcadia Forum: Timing change stretch codes P0011 P0016 and P0017
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.