P0011 on Honda
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Honda vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 4 Honda models — most commonly on Civic, CR-V, Element. 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. Typical repair costs on Honda range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0011
- •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
P0011 on Honda by Model
Honda Civic(1 issue)
- Timing Chain VTC Actuator Rattle on Cold Start (8th Gen)2006-2011
The 8th generation Civic (2006-2011) equipped with the R18A and K20Z3 engines suffers from Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator failure causing a loud metallic rattling noise on cold startup that typically lasts 1-5 seconds before oil pressure builds. The actuator locks the cam timing and rattles when the internal ratchet mechanism wears. This is the same issue that plagued the 2006-2011 CR-V. Honda issued TSB 07-010 addressing the noise but stopped short of a recall. Continued driving with a failed VTC actuator can damage the timing chain and guides, leading to catastrophic engine failure.
Honda CR-V(2 issues)
- VTC Actuator Failure - Cold Start Rattle2012-2016
The Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator fails, causing a loud rattling or grinding noise for 1-2 seconds during cold engine startup. The issue is caused by the actuator's internal lock pin not engaging properly. If left unaddressed, this can lead to timing chain wear and potential engine damage.
- K24 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure - VTC Actuator Rattle (3rd Gen)2007-2011
The K24Z2 2.4L engine in the 3rd generation CR-V shares the same Variable Timing Control (VTC) actuator design flaw as the 2006-2011 Civic. The VTC actuator develops internal ratchet mechanism wear causing a loud metallic rattle on cold starts that lasts 1-5 seconds. The hydraulic timing chain tensioner also weakens over time, allowing chain slack. Honda issued TSB 07-010 addressing VTC actuator noise with improved actuator design. Ignored VTC rattles lead to timing chain elongation and guide wear, which can cause catastrophic engine failure on very high-mileage vehicles.
Honda Element(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Rattle on Cold Start (K24A)2003-2011
K24A engine timing chain tensioner wear causes rattling noise on cold start. Many Elements reach 200k+ miles without chain issues - don't replace unless confirmed diagnosis per Element community consensus. If persistent rattling: Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides, and VTC oil control solenoid together (complete kit, not individual parts). Honda TSB 09-10 references VTC actuator issues. Use OEM Honda parts for timing components.
Honda Odyssey(1 issue)
- Critical Timing Belt and Water Pump Service2005-2010
3.5L V6 engine uses interference design with timing belt (not chain). If timing belt breaks, valves collide with pistons causing catastrophic engine damage ($5,000-$8,000). Honda recommends timing belt replacement at 7 years or 105,000 miles. Water pump is driven by timing belt, making simultaneous replacement cost-effective. 2011+ Odysseys use timing chain (no replacement needed).
Looking for P0011 on a different make?
View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Honda?▼
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. On Honda specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0011 on Honda vehicles?▼
Common causes on Honda: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0011 on a Honda?▼
Repair costs on Honda range from $300 to $2,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Honda models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 4 Honda models: Civic, CR-V, Element, Odyssey.