P0011 on Nissan
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0011 on Nissan vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 8 Nissan models — most commonly on 240SX, Frontier, Hardbody. 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 Nissan range from $400 to $4,000, 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 Nissan by Model
Nissan 240SX(1 issue)
- KA24DE Timing Chain Guide Wear and Rattle1991-1998
The KA24DE engine in the 240SX uses a single timing chain with plastic-backed guides that wear and crack over time. As the guides deteriorate, the chain develops excessive slack, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start and eventually leading to jumped timing if left unaddressed. The upper guide (tensioner side) fails first, typically between 100,000-150,000 miles. A jumped timing chain can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage on this interference engine.
Nissan Frontier(2 issues)
- Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure (VQ40DE)2005-2019
The Nissan Frontier VQ40DE 4.0L V6 is notorious for timing chain guide and tensioner failure, typically occurring between 80,000-130,000 miles. The plastic chain guides deteriorate and break apart, causing chain rattle and potential engine damage. This is one of the most well-known issues with the Frontier. Nissan issued a Service Campaign for some model years.
- Timing Chain Rattle and Failure (QR25DE 4-Cylinder)2005-2012
The 4-cylinder QR25DE engine in the Frontier is prone to timing chain tensioner and guide failure, separate from the VQ40DE V6 issue. The primary timing chain tensioner loses pressure, allowing chain slack that causes a distinctive rattle on startup. If ignored, the chain can skip timing and cause valve damage. This issue typically manifests between 100,000-150,000 miles and is exacerbated by extended oil change intervals.
Nissan Hardbody(1 issue)
- KA24E Timing Chain Guide Failure1990-1997
The KA24E (single-cam) engine in the Nissan Hardbody (D21) pickup uses plastic-backed timing chain guides that become brittle and break with age and heat exposure. When the guides fail, the timing chain develops excessive slack, causing a loud rattle on startup and potential timing jump. The KA24E is an interference engine, so a jumped timing chain can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. Preventive guide replacement is recommended at 100,000+ miles.
Nissan Juke(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch (MR16DDT Engine)2011-2017
The Juke MR16DDT engine timing chain stretches prematurely, especially with irregular oil changes. The chain tensioner cannot compensate for excessive stretch, leading to timing issues and potential engine damage. This is more common in the turbo engine than in other Nissan 1.6L variants.
Nissan Pathfinder(1 issue)
- VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear2013-2016
The 2013-2016 Pathfinder with the 3.5L VQ35DE engine develops timing chain stretch and chain guide wear, typically after 80,000-120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner, secondary chain tensioners, and plastic chain guides all degrade over time. Stretched chains cause rattling on cold start, timing drift triggering misfire codes, and eventual engine failure if the chain jumps timing. The VQ35DE uses three chains (primary and two secondary), making replacement a complex job requiring 8-12 hours of labor. Infrequent oil changes accelerate chain and guide wear due to inadequate tensioner lubrication.
Nissan Sentra(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (MR20DD Engine)2013-2019
The MR20DD 2.0L engine in the 2013-2019 Sentra suffers from premature timing chain stretch causing a rattling noise on cold start and potential engine damage. The chain tensioner and guides also wear prematurely. If the chain jumps, it can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine failure.
Nissan Titan(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Guide Failure (VK56DE Engine)2004-2015
The Nissan Titan VK56DE 5.6L V8 suffers from premature timing chain guide failure, similar to the Frontier VQ40DE but more expensive to repair. The plastic chain guides crack and break, causing chain rattle and potential catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-150,000 miles. Nissan extended the warranty on some models.
Nissan Xterra(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Guide Failure (VQ40DE Engine)2005-2015
The Xterra VQ40DE 4.0L V6 shares the same timing chain guide failure as the Frontier. The plastic guides deteriorate and shatter, causing chain rattle and potential catastrophic engine damage. This issue typically occurs between 80,000-130,000 miles and is the second most common Xterra problem after SMOD.
Looking for P0011 on a different make?
View P0011 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0011 mean on Nissan?▼
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 Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 8 models.
What causes P0011 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: 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 Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $400 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0011 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0011 on 8 Nissan models: 240SX, Frontier, Hardbody, Juke, Pathfinder, Sentra, Titan, Xterra.