P0012: Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
85 vehicles · 17 makes
P0012 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1).” The intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the ECU commanded. Similar causes to P0011 but timing is stuck in the retarded position. This code appears across 85 vehicle models from 17 manufacturers.
Common Causes
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0012, 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 (85)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Class Action Settlement)
Excessive Oil Consumption (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.2L V6 & 4.2L V8)
Excessive Oil Consumption (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.0T Supercharged)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (4.2L V8 & 3.0T)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
B6/B7 4.2L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Catastrophic Engine Damage)
Water Pump and Thermostat Failure (Overheating)
VANOS Solenoid/System Issues
VANOS Solenoid Wear and Failure
VANOS Solenoid O-Ring Failure
N55 VANOS Solenoid Failure - 435i/440i F32/F33/F36
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F10 528i
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F26 X4 xDrive28i
N63TU3 Timing Chain Guide Wear (M850i)
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (E71/F16 xDrive50i)
N20 Timing Chain & Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F25 xDrive28i
S63 VANOS Solenoid Failure - E70/F85/F95 X5 M
N63 Turbo Wastegate Rattle (xDrive50i)
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - E84 X1
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F22/F23 228i
VANOS Solenoid Failure (N52, N55 Engines)
VANOS Seal Failure (M52/M54/S52)
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - 428i F32/F33/F36
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F30 320i/328i
VANOS Solenoid Failure (All Engines)
S63 V8 Chronic Oil Leaks (Valve Cover, Oil Pan, Turbo Lines) - E70/F85/F95 X5 M
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure (Catastrophic) - xDrive50i
N63 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Failure - xDrive50i
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (F12/F13 650i)
VANOS Solenoid & System Failure - E85/E89 Z4 (All Engines)
VANOS High-Pressure Pump & Line Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - E60 M5
VANOS Unit Failure (S54 Double-VANOS)
VANOS Solenoid Failure (S65 V8)
B38 Turbocharger & Timing Chain Issues - High Mileage
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure & Valve Stem Seals (Catastrophic)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - SRX
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Issues (XT5 V6 models)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Concern (XT6)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (ATS V6 models)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - XTS
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
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
Coyote Engine Tick/Knock at Startup
3.5L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and VCT Phaser Rattle
3.5L Duratec Cam Phaser Rattle
4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure
6.2L Boss Cam Phaser Knock
Cam Phaser Rattle and Timing Chain Noise on 2.7L/3.0L EcoBoost
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 Stretch on 3.7L V6
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator Failure
VVT Actuator Failure and Timing Chain Stretch
2.3L Turbo Engine Failure from Oil Starvation
Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Actuator Failure
VVT Actuator Failure
N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure
N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Valve Cover and VANOS Solenoid Oil Leaks
VANOS Solenoid Issues (N18/B48 Engines)
N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
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)
KA24E Timing Chain Guide Failure
KA24DE Timing Chain Guide Wear and Rattle
EA888 Gen1/Gen2 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (TSI)
EA888 Gen1/Gen2 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
2.5L 5-Cylinder Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
VR6 3.6L Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure
Camshaft Adjuster (Phaser) Failure
FAQ
What does P0012 mean?
P0012 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." The intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the ECU commanded. Similar causes to P0011 but timing is stuck in the retarded position.
What are the most common causes of P0012?
The most common causes of P0012 are: Faulty VVT solenoid, Worn timing chain, Low oil pressure, Stuck camshaft phaser, Dirty engine oil. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0012?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P0012?
Au7o has documented P0012 across 85 vehicle models from 17 manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, MINI, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.