P0012 on Kia
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0012 on Kia vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-retarded (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Kia model — most commonly on Forte. This code means the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the computer commanded — the variable valve timing system isn't reaching its target position. The computer controls camshaft timing through an oil-fed actuator (cam phaser) and a control solenoid; when actual timing lags the desired setting, this code sets. It is commonly caused by oil flow problems (low, dirty, or wrong oil), a stuck solenoid, or a worn cam phaser. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and sometimes rattling on startup. Typical repair costs on Kia range from $90 to $450, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0012
- •Low, dirty, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil
- •Faulty or stuck intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid
- •Worn or stuck camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Clogged solenoid screen or oil passages
- •Wiring or connector problems at the solenoid
- •Timing chain wear or stretch affecting cam timing
- •Faulty camshaft position sensor
P0012 on Kia by Model
Kia Forte(1 issue)
- Intake Oil Control Valve (CVVT Solenoid) Clogging on the 2.0L Nu Setting P0011 With Rough Idle and Stalling2019-2023
On BD-generation Fortes the intake camshaft phaser is commanded by an oil control valve (OCV/CVVT solenoid) mounted in the front of the head. Because the 2.0 Nu is a known oil consumer, the sump often runs low and the remaining oil gets heat-cycled and sludgy; the fine screen and small orifices in the OCV clog, or the solenoid fails electrically. The ECM then commands a phaser position it cannot achieve and sets P0011 - 'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced, Bank 1. Drivers get a rough or hunting idle, a stumble off idle, sometimes a stall at a stop, and a measurable fuel economy loss. Left alone, phaser and chain wear accelerate. This is specifically a BD 2.0 Nu complaint tied to that engine's oil consumption; it is not the same fault as the crankshaft position sensor hot-restart stall.
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What does P0012 mean on Kia?▼
P0012 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." This code means the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the computer commanded — the variable valve timing system isn't reaching its target position. The computer controls camshaft timing through an oil-fed actuator (cam phaser) and a control solenoid; when actual timing lags the desired setting, this code sets. It is commonly caused by oil flow problems (low, dirty, or wrong oil), a stuck solenoid, or a worn cam phaser. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and sometimes rattling on startup. On Kia specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0012 on Kia vehicles?▼
Common causes on Kia: Low, dirty, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil, Faulty or stuck intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Worn or stuck camshaft phaser/actuator, Clogged solenoid screen or oil passages, Wiring or connector problems at the solenoid. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0012 on a Kia?▼
Repair costs on Kia range from $90 to $450, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Kia models have P0012 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0012 on 1 Kia model: Forte.