P0014 on Nissan
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
P0014 on Nissan vehicles indicates exhaust camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 6 Nissan models — most commonly on Frontier, Juke, Pathfinder. P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. Typical repair costs on Nissan range from $800 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0014
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation
- •Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid)
- •Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages
- •Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator
- •Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve
- •Stretched timing chain or jumped timing
- •Camshaft position sensor fault giving incorrect reading
P0014 on Nissan by Model
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 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 P0014 on a different make?
View P0014 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0014 mean on Nissan?▼
P0014 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. On Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 6 models.
What causes P0014 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid), Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator, Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0014 on a Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $800 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0014 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0014 on 6 Nissan models: Frontier, Juke, Pathfinder, Sentra, Titan, Xterra.