P0016: Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
171 vehicles · 39 makes · $50-$25,000 repair
Most Reported On
P0016 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A.” P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored. This code is most commonly reported on 2008-2014 Volkswagen Golf (GTI, GTI Autobahn, GTI S, GTI SE, Golf R, R, R32), 2007-2013 MINI Cooper S (John Cooper Works, S), and 2012-2016 Honda CR-V, plus 168 other vehicles, with repair costs ranging from $50 to $25,000.
Common Causes
Typical Repair Cost
Based on 205 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0016, 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 (171)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
B5 S4 2.7T Timing Chain Guide Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (4.2L V8 & 3.0T)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Catastrophic Engine Damage)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.0T Supercharged)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Class Action Settlement)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.2L V6 & 4.2L V8)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (EA888 Gen 1/2 - Mk2 TTS)
B6/B7 4.2L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.2 / 1.4 TFSI (EA111) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Premature timing belt failure on 1.0 / 1.4 TFSI petrol engines
S55 Crank Hub Slip/Failure
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure
S55 Crank Hub Bolt Loosening
N20 Timing Chain and Guide Failure
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (428i)
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure
B48 Timing Chain Tensioner Weakness
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure (Catastrophic) - xDrive50i
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F30 320i/328i
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (E71/F16 xDrive50i)
N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F10 528i
N63 V8 Timing Chain Failure & Valve Stem Seals (Catastrophic)
N63 Timing Chain Stretch & Guide Failure (F12/F13 650i)
N63 Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle & Failure - xDrive50i
N63TU3 Timing Chain Guide Wear (M850i)
S55 Crank Hub Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - M2 Competition
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - E84 X1
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F22/F23 228i
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - 428i F32/F33/F36
N20 Timing Chain Premature Failure - F26 X4 xDrive28i
N20 Timing Chain & Guide Failure (Catastrophic) - F25 xDrive28i
Timing Chain Guide Wear and Chain Tensioner Noise on the S62 V8
B38 Turbocharger & Timing Chain Issues - High Mileage
B38 Three-Cylinder Petrol Timing Chain Stretch / Cold-Start Rattle
Cascada 1.6L Turbo (Opel SIDI) Timing Chain & Carbon Buildup
Encore 1.4L Turbo (LUJ/LUV) Timing Chain Stretch
Enclave 3.6L LLT Timing Chain Stretch + Oil Consumption
Regal 2.0L Turbo (LHU/LTG) Timing Chain Stretch
Stretched/Worn Timing Chain on 3.6L V6
LaCrosse 3.6L LLT/LFX Timing Chain Stretch
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Wear
Timing Chain / Tensioner Failure on 2.0T Turbo (LHU/LNF)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - SRX
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (ATS V6 models)
6.2L L87 Connecting Rod/Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Seizure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Concern (XT6)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - XTS
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
2.0T Engine Timing Chain Tensioner Issues
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Issues (XT5 V6 models)
2.4L Ecotec Timing Chain Premature Failure
Water Pump Failure (3.6L V6)
Ecotec Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch
Ecotec Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Stretch and Failure (3.6L V6 LLT/LFX)
2.5L V6 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Guide Failure
Timing Chain Stretch and Correlation Faults on 3.6L LLT/LFX V6
Ecotec Timing Chain Stretch / Tensioner Failure
2.4L Ecotec timing/balance chain stretch from tensioner & low oil
PureTech 1.2 Wet Timing Belt Delamination
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.6 THP (EP6) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt Premature Degradation
5.4L 3V Triton Cam Phaser and Timing Chain Failure
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
3.5L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and VCT Phaser Rattle
4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure
3.5L EcoBoost cam phaser rattle on cold start
Timing Chain Cassette and Guide Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6
Timing Chain Guide and Cassette Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6
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)
5.0L Tau V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.3L/3.8L Lambda)
Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
Timing Belt Tensioner Failure (3.5L Sigma V6)
3.8L Lambda V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
5.0L Tau V8 Timing Chain and GDI Injector Issues
Timing Belt Failure and Tensioner Wear
Timing Belt Premature Wear and Failure
Intermittent No-Start or Engine Stall from Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
Timing Chain Stretch on 3.7L V6
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure
VVT Actuator Failure
Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (2.5L Turbo SkyActiv)
M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear
M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear and Failure
M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear
M271 Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear and Failure
Timing Chain Variator Noise on M276/M278 Engines
M276 V6 Timing Chain / Tensioner Rattle on Cold Start
M270 Timing Chain Stretch and Cold-Start Rattle (Petrol)
Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear
M270/M274 Camshaft Breakage from Defective Weld (Engine Stall) — Safety Recall
M270/M274 Timing Chain Stretch & Tensioner Wear (Cold-Start Rattle)
Cold-Start Camshaft Adjuster (Magnet/Solenoid) Rattle
OM651 Diesel Timing Chain Rattle and Wear (Rear-of-Engine Chain/Guides/Tensioner)
N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure
N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
N14 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Death Rattle)
B38/B48 Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
N18 Timing Chain and Turbo Oil Line Leak
N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch
Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle (N18/B48 Engines)
ALL4 AWD Coupling Wear and Timing Chain
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
1.4 Turbo (A14NET) Timing Chain Stretch
Vivaro B 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI (R9M) Timing Chain Stretch
Corsa D 1.2 / 1.4 Petrol Timing Chain Stretch
Grandland X 1.6 THP Timing Chain Stretch
1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt Degradation / Failure (Mokka B)
1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Stretch / Cold-Start Rattle (A14NET/B14NET)
1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk)
1.2 PureTech (EB2) Wet Timing Belt Degradation & Oil Starvation
PureTech 1.2 Wet Timing Belt Delamination
PureTech 1.2 Wet Timing Belt Delamination
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.6 THP/VTi (EP6 'Prince') Timing Chain Stretch and Cold-Start Rattle
1.6 THP/VTi (Prince EP6) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
Aura 3.6L LY7 V6 Timing Chain Stretch
3.6L V6 (LY7) Stretched Timing Chains
Astra 1.8L Z18XER Water Pump / Timing Chain Wear
3.6L High Feature V6 (LY7) Timing Chain Stretch
EA888 Gen1/Gen2 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (TSI)
2.5L 5-Cylinder Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.8T/2.0T EA888 Timing Chain Stretch
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
VR6 3.6L Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
EA888 2.0T Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure
2.0 TSI Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (CCTA/CBFA)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Gen 1 EA888)
2.5L I5 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI)
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0T TSI)
1.8T Engine Oil Sludge Formation
Timing Belt and Water Pump Failure
VR6 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
1.2 TSI (EA111) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
V6 TDI Timing Chain Tensioner Failure / Chain Stretch (pre-CAS engines)
1.4 TSI Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure
FAQ
What does P0016 mean?
P0016 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A." P0016 means the engine computer found that the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on Bank 1 (Sensor A) are not lining up the way they should — the timing 'correlation' between them is out of range. These two sensors tell the computer where the pistons and valves are so it can time fuel injection and spark precisely. When their signals don't agree within tolerance, the computer sets this code. It generally indicates an engine timing issue, which may be a worn timing chain, a sticking variable valve timing component, or a sensor problem, and can cause rough running, hard starting, or potential engine damage if ignored.
What are the most common causes of P0016?
The most common causes of P0016 are: Stretched timing chain or worn timing components (guides/tensioner), Faulty camshaft position sensor or crankshaft position sensor, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT/VCT) actuator or solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the VVT actuator, Clogged oil control valve or restricted oil passages, Timing chain/belt installed one tooth off after service, Damaged reluctor/tone ring on the crankshaft or camshaft, Wiring or connector faults at the position sensors. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0016?
Repair costs for P0016 range from $50 to $25,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0016?
Au7o has documented P0016 across 171 vehicle models from 39 manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Buick, CUPRA, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, Dacia, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Pontiac, Porsche, RAM, Renault, SEAT, Saturn, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
Sources (12)
- mediaMB Medic: Mercedes Benz balance shaft engine issues. How to check by VIN. M272/273
- mediaTop Class Actions: Mercedes M272 & M273 Engine Class Action
- mediaLone Star Bavarian: Mercedes-Benz Balance Shaft Gear Problems
- mediaWikipedia: Mercedes-Benz M272 engine
- mediaClassic Jalopy: M272 Balance Shaft Issues - E350
- mediaMotronix: Mercedes M272/M273 Balance Shaft & Timing Chain Wear Guide
- videoEricTheCarGuy - Timing Chain Replacement on 3.7L Mazda CX-9
- TSBAudi TSB - Timing Chain Tensioner Update
- articleHow to Fix the Cam Timing System in Ford's Troublesome Modular 3-Valve V8
- ForumFord Expedition Forum - 5.4L 3V Mileage vs. Symptoms Thread
- articleFord Triton Timing Chain Problem and Solution - FixMyOldRide
- ForumRennlist: Stretched timing chain
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.