P0016 on Audi
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Audi vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Audi models — most commonly on A1, A5, A7. 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. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $700 to $18,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0016
- •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
P0016 on Audi by Model
Audi A1(1 issue)
- 1.2 / 1.4 TFSI (EA111) Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure2010-2014
Early Audi A1 8X petrol cars fitted with the EA111 1.2 TFSI (CBZA/CBZB) and 1.4 TFSI (CAXA/CTHE/CAVG) engines suffer from a weak timing chain tensioner that loses hydraulic pressure, allowing the chain to go slack and stretch. Combined with worn plastic chain guides, the camshaft timing drifts out of correlation with the crankshaft. If the chain jumps a tooth (commonly on cold start before oil pressure builds) the pistons can strike the valves, destroying the engine. The chain is at the back of the engine (gearbox side), making it labour-intensive to replace.
Audi A5(2 issues)
- EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2008-2017
The A5 shares the B8/B8.5 platform with the A4 and inherits the same EA888 2.0T timing chain tensioner weakness. The original tensioner design allows the chain to slacken on cold starts, eventually jumping teeth and causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Pre-2013 engines are most affected.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)2008-2016
The B8/B8.5 A5 with the 2.0 TFSI engine (2008-2016) suffers from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to the A4 and A6. The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle. A loud rattling noise on cold start from the front of the engine is the classic warning sign. If ignored, the timing chain can jump timing or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Early B8 models (2008-2012) are more prone to failure than later B8.5 models (2013-2016). A5OC forum members report many failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction. The repair requires removing the front of the engine and costs $2,000-$5,000. Some owners report oil consumption issues leading to accelerated tensioner wear.
Audi A7(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.0T Supercharged)2012-2018
The C7 A7 and S7 with the 3.0T supercharged V6 (2012-2018) suffer from timing chain tensioner failures, particularly in early production models (2012-2013). The tensioners wear out between 80,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to rattle on cold starts. If the rattle lasts longer than 3-5 seconds, it indicates guide or chain stretch requiring immediate attention. If ignored, the chain can jump timing, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. AudiWorld forums show many owners experiencing this issue, with repair costs ranging from $3,000-$5,000. Later 2014-2017 facelift models have improved tensioners and are more reliable. The repair requires removing the front of the engine and is labor-intensive.
Audi Q2(1 issue)
- Premature timing belt failure on 1.0 / 1.4 TFSI petrol engines2016-2021
Owners of three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI and four-cylinder 1.4 TFSI Q2s have reported the toothed cambelt snapping well before Audi's stated 5-year / ~75,000-mile replacement interval, in several documented cases between roughly 39,000 and 49,000 km/miles, with full service history. Because these are interference engines, a snapped belt causes the valves to collide with the pistons, leading to catastrophic internal damage and frequently an entire engine replacement. Contributing factors cited by owners and forum moderators include the extra start/stop cyclical loading on the belt and frequent short journeys, plus belt tensioner/bolt loosening. Audi typically offered only partial goodwill rather than full coverage out of warranty.
Audi Q3(2 issues)
- EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2015-2018
The first-generation Q3 uses the EA888 2.0T engine with the same timing chain tensioner vulnerability found across the VW/Audi platform. The tensioner can lose pressure on cold starts, allowing chain slack that leads to jumped timing and potential engine destruction. Pre-2016 production units are most susceptible.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (2.0 TFSI Engine)2015-2020
The first-generation Q3 (2015-2018) and early second-generation (2019-2020) models with the 2.0 TFSI EA888 engine suffer from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to other Audi models (A4, A5, Q5). The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle on cold starts. If ignored, the chain can slip or jump timing, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start is the classic warning sign. Later 2021+ models have updated tensioners and are less prone to failure. AudiWorld and Q3 forums report failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction requiring $6,000-$10,000 replacement.
Audi Q7(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Catastrophic Engine Damage)2007-2015
The 2007-2015 Audi Q7 (3.0T and 3.6L) experiences timing chain tensioner failures causing catastrophic engine damage. The tensioner wears prematurely, allowing the timing chain to skip or break, bending valves and destroying pistons. Metal debris contaminates engine oil. Symptoms include rattling/ticking on cold start. Failure often occurs between 80k-120k miles. Complete engine loosening can lead to five-figure repair costs. Irregular oil changes significantly accelerate wear since tensioners work hydraulically and depend on clean oil. Preventive replacement at 80k-90k miles recommended.
Audi S4(2 issues)
- B6/B7 4.2L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2004-2008
The 4.2L V8 in the B6 and B7 S4 has timing chain guides and tensioners at the back of the engine (against the firewall) that wear prematurely. Replacement requires engine removal, making this one of the most expensive common repairs.
- B5 S4 2.7T Timing Chain Guide Failure2000-2002
The B5 Audi S4 with the 2.7T twin-turbo V6 has timing chain guides that deteriorate, causing chain rattle and eventual timing chain skip. The engine must be removed from the car to replace the chains and guides, making this a very expensive repair.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Audi?▼
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. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.
What causes P0016 on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a Audi?▼
Repair costs on Audi range from $700 to $18,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 7 Audi models: A1, A5, A7, Q2, Q3, Q7, S4.