P0016 on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
4 Buick models · 7 documented issues · 7 critical · $1,500-$6,500 repair
P0016 on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The German-built Buick Cascada uses the Opel 1.6L SIDI turbo (A16XHT family). Same engine family is documented for timing chain stretch on Opel Astra K and Insignia. Direct-injection design also leads to intake valve carbon buildup typically by 70,000-100,000 miles, causing misfire and rough running.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- rough idle
- reduced power
- check engine light
How to Fix
Chain kit replacement ~$1,500-$2,500 (parts harder to source than US-built GM engines). Walnut blast intake valves at the same service ($300-$500). Use dexos2 full-synthetic 5W-30 — required spec for European-build engines.
Sources for this issue (1)
Higher-mileage first-generation Enclaves with the 3.6L V6 (worst on the 2008-2010 cars) can burn oil excessively, and in the most severe cases the engine fails outright, including reports of a hole punched in the block. The condition is linked to the same engine's timing-chain/oiling weaknesses and is addressed in GM's diagnostic guidance (PIP5084). Owners who don't monitor oil level risk progressive engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Frequent need to add oil between changes
- Blue exhaust smoke
- Low oil pressure / oil light
- Knocking or engine failure in severe cases
How to Fix
Diagnose per GM PIP5084; remedies range from PCV/oil-control updates to, in severe consumption or block-failure cases, engine replacement (around $6,500). Check oil frequently between changes as a stopgap.
Sources for this issue (1)
Early Enclaves (2008-2012, plus shared Traverse/Acadia/Outlook) with the 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 share LaCrosse's timing chain stretch and a separate excessive-oil-consumption issue. The PCV system pulls oil into the intake, intake valves carbon up (no port injection to wash them), and the chain wears prematurely from stretched OLM intervals.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- oil consumption (1 qt/1,000 miles)
- misfire
- rough idle
How to Fix
Timing chain replacement ($2,500-$4,500 with 3-row crossover labor premium). Walnut-blast intake valve carbon at the same time ($300-$500). PCV system update per TSB. Some owners refuse the chain job at this mileage and trade — failure can mean total engine replacement ($6,000+).
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L (and 2.8L) high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged the defect (occurring even with regular oil changes) and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected engines.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise at idle or cold startup
- Check engine light
- Engine misfire / rough running
- Reduced engine power message
- Metal shavings in oil
How to Fix
Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners (a full front-of-engine job). If covered under GM Special Coverage #11340C the repair is free up to 10yr/120k mi; otherwise it is an out-of-pocket repair. Keeping oil changes current and using correct-spec oil slows wear.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- check engine light
- reduced power
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,800-$3,000 at independent. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30. Carbon-clean intake valves at the same service ($300-$500) since LHU/LTG are direct-injection.
Sources for this issue (1)
The GM 3.6L V6 (LY7/LLT, and to a lesser extent the early LFX) used in the second-generation LaCrosse is prone to premature timing chain wear and stretch, especially on pre-2012 engines. Worn chains throw off cam-to-crank correlation, setting timing codes and, if neglected, can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine damage. The problem is worsened by extended oil-change intervals and a marginal PCV system that accelerates oil contamination.
Common Symptoms
- Metallic rattle or clatter from front of engine for 2-5 seconds on cold start
- Check engine light
- Reduced engine power / limp mode
- Engine ticking or rattling noise
- Rough running or misfire
How to Fix
Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners (a full timing set) along with the cam phasers; budget for a labor-intensive front-of-engine teardown. Maintain strict 5,000-mile oil changes with the correct dexos1 oil to prevent recurrence. GM revised chain and tensioner components for later production engines.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0016 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0016 mean on a Buick?
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 Buick it is documented across 4 models: Cascada, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse.
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 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $1,500 to $6,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.