P0016 on Infiniti
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Infiniti vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Infiniti models — most commonly on G37, Q50, QX55. 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 Infiniti range from $1,500 to $14,000, 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 Infiniti by Model
Infiniti G37(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear on VQ37VHR2008-2013
The VQ37VHR runs three timing chains — a primary and two secondaries — with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners. The chains stretch and the guides wear, and because the tensioners rely on oil pressure to take up slack, any oil pressure loss or extended change interval accelerates it sharply. The first symptom is a rattle from the front of the engine on cold start that lasts a second or two until pressure builds, progressing to a rattle that persists at idle. Left alone, stretch pushes cam timing out of correlation and sets timing codes; in the worst outcome the chain skips or a guide fragments, and on this interference engine that means bent valves.
Infiniti Q50(1 issue)
- M274 2.0T Timing Chain and Camshaft Adjuster Wear2014-2018
The Q50's 2.0t uses the Mercedes-Benz M274 turbocharged four, shared with the C300 and GLC300. The timing chain and the camshaft adjusters (variable valve timing phasers) wear faster than the engine's design life, with problems commonly surfacing somewhere around 80,000 miles and reported as early as 60,000 on neglected cars. The first symptom is a brief metallic rattle on cold start as oil pressure builds and the tensioner takes up slack. Left alone, chain stretch throws off cam timing, sets correlation codes, and in the worst cases the chain skips teeth or breaks, which on this interference engine destroys valves and pistons. Extended oil change intervals and low oil level accelerate the wear.
Infiniti QX55(1 issue)
- VC-Turbo Engine Main/Link Bearing Failure (Safety Recall)2022-2024
Nissan issued a large 2026 recall covering VC-Turbo four-cylinder vehicles including the Infiniti QX55, QX50 and Altima. Under certain operating conditions the engine can experience high oil temperatures that degrade lubrication of the crankshaft main bearing and the A-, C- and L-link bearings of the variable-compression mechanism. In the worst case a bearing seizes or a failed bearing breaches the engine block, causing catastrophic engine failure. This is a distinct defect from the previously documented oil-consumption issue. Nissan also announced a VC-Turbo warranty extension. Symptoms often precede failure and out-of-warranty engine replacements have run five figures.
Infiniti QX80(1 issue)
- VK56VD Timing Chain Stretch2011-2017
The 5.6L VK56VD engine can develop timing chain stretch, particularly when oil changes are neglected. The primary and secondary timing chains elongate over time, causing rough idle, reduced power, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
Looking for P0016 on a different make?
View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Infiniti?▼
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 Infiniti specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0016 on Infiniti vehicles?▼
Common causes on Infiniti: 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 Infiniti?▼
Repair costs on Infiniti range from $1,500 to $14,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Infiniti models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 4 Infiniti models: G37, Q50, QX55, QX80.