P0016 on Jeep
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Jeep vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Jeep models — most commonly on Grand Cherokee, Wrangler. 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 Jeep range from $350 to $4,000, 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 Jeep by Model
Jeep Grand Cherokee(1 issue)
- Water Pump Failure (3.6L Pentastar)2011-2021
The water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Failure often occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles.
Jeep Wrangler(3 issues)
- 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm / Lifter Needle-Bearing Failure — Valvetrain Tick, Misfire & Cam Damage2012-2020
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 used in JK (2012-2018) and JL (2018+) Wranglers suffers a documented valvetrain failure separate from the engine's oil-consumption problem. The needle roller bearings inside the rocker arms wear prematurely, loosen, and can drop out, shifting the rocker arm out of alignment so its roller stops turning and grinds against the camshaft lobe. This scrapes both parts and circulates metal debris through the oil. It typically begins as a persistent top-end 'Pentastar tick' (loudest at cold start, then constant) and progresses to random or cylinder-specific misfires, rough idle, bucking/surging, hesitation, power loss, and — if ignored — catastrophic cam/valvetrain damage. A proposed class-action lawsuit against FCA covering 2014-2020 3.6L Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/RAM vehicles alleges a defective needle-bearing rocker design. Commonly surfaces after roughly 60,000-100,000 miles.
- 4xe Engine Sand-Casting Contamination — Loss of Propulsion / Engine Fire (Recall 25V-766 / 78C)2024-2025
NHTSA recall 25V-766 (Jeep campaign 78C) covers approximately 77,927 model-year 2024-2025 Wrangler 4xe (and related Grand Cherokee 4xe) vehicles whose 2.0L engine blocks may not have been properly cleaned of casting sand at the supplier between June 2023 and March 2024. Residual sand can circulate through internal engine components and cause catastrophic engine failure, sudden loss of propulsion, or an engine-compartment fire. By late October 2025 FCA reported awareness of 36 fires, ~50 loss-of-propulsion field reports, 144 warranty claims, and 3 injuries. A definitive repair was still in development at recall launch, with VIN lookups and owner notifications initiated.
- OPDA/Camshaft Synchronizer Failure Causing Squeal and Cam Gear Wear2005-2006
Late-TJ 4.0L Wranglers are well known for Oil Pump Drive Assembly (OPDA) failures, often described by owners as the 'screaming monkey' chirp or squeal from the engine bay. The OPDA can bind or wear internally, which may damage the camshaft gear and affect oil pump drive timing. If ignored, the issue can escalate from noise and check-engine lights to expensive internal engine repair.
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View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Jeep?▼
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 Jeep specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0016 on Jeep vehicles?▼
Common causes on Jeep: 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 Jeep?▼
Repair costs on Jeep range from $350 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Jeep models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 2 Jeep models: Grand Cherokee, Wrangler.