P0016 on Opel
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor A
P0016 on Opel vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor a. Au7o has documented this code across 7 Opel models — most commonly on Astra, Combo, Corsa. 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 Opel range from $600 to $6,500, 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 Opel by Model
Opel Astra(1 issue)
- 1.4 Turbo (A14NET) Timing Chain Stretch2009-2018
The A14NET 1.4 turbo engine in Astra J/K, Corsa D/E, Mokka A, and Adam can suffer timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-140,000 km. IMPORTANT DIAGNOSTIC DISTINCTION: brief (1-3 second) rattle ONLY on cold start is more often a worn dual-mass flywheel — see Vauxhall TSB E-14-3157 for 2010-2014 A14NET. Persistent rattle, misfire codes, or rattle that extends beyond cold start point to timing chain stretch. Chain skip causes valve-piston contact.
Opel Combo(1 issue)
- 1.2 PureTech petrol wet timing belt premature failure (engine destruction risk)2018-2023
The 1.2 PureTech (EB2 family) three-cylinder petrol engine used in the Opel Combo / Combo Life uses a 'wet' timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. The belt material degrades prematurely when the oil deteriorates (extended service intervals, wrong oil spec, or fuel dilution of the oil). As it breaks down, the belt sheds rubber particles into the oil, which clog the oil pump pickup, oil pump strainer and VVT solenoids, causing oil starvation. In the worst case the belt strips or snaps, and because it is an interference engine, valves collide with pistons and the engine is destroyed. Stellantis has acknowledged the defect, reduced service/belt intervals, and extended warranty coverage (up to ~10 years / ~112,000 miles) plus a claims portal for repair-cost reimbursement.
Opel Corsa(1 issue)
- Corsa D 1.2 / 1.4 Petrol Timing Chain Stretch2006-2014
Naturally-aspirated 1.2 (Z12XEP/A12XER) and 1.4 (Z14XEP/A14XER) engines in Corsa D (and Adam) suffer timing chain stretch — distinct from the A14NET turbo issue. The 1.4 87hp shows first symptoms as early as 60,000-80,000 km; the 1.2 typically at 80,000-100,000 km. Root cause is tensioner bleed-off overnight + chain wear, worsened by long oil intervals or low-grade oil. Cold-start rattle (1-30 seconds) is the classic early sign.
Opel Grandland(2 issues)
- Grandland X 1.6 THP Timing Chain Stretch2017-2021
The PSA/BMW "Prince" 1.6 THP engine in early Grandland X (2017-2021) suffers timing chain stretch, also documented across Peugeot 3008/5008 and Citroën C5 Aircross. Symptoms appear from 80,000 km. Same root cause as the well-documented MINI Cooper S timing chain issue from the same engine family.
- 1.2 PureTech (EB2) Wet Timing Belt Degradation & Oil Starvation2019-2024
Grandland X models with the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine (EB2/EB2ADTS, developed by PSA) use a 'wet' timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. The belt coating breaks down over time, shedding rubber/material debris into the oil. This debris clogs the oil pump pickup strainer, VVT solenoids and oil passages, causing oil starvation and accelerated wear, and the belt can ultimately snap, causing catastrophic engine damage on this interference engine. Symptoms include rattling on cold start, oil/CEL warnings, ticking from the timing case and excessive oil consumption.
Opel Mokka(2 issues)
- 1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt Degradation / Failure (Mokka B)2021-2025
The second-generation Mokka B (built on the Stellantis CMP platform) uses the PSA/Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) three-cylinder turbo with a 'wet' timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. Fuel dilution and oil contamination cause the belt rubber to break down prematurely; shed particles clog the oil pump pick-up strainer, starving the engine of oil, and the belt itself can skip teeth or snap. Because it is an interference engine, belt failure typically destroys valves and pistons. Affected cars also show excessive oil consumption. Stellantis acknowledged the defect and runs a PureTech compensation platform covering documented oil-consumption and premature-belt expenses on 1.0/1.2 PureTech cars, with extended warranty up to 10 years / 112,000 miles under conditions.
- 1.4 Turbo Timing Chain Stretch / Cold-Start Rattle (A14NET/B14NET)2013-2019
The 1.4 Turbo petrol (GM Family-0, A14NET/B14NET) fitted to the first-gen Mokka and Mokka X suffers from timing-chain stretch and tensioner/guide wear, often appearing from around 80,000-100,000 km. A stretched chain alters valve timing and, if it skips, can cause serious internal engine damage. The classic symptom is a metallic rattle for a few seconds on cold start. Owners on the Mokka Owners Club report needing chain, tensioner and sometimes turbo/water-pump work, with cars off the road for extended periods. Cars used mostly for short trips and frequent stop-start cycles tend to wear faster.
Opel Vivaro(1 issue)
- Vivaro B 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI (R9M) Timing Chain Stretch2014-2019
The Renault-sourced R9M 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI used in Vivaro B (and Trafic III, Movano B) develops timing chain stretch, typically 100,000-180,000 km. Cold-start rattle, misfire codes, then potential chain skip causing valve damage. Particularly bad on stop-start fleet use without regular oil changes.
Opel Zafira(1 issue)
- 1.6 CDTi Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch (B16DTH/B16DTE/B16DTL)2014-2019
The 'whisper diesel' 1.6 CDTi engines fitted to the Zafira Tourer C suffer a well-documented timing chain failure. The original chain tensioner lacks a gasket, so oil drains out of the tensioner when the engine is switched off. This produces a metallic rattle/ticking on cold start (typically 2-5 seconds) as the chain runs slack before oil pressure builds. Over time the chain stretches, the plastic guides wear, and in severe cases the chain can jump timing or snap, causing pistons to contact valves and destroying the engine. Failures are commonly reported well before 100,000 miles. The chain is at the rear of the engine (gearbox side), making it a labour-intensive repair.
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View P0016 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0016 mean on Opel?▼
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 Opel specifically, this code is documented across 7 models.
What causes P0016 on Opel vehicles?▼
Common causes on Opel: 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 Opel?▼
Repair costs on Opel range from $600 to $6,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Opel models have P0016 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0016 on 7 Opel models: Astra, Combo, Corsa, Grandland, Mokka, Vivaro, Zafira.