P0017 on Audi
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
P0017 on Audi vehicles indicates crankshaft/camshaft position correlation - bank 1 sensor b. Au7o has documented this code across 10 Audi models — most commonly on A4, A5, A6. This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $1,500 to $18,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0017
- •Stretched or worn timing chain
- •Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides
- •Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser
- •Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve
- •Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation
- •Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor
- •Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service
- •Damaged reluctor (tone) ring
P0017 on Audi by Model
Audi A4(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2009-2016
The EA888 2.0T engine in Audi vehicles shares the same timing chain tensioner issues as VW. Early versions can fail, allowing the timing chain to skip and potentially destroy the engine. Most common on engines before 2013 revision.
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 A6(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (3.2L V6 & 4.2L V8)2005-2011
The C6 A6 with the 3.2L V6 and 4.2L V8 engines suffers from timing chain tensioner failures due to wear over time. Audi designates the chains and tensioners as "lifetime" parts requiring no maintenance, but they fail as early as 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3.2L engine has 4 chains, 3 tensioners, and several guides—all prone to wear. A loud rattling or clicking noise on cold start from the upper rear of the engine is the classic symptom of failing tensioners. If ignored, the timing chain can jump or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and complete engine destruction. The transmission must be removed for full access, making this a labor-intensive repair. AudiWorld forums report low-mileage cars with stretched chains due to the design flaw.
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 A8(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (4.2L V8 & 3.0T)2011-2017
The D4 A8 with the 4.2L V8 and 3.0T engines (2011-2017) suffers from timing chain tensioner failures, identical to other Audi models. The tensioners wear out between 80,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle on cold starts. A loud rattling noise from the engine on cold start is the classic warning sign of failing tensioners. If ignored, the timing chain can jump timing or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. The 4.2L V8 has 4 timing chains with multiple tensioners and guides—all prone to wear. Complete timing chain failure can cost $10,000-$15,000 in repairs or engine replacement. AudiWorld forums report many D4 A8 owners experiencing this issue under 120,000 miles.
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 Q5(2 issues)
- EA888 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure2009-2017
The Q5 2.0T uses the EA888 engine with the well-documented timing chain tensioner weakness. The 8R Q5 (2009-2017) is particularly affected as the heavier SUV puts more load on the engine. The tensioner loses pressure overnight, allowing chain slack on cold starts that progressively worsens until the chain jumps timing.
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Class Action Settlement)2009-2017
The 2009-2017 Audi Q5 2.0T TFSI experiences timing chain tensioner failures that cause catastrophic engine damage. The upper timing chain tensioner fails prematurely (often 90k-110k miles), allowing the timing chain to skip or break, causing bent valves, piston damage, and complete engine destruction. Metal tensioner components deteriorate, contaminating engine oil with metal flakes. The 2011-2012 models have the highest failure rate. Audi settled class action lawsuit in 2018 providing 100% reimbursement for repairs within 10yr/100k miles at Audi dealers. Engine replacement: $8,000-15,000 if not covered.
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)
- 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.
- 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.
Audi TTS(1 issue)
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (EA888 Gen 1/2 - Mk2 TTS)2009-2015
The Audi TTS Mk2 (2009-2015) with early EA888 engines (Gen 1 and Gen 2) suffers from timing chain tensioner failure, the same critical issue affecting A3, A4, and A5 models with this engine. The tensioner's ratchet mechanism wears, allowing the piston to retract when the engine is off. On restart, the slack chain can jump teeth on the camshaft sprockets, causing valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine destruction. The signature warning sign is a brief rattle (0.5-1 second) on cold or semi-warm startup as the tensioner takes up chain slack. The TTS's higher output tune puts more stress on the timing chain system, potentially accelerating wear. TTForum.co.uk documents numerous cases of complete engine destruction from ignored timing chain rattle. Early models (2009-2012) with the earlier tensioner revision are most at risk.
Looking for P0017 on a different make?
View P0017 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0017 mean on Audi?▼
P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 10 models.
What causes P0017 on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a Audi?▼
Repair costs on Audi range from $1,500 to $18,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P0017 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0017 on 10 Audi models: A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, S4, TTS.