P0020 on Subaru
Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)
P0020 on Subaru vehicles indicates camshaft position 'a' actuator circuit (bank 2). Au7o has documented this code across 1 Subaru model — most commonly on WRX STI. P0020 is a generic powertrain code indicating a fault in the camshaft position (intake/'A') actuator circuit on bank 2 — the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The engine computer controls a variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid to advance or retard camshaft timing for efficiency and power; this code sets when it detects an electrical problem in that solenoid's control circuit. The result can be reduced performance, rough running, or poor fuel economy. It is usually not an immediate breakdown risk but should be diagnosed to prevent driveability and timing issues. Typical repair costs on Subaru range from $150 to $500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0020
- •Faulty bank 2 camshaft (VVT/oil control) solenoid
- •Wiring or connector damage to the VVT solenoid
- •Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation
- •Clogged VVT solenoid screen/oil passage
- •Open or short in the actuator control circuit
- •Failed PCM/ECM (rare)
P0020 on Subaru by Model
Subaru WRX STI(1 issue)
- AVCS Solenoid Failure (Variable Valve Timing)2004-2021
The Active Valve Control System (AVCS) solenoids on the EJ257 engine are prone to failure from oil contamination and carbon buildup. When they stick or fail, the ECU cannot properly adjust camshaft timing, causing rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power. The solenoids are oil-controlled and degrade faster with extended oil change intervals or contaminated oil.
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What does P0020 mean on Subaru?▼
P0020 stands for "Camshaft Position 'A' Actuator Circuit (Bank 2)." P0020 is a generic powertrain code indicating a fault in the camshaft position (intake/'A') actuator circuit on bank 2 — the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. The engine computer controls a variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid to advance or retard camshaft timing for efficiency and power; this code sets when it detects an electrical problem in that solenoid's control circuit. The result can be reduced performance, rough running, or poor fuel economy. It is usually not an immediate breakdown risk but should be diagnosed to prevent driveability and timing issues. On Subaru specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0020 on Subaru vehicles?▼
Common causes on Subaru: Faulty bank 2 camshaft (VVT/oil control) solenoid, Wiring or connector damage to the VVT solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Clogged VVT solenoid screen/oil passage, Open or short in the actuator control circuit. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0020 on a Subaru?▼
Repair costs on Subaru range from $150 to $500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Subaru models have P0020 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0020 on 1 Subaru model: WRX STI.