P0021: How to Diagnose & Fix — Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
33 vehicles · 12 makes · $40-$32,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0021: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Mustang · 2015–2023
Two distinct tick patterns affect 5.0L Coyote V8 in 2015-2023 Mustang depending on engine generation. Gen 2 Coyote (2015-2017): light tick at idle and on cold start, commonly attributed to valve lash / lifter operation; generally cosmetic and not associated with engine damage. Gen 3 Coyote (2018-2023): louder, more pronounced tick — same family but Ford changed to plasma transferred wire arc (PTWA) cylinder liners. The tick is increasingly linked to piston slap from clearance issues against the plasma liner, with some confirmed cases of cylinder wall scoring requiring engine replacement under warranty. Direct injection (added on Gen 3 alongside port injection) contributes a separate fainter HPFP tick that is normal. Distinguishing: Gen 2 tick stays constant warm; Gen 3 piston slap diminishes as engine warms but returns under load. Owner forums (Mustang6G, MPR Racing Engines) document the Gen 3 pattern extensively.
Common Symptoms
- Tick or tap noise at idle
- Typewriter-like clicking sound
- Metallic rattle on cold start
- Noise that diminishes when warm
- Ticking more pronounced after oil change
How to Fix
Ford Special Service Message 52334 addresses this as a normal operating characteristic of the 5.0L, stating no repairs should be attempted. Using Ford's recommended oil (Motorcraft 5W-20 or 5W-30) and changing oil at 5,000-mile intervals may help. VCT solenoid ($200-400) or cam phaser ($1,500-3,000) work applies only if the noise comes with VCT trouble codes, not to the normal typewriter tick.
Sources for this issue (1)
Jeep Cherokee · 2014–2023
Multiple factors cause sudden engine stalling including low oil levels (2.4L), VVT issues, faulty sensors, fuel system problems, and transmission-related stalling (2019 9-speed). Stalling typically emerges after ~1,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls during turns
- Sudden stalling at idle or low speed
- Misfires leading to stalling
- Engine cuts out without warning
- Difficult restart after stalling
How to Fix
Diagnosis required to identify root cause: check oil level (especially 2.4L), test MAF and throttle position sensors, inspect VVT system, check fuel pump pressure, verify transmission software updates applied.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningFor 2.4L engines: Check oil level weekly - stalling often due to low oil
- TipDocument stalling incidents with date, mileage, conditions for warranty
Sources for this issue (1)
Toyota Sienna · 2007–2016
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose degrades over time and can leak (Toyota covered certain 2007-2010 Siennas under Limited Service Campaign 90K, now expired), dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk.
Common Symptoms
- Burning oil smell from engine bay
- Oil drips on driveway
- Oil on exhaust manifold
- Low oil level between changes
- Smoke from engine compartment
How to Fix
Tighten or replace VVT-i oil line and sealing washers (Toyota 15679-31010). Replace valve cover gaskets (Toyota 11213-31040 front, 11214-31030 rear). Timing cover reseal if leaking from that area. The VVT-i line fix is a $50 repair; valve cover gaskets run $300-600 due to rear cover access.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Toyota/Lexus 04009-33131 No. 1 oil-hose kit
replace the campaign-specific rubber VVT-i oil-supply hose and clamps when that hose is the confirmed leak source Fitment/availability: Exact kit identified by Toyota LSC 90K for certain 2007-2010 Sienna 2GR-FE vehicles; confirm VIN and …
- Toyota 11213-0P010 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 b…
- Toyota 11214-0P040 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busines…
- Toyota 11213-0P030 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busin…
- Toyota 11214-0P010 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 business da…
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Sources for this issue (2)
Ford F-150 · 2018–2021
Ford Transit · 2015–2018
Find P0021 by make
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P0021 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0021 mean?
P0021 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)." P0021 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far advanced and won't return to its commanded position. Most modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT), where an oil-pressure-driven actuator rotates the camshaft to optimize power and efficiency; the PCM compares the camshaft's actual position to its target. When the cam stays over-advanced beyond an acceptable limit, this code sets. Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. You may notice rough idle, reduced performance, or lower fuel economy.
What are the most common causes of P0021?
The most common causes of P0021 are: Dirty or low engine oil restricting the VVT system, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid) on bank 2, Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passage, Faulty camshaft position actuator / phaser, Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid, Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor problems, Worn timing chain, guides, or stretched chain altering cam timing. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0021?
Repair costs for P0021 range from $40 to $32,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0021?
Au7o has documented P0021 across 33 vehicle models from 12 manufacturers: BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Infiniti, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.