P0021 on Toyota
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 2)
P0021 on Toyota vehicles indicates intake camshaft position timing - over-advanced (bank 2). Au7o has documented this code across 3 Toyota models — most commonly on Land Cruiser, Sienna, Tundra. 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. Typical repair costs on Toyota range from $50 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0021
- •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
P0021 on Toyota by Model
Toyota Land Cruiser(1 issue)
- 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 timing belt / water pump 90k service (100-series)1998-1999
The 1998-1999 100-series (UZJ100) switched to the 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8, which uses a rubber timing belt on a ~90,000-mile replacement interval. The timing-belt-driven water pump, the hydraulic tensioner, and the idler pulleys are the common failure points and are typically leaking or worn by that interval (water-pump failure often precedes belt wear). There is a long-running interference vs. non-interference debate: Toyota officially lists it as interference, but the community consensus (and documented belt breaks on the early non-VVT-i 2UZ-FE) is that it generally does not bend valves when a belt snaps at low RPM. Regardless, a broken belt strands the vehicle, and careless belt jobs can nick the crank sensor reluctor wheel or pinch/route wiring wrong, causing no-start or timing DTCs.
Toyota Sienna(1 issue)
- 3.5L 2GR-FE Oil Leak from VVT-i System and Timing Cover2007-2020
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The VVT-i oil hose fitting loosens over time, dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk.
Toyota Tundra(1 issue)
- VVT-i Intake Cam Gear Cold-Start Rattle2007-2013
Tundras with Toyota's VVT-i system can produce a brief (~1 second) rattle or knock at cold start. The cause is the intake-side VVT 'cam gear' (variable cam timing actuator): when oil drains back out of the VVT unit overnight, the lock pin is disengaged and the internal components impact the housing during initial cranking before oil pressure refills the unit. Toyota addressed the condition with TSBs and revised cam-gear/actuator designs on affected engines. While brief rattle is usually benign, severe cases can let the VVT housing and sprocket separate, causing the engine to stop.
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View P0021 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0021 mean on Toyota?▼
P0021 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (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. On Toyota specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0021 on Toyota vehicles?▼
Common causes on Toyota: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0021 on a Toyota?▼
Repair costs on Toyota range from $50 to $1,200, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Toyota models have P0021 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0021 on 3 Toyota models: Land Cruiser, Sienna, Tundra.