The most common causes are: Dirty or low engine oil (the most common root cause); Clogged VVT oil control valve or its filter screen; Failed camshaft phaser/actuator; Stretched timing chain; Faulty camshaft position sensor.

How much does it cost to fix P0011?

Typical repairs range from $60–$150 for oil and filter change with correct viscosity up to $800–$2,500 for timing chain replacement. Costs vary by vehicle and region.

P0011powertrain

P0011 – A Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)

What does P0011 mean?

The Bank 1 intake camshaft timing is more advanced than the computer commanded, and the variable valve timing (VVT) system cannot correct it. The engine uses VVT to adjust valve timing for better power and efficiency across the RPM range; P0011 means that adjustment is stuck or inaccurate.

What causes P0011?

Listed from most to least common:

1Dirty or low engine oil (the most common root cause)
2Clogged VVT oil control valve or its filter screen
3Failed camshaft phaser/actuator
4Stretched timing chain
5Faulty camshaft position sensor
6Wiring problem at the oil control valve

Code breakdown

SystemP — Powertrain

TypeGeneric (standardized SAE / OBD-II code — same meaning across most manufacturers)

SubsystemFuel and air metering, and auxiliary emission controls

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough idle
Reduced power, especially at low RPM
Increased fuel consumption
Engine noise or rattle in some cases
Hard starting

How to diagnose

1Check oil level and condition first. Sludgy or overdue oil causes a large share of VVT codes.
2Remove and inspect the VVT oil control valve and its screen for debris — clean thoroughly.
3Test the oil control valve's electrical operation and resistance.
4Check camshaft position sensor readings with live data.
5If oil and valve check out, suspect the phaser or timing chain.

Usually drivable, but it points to an oil-related or VVT problem that can worsen. Persistent timing errors can accelerate wear.

Common fixes and estimated costs

Repair	Estimated cost
Oil and filter change with correct viscosity	$60–$150
Clean VVT oil control valve and screen	$100–$300
Replace VVT oil control valve	$150–$450
Replace camshaft phaser	$600–$1,800
Timing chain replacement	$800–$2,500

Costs are rough US estimates including parts and labor. Actual pricing varies significantly by vehicle, region, and shop rates.

Good to know

Try a fresh oil change with the manufacturer-specified viscosity before spending money on parts. VVT systems are highly sensitive to oil condition, and many P0011 cases resolve with clean oil and a cleaned control valve screen.

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This information is provided for general reference only and may vary by manufacturer, model, and year. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or repair.