The most common causes are: Low or contaminated engine oil; Clogged Bank 2 VVT oil control valve screen; Failed Bank 2 camshaft phaser; Stretched timing chain on Bank 2; Electrical fault at the oil control valve.

How much does it cost to fix P0021?

Typical repairs range from $60–$150 for oil and filter change up to $600–$1,800 for replace camshaft phaser. Costs vary by vehicle and region.

P0021powertrain

P0021 – A Camshaft Position – Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)

What does P0021 mean?

The Bank 2 intake camshaft timing is over-advanced and the VVT system cannot bring it back to the commanded position. This is the Bank 2 equivalent of P0011 and appears only on engines with two banks.

What causes P0021?

Listed from most to least common:

1Low or contaminated engine oil
2Clogged Bank 2 VVT oil control valve screen
3Failed Bank 2 camshaft phaser
4Stretched timing chain on Bank 2
5Electrical fault 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 low-end power
Worse fuel economy
Engine noise in some cases

How to diagnose

1Confirm which bank is Bank 2 on your engine before ordering parts.
2Check oil level and condition.
3Clean or replace the Bank 2 VVT oil control valve and screen.
4Test the solenoid electrically.
5Check for companion codes on Bank 1, which would suggest a shared oil supply problem.

Drivable in most cases, but it signals a VVT or oil-related issue that should be addressed before it worsens.

Common fixes and estimated costs

Repair	Estimated cost
Oil and filter change	$60–$150
Clean VVT solenoid and screen	$100–$300
Replace VVT solenoid	$150–$450
Replace camshaft phaser	$600–$1,800

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

Good to know

If both P0011 and P0021 are present, the cause is very likely shared — oil condition, oil pressure, or a timing chain problem — rather than two independently failed phasers.

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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.