Can I drive with code P0011?

You can drive short distances, but the engine may stall or run poorly. If you hear a rattling noise from the engine, this suggests a timing chain issue that could worsen and cause serious engine damage. Get it diagnosed promptly.

Will an oil change fix P0011?

In many cases, yes. If the oil is dirty, low, or the wrong viscosity, changing it can restore proper VVT operation. Use the manufacturer-specified oil grade, clear the code, and drive to see if it returns. This is the cheapest fix to try first.

What causes P0011 on a cold start?

On cold starts, oil pressure is lower and takes time to reach the VVT system. A worn timing chain tensioner, clogged oil passages, or thickened oil can delay VVT operation, causing the camshaft position to deviate from the target and trigger P0011.

How serious is P0011?

Moderately serious. While it will not cause immediate breakdown, ignoring P0011 can lead to increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and potential timing chain damage over time. If caused by a stretched timing chain, delays can lead to costly engine repairs.

Is P0011 related to P0016?

Yes. P0016 indicates a correlation problem between the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Both codes often appear together when the timing chain is stretched or the VVT system is malfunctioning, as both detect camshaft timing errors.

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

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P0011 means the intake camshaft on bank 1 is positioned more advanced than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system is not responding correctly, typically due to oil flow issues, a faulty VVT solenoid, or a stretched timing chain affecting cam position.

Severity: Moderate · Emissions
Estimated repair cost: From €40 to €1150+, varies by vehicle

Scan your own car in about 60 seconds: see whether P0011 is really what it has, how urgent it is, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android with an ELM327 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone).

Get Skanyx free

What does P0011 mean?

P0011 is a emissions-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0011 and illuminates the check engine light.

Where it is on the car

Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
Timing chain or belt
Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
Camshaft position sensor
VVT oil control solenoid

A timing fault like this is most often low or dirty oil or a sticky VVT solenoid. The phaser itself fails less often.

What are the symptoms of P0011?

If your vehicle has triggered P0011, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on
Rough or unstable idle, possible stalling
Hard starting, especially when the engine is warm
Rattling noise from the engine on startup
Reduced fuel economy
Failed emissions test

What causes P0011?

Here are the most common causes of P0011:

Dirty or low engine oil restricting VVT solenoid operation
: high
Faulty VVT/camshaft position actuator solenoid
: high
Stretched or worn timing chain
: medium
Clogged oil passages to the VVT actuator
: medium
Worn camshaft phaser/actuator
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0011?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. Short trips to a garage are acceptable, but the engine may stall or run roughly. Do not ignore this code long-term as it can cause increased engine wear and potential timing chain damage.

How do you diagnose P0011?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0011:

Check engine oil level and condition. Low, dirty, or incorrect viscosity oil is the most common cause. Change oil if overdue and clear the code
Read the actual camshaft advance angle and the target angle commanded by the ECU with manufacturer-level software (actual and target cam angles are not part of the standard OBD2 data set; a generic reader shows the code, freeze frame and fuel trims). A persistent gap between the two confirms the VVT system is not following commands
Inspect and test the VVT solenoid. Measure resistance (typically 6-13 ohms) and check for clogged screens. Commanding the solenoid on and off is an actuator test that needs manufacturer-level software
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold startup. A stretched chain will cause a brief rattle that fades as oil pressure builds
If the solenoid and oil are fine, inspect timing chain stretch with a scope or by checking timing marks alignment

How much does P0011 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0011 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change (if dirty oil is the cause)	€20–€60	€20–€50	€40–€110	Easy
Replace VVT solenoid	€25–€130	€40–€120	€65–€250	Moderate
Replace timing chain and tensioner	€100–€350	€300–€800	€400–€1150	Professional
Replace camshaft phaser/actuator	€80–€300	€200–€600	€280–€900	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

Full repair guides

Engines known for this code

P0011 on specific vehicles

P0011 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0011 on Nissan

Nissan Qashqai

See Nissan-specific causes & cost

P0011 on Hyundai

Hyundai Tucson

See Hyundai-specific causes & cost

P0011 on Kia

Kia Sportage

See Kia-specific causes & cost

BMW

BMW 3 Series

2005-2024

The N52 and N54 engines are known for VANOS system issues causing P0011. Oil condition matters on these engines and a stretched oil-change interval is a common precursor. Check the VANOS solenoid screen for debris before replacing the unit.

P0011 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

Peugeot

Peugeot 308

2007-2024

The 1.6 THP/EP6 engine (co-developed with BMW) is prone to timing chain stretch and VVT solenoid failure. The same engine appears across many PSA models. Chain replacement is labour-intensive on a transverse installation, so quotes vary widely between workshops.

P0011 on Toyota

Toyota Camry

See Toyota-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0011 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0011

Can I drive with code P0011?: You can drive short distances, but the engine may stall or run poorly. If you hear a rattling noise from the engine, this suggests a timing chain issue that could worsen and cause serious engine damage. Get it diagnosed promptly.
Will an oil change fix P0011?: In many cases, yes. If the oil is dirty, low, or the wrong viscosity, changing it can restore proper VVT operation. Use the manufacturer-specified oil grade, clear the code, and drive to see if it returns. This is the cheapest fix to try first.
What causes P0011 on a cold start?: On cold starts, oil pressure is lower and takes time to reach the VVT system. A worn timing chain tensioner, clogged oil passages, or thickened oil can delay VVT operation, causing the camshaft position to deviate from the target and trigger P0011.
How serious is P0011?: Moderately serious. While it will not cause immediate breakdown, ignoring P0011 can lead to increased fuel consumption, higher emissions, and potential timing chain damage over time. If caused by a stretched timing chain, delays can lead to costly engine repairs.
Is P0011 related to P0016?: Yes. P0016 indicates a correlation problem between the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Both codes often appear together when the timing chain is stretched or the VVT system is malfunctioning, as both detect camshaft timing errors.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0011

Your car logged P0011. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €40-€1150 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.