Is P0015 expensive to fix?

It depends on the cause. An oil change costs 40-110 EUR and solves many cases. A VVT solenoid replacement runs 80-270 EUR. If the timing chain is stretched, expect 470-1,300 EUR for chain, tensioner, and labour combined.

What is the difference between P0011 and P0015?

P0011 refers to the intake (A) camshaft being over-advanced, while P0015 refers to the exhaust (B) camshaft being over-retarded. Both indicate VVT system faults but on different camshafts. They can appear together if the timing chain is stretched.

Can low oil cause P0015?

Yes. The VVT system relies on oil pressure to adjust camshaft position. Low oil level, dirty oil, or incorrect oil viscosity can all prevent the exhaust camshaft from reaching its target position, directly triggering P0015.

P0015: "B" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P0015 indicates the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is more retarded than the ECU commanded. The variable valve timing system for the exhaust cam is not adjusting properly, usually due to oil issues, a worn timing chain, or a failing VVT solenoid.

Severity: Moderate · Emissions
Estimated repair cost: From €40 to €1300+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0015 mean?

P0015 is a emissions-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0015 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 P0015?

If your vehicle has triggered P0015, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on
Rough idle or engine hesitation
Reduced engine power, especially at higher RPM
Poor fuel economy
Engine rattling noise on startup
Possible stalling at idle

What causes P0015?

Here are the most common causes of P0015:

Low or contaminated engine oil
: high
Faulty exhaust camshaft VVT solenoid
: high
Stretched timing chain or worn chain tensioner
: medium
Clogged oil passages to the exhaust cam phaser
: medium
Worn exhaust camshaft phaser/actuator
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0015?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. You can drive carefully to a workshop, but expect reduced performance and possible rough idling. Prolonged driving may increase engine wear.

How do you diagnose P0015?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0015:

Check engine oil level and quality. Top up or change if the oil is low, dark, or overdue. Use the manufacturer-specified viscosity grade
Read the actual and target exhaust camshaft position 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 offset between the two confirms the VVT system is not responding
Inspect and test the exhaust VVT solenoid. Measure coil resistance and check for clogged filter screens. Replace if faulty
Listen for chain rattle on cold starts. A brief rattle that stops after a few seconds indicates a worn chain tensioner. A persistent rattle suggests chain stretch
If other causes are ruled out, check timing chain alignment marks to verify chain stretch and inspect the exhaust cam phaser for wear

How much does P0015 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0015 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	€20–€60	€20–€50	€40–€110	Easy
Replace exhaust VVT solenoid	€30–€140	€50–€130	€80–€270	Moderate
Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides	€120–€400	€350–€900	€470–€1300	Professional
Replace exhaust camshaft phaser	€90–€320	€200–€650	€290–€970	Professional

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

Full repair guides

Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

P0015 on specific vehicles

P0015 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0015 on Audi

Audi A4

See Audi-specific causes & cost

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

2006-2024

The 1.4 TSI engines from 2006-2014 are particularly prone to timing chain issues causing P0015. Check the part number on the tensioner you remove before ordering a replacement. The EA888 2.0T can also develop this fault if oil changes are neglected.

Skoda

Skoda Octavia

2008-2024

Shares engines with VW Golf (1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI). The same timing chain stretch issue affects early 1.4 TSI models. Skoda service intervals are often 15,000-30,000 km which can accelerate oil degradation in turbo engines.

P0015 on Suzuki

Suzuki Vitara · Suzuki Swift

See Suzuki-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0015 or indicate related issues:

P0010
P0011
P0013
P0014
P0016
P0025

Common questions about P0015

What does P0015 mean?: P0015 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is staying in a more retarded position than the engine computer commanded. This affects engine efficiency, emissions, and performance because the exhaust valves are not opening and closing at the optimal time.
Is P0015 expensive to fix?: It depends on the cause. An oil change costs 40-110 EUR and solves many cases. A VVT solenoid replacement runs 80-270 EUR. If the timing chain is stretched, expect 470-1,300 EUR for chain, tensioner, and labour combined.
What is the difference between P0011 and P0015?: P0011 refers to the intake (A) camshaft being over-advanced, while P0015 refers to the exhaust (B) camshaft being over-retarded. Both indicate VVT system faults but on different camshafts. They can appear together if the timing chain is stretched.
Can low oil cause P0015?: Yes. The VVT system relies on oil pressure to adjust camshaft position. Low oil level, dirty oil, or incorrect oil viscosity can all prevent the exhaust camshaft from reaching its target position, directly triggering P0015.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0015

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