P0021: "A" Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
Moderate SeveritySafe to drive (short-term)Emissions
P0021 means the intake camshaft on bank 2 is positioned more advanced than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system on bank 2 is not responding correctly, typically due to oil flow issues, a faulty bank 2 VVT solenoid, a stretched timing chain, or a worn cam phaser. The code only appears on V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines.
Estimated repair costFrom €60 to €6000+, varies by vehicle
What does P0021 mean?
P0021 means the intake camshaft on bank 2 is positioned more advanced than the ECU commanded it to be. The variable valve timing system on bank 2 is not responding correctly, typically due to oil flow issues, a faulty bank 2 VVT solenoid, a stretched timing chain, or a worn cam phaser. The code only appears on V6, V8, V10, and V12 engines.
P0021 is a emissions-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0021 and illuminates the check engine light.
What are the symptoms of P0021?
If your vehicle has triggered P0021, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
Check engine light illuminated
Rough or unstable idle, possible stalling
Hard starting, especially when warm
Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start
Reduced fuel economy
Failed emissions test
What causes P0021?
Here are the most common causes of P0021, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:
highDirty or low engine oil restricting bank 2 VVT solenoid operation
highFaulty bank 2 VVT/camshaft position actuator solenoid
mediumStretched or worn timing chain affecting bank 2
mediumClogged oil passages to the bank 2 VVT actuator
lowWorn bank 2 camshaft phaser
Is it safe to drive with P0021?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. Short trips to a workshop are acceptable, but the engine may stall, idle roughly, or hesitate. P0021 is a bank 2 fault, so your engine is a V6 or larger. Continued driving with timing chain damage on a V-engine risks expensive valve damage on interference designs.
How do you diagnose P0021?
Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0021:
Check engine oil level and condition. Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity oil is the most common cause of P0021. Use only the manufacturer-specified oil approval and change if overdue
Use a scan tool to monitor live cam phasing data on bank 2. Compare the actual versus commanded intake cam advance angle. Deviations over 5 to 10 degrees confirm a real timing fault
Locate the bank 2 intake VVT solenoid (typically on the bank 2 valve cover or front of the bank 2 cylinder head). Measure resistance (6 to 13 ohms typical) and inspect the mesh filter screen for sludge
Listen for cold-start rattle from the bank 2 side of the engine. A timing chain rattle on bank 2 specifically points to chain or tensioner wear on that bank
If the oil and solenoid are good, suspect timing chain or guide wear. A workshop will need to remove the bank 2 valve cover for inspection, or check timing chain wear with a service tool
How much does P0021 cost to fix?
Repair costs for P0021 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
€40–€100
€20–€50
€60–€150
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€80–€300
€60–€200
€140–€500
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€800–€3000
€800–€3000
€1600–€6000
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0021 on specific vehicles
P0021 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:
P0021 on BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series • 2005–2024
P0021 on a BMW 3 Series implies a V8 model: the M3 with the S65 V8. The S65 has known VANOS solenoid failures on both banks at high mileage. Some 5 Series M5 sedans with the S63 V8 also fall in this category. VANOS solenoid replacement is the typical fix at 300 to 500 EUR per side.
What causes P0021 on a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 SeriesM3 E90/E92 S65 V8 bank 2 VANOS solenoid failure
BMW 3 SeriesS63 V8 bank 2 phaser wear on high-mileage M-series
P0021 repair cost for BMW 3 Series
Estimated costs for BMW 3 Series ownersadjusted higher than average due to BMW-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0021 on Audi A6
Audi A6 • 2005–2024
The A6 3.0 TFSI EA837 supercharged V6 commonly sets P0021 around 100,000 to 150,000 km due to bank 2 intake camshaft adjuster failure. The supercharger must be removed for chain access, driving labour to 1500 EUR or more. Bundle both bank adjusters to avoid a second teardown.
What causes P0021 on a Audi A6?
Audi A63.0 TFSI bank 2 intake adjuster failure
Audi A6Timing chain tensioner wear on supercharged V6
P0021 repair cost for Audi A6
Estimated costs for Audi A6 ownersadjusted higher than average due to Audi-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€52–€130
€26–€65
€78–€195
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€104–€390
€78–€260
€182–€650
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1040–€3900
€1040–€3900
€2080–€7800
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0021 on Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class • 2005–2024
The M276 V6 sets P0021 frequently due to bank 2 camshaft adjuster magnet failure. Mercedes adjusters are 250 to 400 EUR per side. The M278 V8 has similar issues. Use only MB-approved 229.5 or 229.51 oil to avoid recurrence. Sticky adjusters can sometimes be cleaned, but replacement is more reliable.
What causes P0021 on a Mercedes E-Class?
Mercedes E-ClassM276 V6 bank 2 intake adjuster magnet failure
Mercedes E-ClassM278 V8 bank 2 timing chain wear
P0021 repair cost for Mercedes E-Class
Estimated costs for Mercedes E-Class ownersadjusted higher than average due to Mercedes-Benz-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€56–€140
€28–€70
€84–€210
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€112–€420
€84–€280
€196–€700
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1120–€4200
€1120–€4200
€2240–€8400
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P0021 on Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg • 2005–2024
The Touareg 3.0 TFSI EA837 V6 and 3.0 TDI V6 are the typical P0021 candidates. On the 3.0 TDI (CASA, CASB) bank 2 timing chain stretch is well documented. On the 3.0 TFSI, the bank 2 intake adjuster failure pattern matches the Audi A6. Plan for 3000 EUR or more for full chain work at a VAG specialist.
What causes P0021 on a Volkswagen Touareg?
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TDI V6 bank 2 chain stretch (CASA/CASB)
Volkswagen Touareg3.0 TFSI bank 2 intake adjuster failure
P0021 repair cost for Volkswagen Touareg
Estimated costs for Volkswagen Touareg ownersadjusted higher than average due to Volkswagen-specific parts pricing
Repair
Parts Cost
Labor Cost
Total Estimate
DIY Difficulty
Engine oil and filter change
€60–€150
€30–€75
€90–€225
Easy
Replace bank 2 VVT solenoid
€120–€450
€90–€300
€210–€750
Moderate
Replace timing chain kit on V-engine
€1200–€4500
€1200–€4500
€2400–€9000
Professional
Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Related diagnostic codes
These codes are often seen alongside P0021 or indicate related issues:
P0011 is the same fault on bank 1, P0021 is on bank 2. P0021 only appears on V-engines because bank 2 is the side not containing cylinder 1. The diagnostic and repair process is the same, but parts and labour are typically higher because V-engine cam access is more involved.
Will an oil change fix P0021?
In many cases, yes, particularly if the engine has been on extended oil change intervals or using the wrong viscosity. The bank 2 VVT system depends on clean oil pressure to advance and retard the camshaft. Fresh oil with the correct manufacturer approval can free a stuck solenoid and restore proper operation.
Why is my engine rattling on cold start with P0021?
Cold-start rattle alongside P0021 typically means the timing chain has slack on bank 2 because oil pressure has not built up yet to tension the chain. This is a strong indicator of a stretched chain or a failing tensioner. The longer the rattle (over 3 seconds), the worse the wear. Repair before the chain skips teeth.
How much does P0021 cost to fix on a Mercedes M276?
If the cause is the bank 2 camshaft adjuster magnet, expect 350 to 600 EUR including parts and labour. If the cause is timing chain stretch on the M276 V6, plan for 2500 to 4000 EUR at an independent specialist. The chain job requires significant front-engine disassembly. Always change both bank adjusters together if one fails.
Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0021
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