What is the difference between P0011 and P0021?

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.

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

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

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 engines with two cylinder banks: V6, V8, V10 and V12 engines and flat (boxer) engines.

Severity: Moderate · Emissions
Estimated repair cost: From €60 to €6000+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0021 mean?

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.

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. Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine that does not hold cylinder 1.

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:

Dirty or low engine oil restricting bank 2 VVT solenoid operation
: high
Faulty bank 2 VVT/camshaft position actuator solenoid
: high
Stretched or worn timing chain affecting bank 2
: medium
Clogged oil passages to the bank 2 VVT actuator
: medium
Worn bank 2 camshaft phaser
: low

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
Monitor live cam phasing data on bank 2 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). 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.

Full repair guides

Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Cost

P0021 on specific vehicles

P0021 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0021 on BMW

BMW 3 Series

See BMW-specific causes & cost

P0021 on Audi

Audi A6

See Audi-specific causes & cost

P0021 on Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes E-Class

See Mercedes-Benz-specific causes & cost

P0021 on Volkswagen

Volkswagen Touareg

See Volkswagen-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0021 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0021

What is the difference between P0011 and P0021?: 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.

Read our detailed guides

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