P0011

A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1

Variable valve timing (VVT) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0011 means the camshaft on bank 1 is timed more advanced than the ECM commands, so the variable-valve-timing (VVT) system isn't performing correctly. The engine still runs but often idles rough, hesitates, and loses power. Low or dirty oil and a stuck VVT oil-control solenoid are the usual culprits — check the oil first.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually driveable, but expect rough running — the cam timing is off, which can cause rough idle, hard starts, and reduced power; fix it soon to avoid stalling and long-term wear.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

3,410

scans in the past year

Found in

0.5%

of scans

1.0%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0011 scans

P0014in 22.9% of scans

P0300in 18.8% of scans

P0420in 18.7% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Rough idle, sometimes a hard start or stalling
Noticeable loss of power and hesitation
Poorer fuel economy

Common causes

Most likely first

Low or dirty engine oil restricting the VVT system — check this firstLikely
Stuck or clogged oil control (VVT) solenoidCommon
Faulty camshaft timing actuator / phaserCommon
Faulty camshaft position sensorLess often
Stretched timing chain or jumped timingLess often
Faulty ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Check engine oil level and condition; top up or change it if low, old, or sludgy — this alone clears many P0011s.
Remove and clean the oil control (VVT) solenoid; replace it if the screen is clogged or it tests bad.
Inspect the wiring and connector to the solenoid and cam sensor.
Test the camshaft position sensor and the phaser actuator.
If timing is off, inspect the timing chain, guides, and tensioner. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0011?+

Short trips to get it fixed are usually okay, but sustained driving with bad cam timing risks stalling and added engine wear. Address it promptly, especially if the idle is rough.

Can I just clear P0011?+

It comes back unless the cause is fixed. Since dirty or low oil is a frequent trigger, an oil change before clearing is worth trying first.

Read & clear P0011 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX