P0012

A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

Variable valve timing (VVT) Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0012 means the intake camshaft on bank 1 is timed further retarded than the ECM commanded — the variable valve timing (VVT) system isn't advancing the cam correctly. The most common trigger is oil-related: low, dirty, or wrong-grade oil, or a clogged oil control valve, since VVT is driven by oil pressure. Expect rough idle, reduced power, and worse economy until it's corrected.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually yes, but expect rough running and reduced power; fix it soon since bad cam timing hurts economy and can cause stalling in some cases.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

825

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.2%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0012 scans

P0014in 15.2% of scans

P0011in 9.3% of scans

P0010in 9.0% 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 or occasional stalling
Reduced power and hesitation
Increased fuel consumption
Rattle at start-up (worn phaser)

Common causes

Most likely first

Low, dirty, or wrong-viscosity engine oil (a leading cause of VVT faults)Likely
Clogged oil control valve or VVT solenoid screenCommon
Faulty camshaft oil control (phaser) solenoidCommon
Stretched timing chain or jumped timingLess often
Faulty camshaft position sensorLess often
Failed ECM (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Check oil level and condition first — top up or change with the correct grade.
Remove and clean or replace the oil control valve/VVT solenoid and its screen.
Inspect the camshaft position sensor and its wiring.
Check the timing chain for stretch or a jumped tooth.
Clear the code and recheck actual cam timing with a scan tool.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0012?+

Short trips are usually fine, but rough running and possible stalling mean you shouldn't put off the repair — and check your oil first.

Can I just clear P0012?+

It will return unless the underlying cam-timing problem is fixed. Since dirty oil is a common trigger, start there before clearing.

Read & clear P0012 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