The Lemon IndexThe variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be.
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil. Then: sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid; worn or stretched timing chain.
Owners named P0011 in 121 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Chevrolet Equinox.
Models that report it most
Complaints that name P0011, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints. Tap a model for its years, mileage and what owners say fixed it.
P0011 by model: P0011 Chevrolet Equinox (20)
Years owners report it on most: 2014 Chevrolet Equinox · 2011 Chevrolet Equinox · 2012 Chevrolet Sonic · 2016 Hyundai Sonata · 2011 Nissan Maxima · 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
The details
What P0011 means
The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Can I drive with P0011?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
38% of the owner complaints that name P0011 also say the car stalls or shuts off. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0011
- Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil
- Sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid
- Worn or stretched timing chain
- Faulty cam phaser
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Stalls or shuts off: 38% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 19% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 18% of complaints
- Rattles or knocks: 18% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0011 most
2014 Chevrolet Equinox (5), 2011 Chevrolet Equinox (4), 2012 Chevrolet Sonic (4), 2016 Hyundai Sonata (4), 2011 Nissan Maxima (3), 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (3).
Related codes
P0010 P0012 P0013 P0014 P0015 P0016 P0017 P0018
Quick answers
What does P0011 mean?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Intake, Bank 1). The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 1 isn't where the computer asked it to be. The engine can idle rough, lose power or use more fuel. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger, because oil pressure moves the timing.
Can I drive with P0011?
Get it fixed soon. A few more days of normal driving is usually OK, but waiting can turn a small repair into a bigger one or a breakdown.
What causes P0011?
Low, old or wrong-grade engine oil; Sticking oil control (VVT) solenoid; Worn or stretched timing chain; Faulty cam phaser.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0011. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.