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 P0012 in 43 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Ford Escape.
Models that report it most
Complaints that name P0012, 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.
P0012 by model: P0012 Ford Escape (15)
Years owners report it on most: 2009 Ford Escape · 2023 Nissan Rogue · 2018 Ford Escape · 2014 Ford Escape · 2017 Ford Escape · 2019 Ford Escape
The details
What P0012 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 P0012?
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.
21% of the owner complaints that name P0012 also say the car warning lights and electrical faults. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0012
- 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
- Warning lights and electrical faults: 21% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 21% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 21% of complaints
- Stalls or shuts off: 19% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0012 most
2009 Ford Escape (5), 2023 Nissan Rogue (4), 2018 Ford Escape (3), 2014 Ford Escape (2), 2017 Ford Escape (2), 2019 Ford Escape (2).
Related codes
P0011 P0013 P0010 P0014 P0015 P0016 P0017 P0018
Quick answers
What does P0012 mean?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (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 P0012?
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 P0012?
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 P0012. 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.