The Lemon IndexThe variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 2 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 P0021 in 28 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Subaru Impreza.
Cars owners report it on
Complaints that name P0021, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
Years owners report it on most: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse · 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe
The details
What P0021 means
The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 2 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 P0021?
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.
29% of the owner complaints that name P0021 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 P0021
- 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: 29% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 21% of complaints
- Shakes, runs rough or misfires: 18% of complaints
- Uses or leaks oil: 18% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0021 most
2018 Chevrolet Traverse (3), 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe (2).
Related codes
P0022 P0024 P0019 P0018 P0017 P0016 P0015 P0014
Quick answers
What does P0021 mean?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Intake, Bank 2). The variable valve timing for the intake camshaft on bank 2 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 P0021?
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 P0021?
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 P0021. 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.