Engine code
P0012: Intake camshaft timing too far behind (bank 1)
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $60 | $500 |
| Labor: 1 to 4.5 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $125 | $788 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $190 | $1,325 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, vvt solenoid / cam phaser repair. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer holds the intake camshaft in a certain position using oil pressure, and on the cylinder 1 bank it is lagging behind the target. That means the cam is turning later than commanded. Slow oil flow, a sticking solenoid or a stretched chain can all cause it.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Dirty or low engine oil
Short, gentle drives are usually okay, but fix it soon; stop if the engine rattles, stalls or the oil light comes on.
What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Check-engine light on
- Ticking or rattle at startup
Common causes, most likely first
- Dirty or low engine oil
- Failing VVT or cam phaser solenoid
- Stretched timing chain or worn tensioner
- Clogged oil screen on the solenoid
- Wrong cam position sensor signal
Check this first
Check the oil level and how long since the last change. Old or low oil is the most common cause of timing-control codes.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0012
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Timing chain replacement | $1,250 to $2,850 |
| Camshaft position sensor replacement | $110 to $370 |
| Oil and filter change | $80 to $190 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0012 questions
Can low oil cause this?
Yes. The variable timing system uses oil pressure to move parts, so oil that is low, thin or full of sludge makes the cam slow to respond. Fresh oil of the right grade is the cheapest first step.
Why does the code mention the intake camshaft?
Many engines have two camshafts per bank, one for intake and one for exhaust, and this names the intake one. Knowing which cam lags helps the shop look at the right solenoid.
Is a timing chain involved?
Sometimes. If the oil is fine and the solenoid tests good, a stretched chain or worn tensioner can let the cam fall behind. A rattle at cold start is a clue, and a timing test can confirm it.
How much does it cost to fix P0012?
The most common fix, vvt solenoid / cam phaser repair, has a typical range of $190 to $1,325 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0011: Intake camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 1)
- P0013: Exhaust camshaft timing stuck (bank 1)
- P0014: Exhaust camshaft timing too far advanced (bank 1)
- P0016: Crankshaft and camshaft not lining up (bank 1)
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.