Carlexica

P0012: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1

A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.

Fix within weeks

Same as P0011 - fine briefly, but oil-system causes should be ruled out promptly.

$50 - $3,500
typical repair range
43
NHTSA complaints mention this code
68,617
median mileage when reported, mi

Symptoms

  • Hard starting or rough idle
  • Reduced power at low rpm
  • Timing rattle at cold start

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Oil condition or level (first check)
  2. Sticking VVT solenoid
  3. Phaser stuck retarded or chain stretch

Read P0012 yourself before paying for diagnosis

A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.

What is going on and how it gets diagnosed

P0012 is the mirror of P0011: the intake cam on bank 1 is retarded - lagging where the computer wants it. The cause list is identical because the machinery is identical; only the direction of the error differs.

Retarded timing tends to show up hardest at cold start and low rpm. The same money-saving order applies: oil first, solenoid second, mechanical timing parts last, confirmed by live cam position data rather than guesswork.

Repair options and cost

Oil and filter change$50 - $150
VVT solenoid$150 - $450
Phaser or chain repair$600 - $3,500

Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.

Owner reports mentioning P0012

Car went in to limp mode twice! (Vehicle speed wouldn't get over 50 miles per hour.) The car was taken to the nearest O'Reilly to be diagnosed. The diagnosis said " Powertain diagnosis troubled codes : P0012 Code Indicates that the Bank1intake camshaft position timing was retarded beyond limits for a predetermined time period of time. Also said replace engine variable valve time (vvt) solenoid both times!!!2023 Nissan Rogue · Jun 2026
Vehicle suffered acute catastrophic engine failure. No dash lights alerted me. Engine just started rattling and smoking. Dealership it was towed to pulled codes p0302 p0304 p0012 p0014 tried to blame it on us despite known coolant intrusion issue2017 Ford Escape · Mar 2026
In 2024 the vehicle was brought in for a P0012 code, rough idling, loss of power, and hesitation when accelerating. The cam phasers were the culprit which were replaced along side multiple gaskets, and the timing belt. The tensioner was not replaced at that time. One year the vehicle is performing the same way, threw a P0012 code, rough idle, and loss of power. This time the dealership found suspended metals in the oil, and discovered scoring in the chambers. They refuse to look at the cam phasers or belt to see if there is wear or damage.2017 Ford Escape · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
Driving on the highway heard large rattling noise coming from engine loss of power engine light came on battery light came on no acceleration cause to slow down on highway fortunately I was able to get to shoulder had it towed to service shop had p0012 code tensioner may have broken off on timing belt causing low oil pressure and causing engine rattling noise and engine shut down but service garage don't do that type of work2017 Ford Explorer · Aug 2024
As I was driving home 8/2/24 at approximately 12:00pm the engine died in my 2020 Ford EcoSport. The automobile will not start, resulting in my having to get it towed. Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power. P0012 A Camshaft position timing over - Retarded Bank 1 P0014 B Camshaft position Timing Over - Advanced or System Performance Bank 1 P0299Turbocharge/Supercharger Underboost P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1 or Single Sensor2020 Ford Ecosport · Aug 2024
Timing chain issue same as 2015 and earlier current recalls. Happened aroun 68,000 miles. May stall pulling out from stop light. Mechanic diagnosed problem Car ran bad at idle and stopped in drive or reverse. Often stalled. Repaired 9/13/24 approx 3,500 bill.Stony Creek Auto Center, Reading, PA did repair. The timing chain kit and oil pump were replaced inpected by mechanic. Warning sign code P0017 and P0012. Yellow warning light.2016 Chevrolet Equinox · Aug 2024
Check engine light with code for timing error, Intake VANOS bolts are damaged are verified via visual inspection with a bore scope. Code P0012: Intake Camshaft Position Timing- Over-Retarded (Bank 1)2011 BMW 328I · Jun 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine started to vibrate and misfire. The contact stated that DTC codes: P0302 (Cylinder #2 Misfire) and P0012 (Intake A cam shaft position timing) were retrieved. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that coolant had intruded into the engine block and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a TSB: 19-2346 Coolant Intrusion into The Cylinders (Engine and Engine Cooling) related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.2017 Ford Escape · Sep 2023 · 91,000 mi
Timing chain has no tension and requiring immediate repair of timing chain and phasers. Check engine light illuminated with codes P0012 & P054C. It is evident this is an acknowledged issue with Ford due to the number of TSBs issued for this motor. Diagnosed at an independent repair shop and confirmed at local Ford dealership and is available currently at the Ford dealership for inspection upon request. Safety risk of loss of power or complete engine failure while operating. Occasional cold start noises occurred for about a year prior to the check engine light on 1/13/2022 - Check engine light appeared, and was taken to a repair shop the next day.2013 Ford F-150 · Jan 2022
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the failure recurred while stopped at a traffic light with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved fault code: p0012 (intake (a) camshaft position timing -over- retarded (bank 1). The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were contacted or informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.2016 Ford F-150 · Aug 2020 · 59,000 mi

Cars that report P0012 most often

Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with P0012?

Same as P0011 - fine briefly, but oil-system causes should be ruled out promptly.

How much does it cost to fix P0012?

Typical US repair costs range from $50 for the simplest fix (oil and filter change) to $3,500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.

Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.