P0021: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Short trips acceptable; treat like P0011 but on bank 2.
Symptoms
- Rough idle, power loss
- Front-of-engine rattle
Likely causes, most common first
- Oil level and condition
- Bank 2 VVT solenoid sticking
- Bank 2 phaser wear or chain stretch
Read P0021 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
P0021 is over-advanced intake cam timing on bank 2 - the V-engine sibling of P0011. Everything about diagnosing it matches P0011, applied to the other cylinder bank.
When both banks throw timing codes together, think system-wide: oil pressure, oil quality, or a common chain - not two independent failures.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0021
“Received Error code P0021 "A" camshaft position timing is over-advanced in Bank 2 of the engine" Occured 3 times before taking it into dealer. Chevrolet dealership agreed and it was covered under powertrain warranty.”2020 Chevrolet Blazer · Jan 2024
“The vehicle has given codes P0018 and P0021 on multiple occasions. These codes are likely due to an issue with the cam phasers. This is a known issue due to a design flaw.”2019 Ford F-150 · Dec 2023
“Code p0021 popped up shortly after engine had rattling noise and shut down. Sound of cilynder and head rubbing as engine is running with very loud screeching”2012 Subaru Impreza · Oct 2020 · 71,639 mi
Show 2 more owner reports
“Hard start, rough idle, drove 3 miles, check engine light turns on, code: p0021 bank1/2. Did research. It's a banjo bolt filter/screen mine was cracked in half inside the oil line restricting oil to the turbo. Managed to remove one easily accessible banjo screen which fixed half the problem. The other bolt virtually not accessible by me. Almost all turbo vehicles from subaru experience this problem as code: p0021 or just catastrophic turbo/engine/coolant failure.”2006 Subaru Impreza · Jul 2020 · 200,100 mi
“Transmission light came on, car started excessively jerking and stalling (vehicle was in motion on a city street while turning and driving straight) took into dealership and said gm does not have a 'fix' for this problem and it's currently under investigation. There are 'concerns with all 4 or pairs of camshaft position system performance dcts p0011 p0014 p0021 and p0024. Dealership cleared codes and we were told 'chances are it won't happen again'”2018 Chevrolet Traverse · Apr 2019 · 10,000 mi
Cars that report P0021 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0021?
Short trips acceptable; treat like P0011 but on bank 2.
How much does it cost to fix P0021?
Typical US repair costs range from $50 for the simplest fix (oil service) 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.