P0012: Camshaft timing over-retarded (Bank 1)
Drive carefully. Get it checked within a week or two.
Can I drive with P0012?
Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. Camshaft cannot advance as commanded; car may lack low-end torque and idle roughly.
What does P0012 mean?
P0012 stands for Camshaft Position 'A' - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1).
Symptoms you may notice
- Engine rattles or chatters upon cold startup
- Lack of low-end pulling power from a dead stop
- Rough idle and slight decrease in gas mileage
How much does it cost to fix?
Repair costs for code P0012 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:
- Low oil pressure feeding the camshaft phaser
- Defective or sluggish VVT solenoid valve
- Stretched timing chain
- Worn camshaft actuator gear
What to do next
- Verify engine oil dipstick shows full level.
- Listen for timing chain rattle on cold morning start.
- Replace the VVT solenoid and change engine oil.
Last updated: October 2026
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General guidance only, not a professional diagnosis. If the check-engine light is flashing, or the car is running rough, overheating or losing power, stop driving and get help.
About this code
Code P0012 triggers when Bank 1 intake camshaft timing remains retarded relative to crankshaft position. The engine will struggle when trying to accelerate from a dead stop. You can drive carefully to a repair facility.