P000A: Intake camshaft position slow response, bank 1: the bank 1 intake camshaft takes too long to reach the timing the engine computer commands

Intake cam slow response (bank 1)

Severity: Inspect soon

P000A means the bank 1 intake cam phaser is responding slowly. Common causes are oil-related or a sticking oil control valve, and several makers fixed it with software. The engine usually runs normally, but have it checked soon so a worn phaser or chain is not missed.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The check engine light starts flashing. That means misfire heavy enough to overheat and damage the catalytic converter; avoid further driving and get it checked.
Stop: A new loud rattle or slapping noise from the timing chain area, or the engine stalls or will not restart. A loose or badly stretched chain can jump teeth, and further driving risks serious engine damage.

Source: how we rate severity

P000A in short

P000A means the bank 1 intake camshaft is slow to reach the timing the engine computer asks for. Low or dirty oil, a sticking oil control valve or a clogged screen are common causes, and some makers fix it with software. Check the oil first and get it inspected soon.

Instead of checking only whether the camshaft ends up in the right place, the computer also times how quickly it gets there. P000A sets when the bank 1 intake camshaft moves too slowly after a timing change.

Slow response is usually hydraulic: thick, low or dirty oil, a clogged screen or a sticky oil control valve. Saturn found cracked solenoid screens; Subaru has a diagnostic bulletin for its AVCS cam timing system and reprogrammed some 2015 models where low valve voltage set the code.

If P000A comes with engine noise or several cam codes, a worn phaser, broken sprocket pin or chain problem becomes more likely.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, sludge or the wrong viscosity
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
Phaser speed depends on oil pressure and flow, so oil is the free first check.
What would change this
Rises if the oil is low, overdue or the wrong grade.
Cause 2: Sticking oil control valve or a cracked or clogged screen
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Saturn tied P000A on the 2008-2009 Astra to cracked cam solenoid filter screens; FCA replaced both intake VVT solenoids on 2016 Durango and Grand Cherokee with P000A among the codes.
What would change this
Rises when the actual cam angle lags commands with good oil.
How to test the variable valve timing (vvt) oil control solenoid
Cause 3: Engine computer software or low valve voltage logic
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Subaru reprogrammed 2015 Legacy and Outback where reduced oil control valve voltage set P000A, and VW released programming for P0011/P000A on 2006-2007 models.
What would change this
Rises on a covered vehicle; a dealer can check the calibration.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)
Cause 4: Worn phaser, chain, tensioner or broken sprocket pin
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Land Rover found a broken camshaft sprocket pin with P000A and engine noise on 2.0L engines; worn timing parts can also slow response.
What would change this
Rises with rattle or several cam codes stored.
Cause 5: Camshaft position sensor or wiring
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
A poor cam signal can make the cam look slow, though it usually sets its own sensor codes.
What would change this
Rises if cam sensor codes are stored too.
How to test the camshaft position sensor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.
Low riskTool: dipstick, owner's manual
- IfOil is low, overdue, sludgy or the wrong viscosity
  It meansCorrect the oil first, clear the code and drive; many cam timing codes return no further.
  Points to: Low oil level, sludge or the wrong viscosity
- IfOil is full, fresh and the right grade
  It meansLook at the other stored codes.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Read all codes and freeze frame and ask a dealer to check the VIN for software updates.
Low riskTool: scan tool
- IfA software bulletin covers the vehicle
  It meansInstall the update first.
  Points to: Engine computer software or low valve voltage logic
- IfNo bulletin applies
  It meansCheck how the cam responds.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 1 intake cam angle on a scan tool during throttle changes.
Low riskTool: scan tool with live data
- IfActual angle lags or overshoots the command
  It meansThe oil control valve or its screen is suspect.
  Points to: Sticking oil control valve or a cracked or clogged screen
- IfCode returns with good oil and a new valve, or with noise
  It meansHave the phaser and timing drive inspected.
  Points to: Worn phaser, chain, tensioner or broken sprocket pin

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Slight loss of power or rough idle
Rattle from the front of the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

Step 1: Check the oil level and top it up to the full mark with the grade listed in your owner's manual.
Warning:Engine off and on level ground; wait a few minutes for oil to drain back.
Step 2: If the oil is overdue or the wrong grade, change the oil and filter with the specified oil, clear the code and drive normally to see whether it returns.
Warning:Let the engine cool before draining; hot oil burns. Support the car on ramps or stands, never just a jack.

Parts and cost context

Variable valve timing (VVT) oil control solenoid:Check for a software update and clean oil before replacing the oil control valve; several makers fixed P000A with a reprogram.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Subaru

2011–2015
Supported by vehicle data
Subaru has a diagnostic bulletin for P000A and other AVCS codes, and a 2015 Legacy/Outback reprogram for P000A set by low valve voltage.

02-132-12RStatus unverified
Diagnosis and repair for AVCS-related DTCs P000A-P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021, P0024
2011–2015brz, forester, impreza, legacy, outback, xv-crosstrek · NHTSA 10084253
Subaru diagnostic procedure for cam timing codes.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
11-154-15Status unverified
Reprogramming for P000A/P000C when OCV voltage is reduced
2015legacy, outback · NHTSA 10080724
ECM reprogram.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Volkswagen

2006–2007 · Jetta
Supported by vehicle data
VW released updated programming for P0011/P000A.

2013355Status unverified
Update programming, P0011/P000A
2006–2007jetta, beetle, rabbit · NHTSA 10021963
ECM programming update.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Variable valve timing (VVT) codes

Sources and review

P000A Code: Intake A Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1) — CarParts.com , February 17, 2026
Subaru 02-132-12R: Diagnosis and repair for AVCS-related DTCs P000A-P000D, P0011, P0014, P0021 and P0024 — Subaru of America / NHTSA , November 15, 2016
Saturn PIP-4644: P000A/P000B/P0011/P0014 from cracked camshaft actuator solenoid filter screens, 2008-2009 Astra — General Motors
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II) — California Air Resources Board (via Cornell LII)
2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine) — Ford Motor Company
2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
GM PIP3423P: P0016-P0019, P0008 or P0009 - inspect for loose timing chains or tensioners, then the crank reluctor — General Motors / NHTSA , September 17, 2018
GM 12-06-01-009F: High Feature V6 timing chain kits for stretched chains setting P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 — General Motors / NHTSA , August 15, 2017
Variable Valve Timing — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley, automotive technical writer)
FCA 09-009-16: replace both intake VVT solenoids for multiple cam codes including P0017, P0019, P000A, 2016 Durango/Grand Cherokee — FCA US LLC
Subaru 11-154-15: reprogramming for P000A/P000C when oil control valve voltage is reduced, 2015 Legacy/Outback — Subaru of America
VW 2013355: update programming for P0011/P000A, 2006-2007 Jetta/Beetle/Rabbit — Volkswagen of America
Land Rover SSM69738: P0016/P0341/P000A/P0026 with engine noise from a broken camshaft sprocket pin, 2012-2015 LR2/Evoque 2.0L — Jaguar Land Rover North America
ASE A1 study guide: VVT phaser diagnostics — OpenExamPrep (independent study site, not affiliated with ASE)

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Low oil level, sludge or the wrong viscosity

Cause 2: Sticking oil control valve or a cracked or clogged screen

Cause 3: Engine computer software or low valve voltage logic

Cause 4: Worn phaser, chain, tensioner or broken sprocket pin

Cause 5: Camshaft position sensor or wiring

What to test first

Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the owner's manual.

Step 2: Read all codes and freeze frame and ask a dealer to check the VIN for software updates.

Step 3: With the engine warm, watch desired versus actual bank 1 intake cam angle on a scan tool during throttle changes.