P0012 — Intake camshaft timing over-retarded (bank 1) — variable valve timing fault

Code P0012 is a standard OBD-II diagnostic trouble code: Intake camshaft timing over-retarded (bank 1) — variable valve timing fault.

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In our record, P0012 is reported most often on Ford, Toyota and Nissan vehicles , against engine and electrical failure patterns , across 2006–2023 model years.

In ProblemsByVin's analysis of the NHTSA owner-complaint record, owners cite P0012 across 16 vehicle failure patterns. Diagnostic codes in complaints are reported by owners and are unverified — they point to where this code shows up, not a confirmed diagnosis. Open a page below for the full pattern (symptoms, mileage, repair costs owners cite).

Vehicles where owners report P0012 16 patterns

2023 Nissan Rogue

engine — Engine Seizure / Catastrophic Internal Failure

2022 Nissan Rogue

engine — Rod knock and bearing failure

2021 Ford Ecosport

engine — Oil pump drive belt tensioner failure

2021 Ford F-150

engine — Engine misfire and ignition/compression issues

2020 Ford Expedition

engine — Engine timing chain stretch and camshaft timing issues

2018 Ford Escape

engine — Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders

2018 Ford Ecosport

powertrain — Oil pump belt/tensioner failure leading to engine seizure

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

electrical — Engine failure and stall while driving

2013 Audi Q5

engine — Timing chain stretch and failure

2012 GMC Terrain

electrical — Battery drain and starting failures

2009 Ford Escape

electrical — Engine Control Issues - Camshaft and Solenoid Faults (P0011/P0012)

2009 Ford Escape

engine — Throttle Body Failure / Electronic Throttle Control (Drive-by-Wire)

2009 MINI Cooper

engine — Timing chain and tensioner failure

2007 Toyota Tundra

engine — Check Engine / Camshaft Timing Codes (VVT-Related)

2007 Toyota Avalon

engine — VVT-i Oil Hose / Line Rupture

2006 Toyota RAV4

engine — Excessive Oil Consumption (2AZ-FE Engine Piston/Ring Defect)

Codes are pulled from what owners wrote in their NHTSA filings — they're allegations, not a shop diagnosis. Always confirm with a live scan. Browse all diagnostic codes →