P0018 — OBD-II trouble code

A generic powertrain OBD-II trouble code. Below are the vehicles and failure patterns where owners report it, drawn from NHTSA complaints.

In ProblemsByVin's analysis of the NHTSA owner-complaint record, owners cite P0018 across 29 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 P0018 29 patterns

2019 Ford Expedition

engine — Cam Phaser/VCT System Failure

2018 Hyundai Santa Fe

engine — Timing Chain Tensioner Failure with Camshaft Issues

2017 GMC Acadia

powertrain — Transmission Hard Engagement & Slipping

2017 Kia Sedona

engine — Piston Ring Failure / Internal Engine Deterioration

2016 Dodge Journey

engine — Engine stalling without warning

2016 Kia Sedona

engine — Engine seizure due to oil starvation with non-functional low oil pressure warning

2016 Kia Sorento

powertrain — Engine Seizure / Rod Bearing Failure

2015 Ford Explorer

powertrain — Camshaft/crankshaft timing misalignment (P0017/P0018)

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe

engine — Catastrophic engine failure — sudden loss of power and stalling

2014 GMC Acadia

engine — Check engine light with timing chain and camshaft actuator codes

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

powertrain — Engine oil starvation and seizure

2013 Cadillac SRX

cruise control — Throttle/transmission hesitation and lag during acceleration

2013 Chrysler Town and Country

powertrain — Engine stalling / loss of power

2012 Buick Enclave

engine — Timing chain failure

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

engine — Timing chain stretch, skip, or breakage

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

powertrain — Reduced Engine Power / Limp Mode with Stabilitrak and Traction Control Warnings

2012 Chevrolet Traverse

electrical — Engine Stalling and Power Loss (Intermittent/Multiple Causes)

2012 Hyundai Tucson

engine — Connecting rod bearing failure with catastrophic engine damage

2012 Nissan Altima

engine — Engine Stall from Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensor

2011 Audi Q5

engine — Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

2010 Chevrolet Traverse

powertrain — Timing Chain Stretch/Premature Wear

2009 Cadillac CTS

engine — Premature Timing Chain Wear / Stretching

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

engine — Engine stalling and sudden power loss

2009 Chevrolet Equinox

powertrain — Timing chain and guides failure

2008 Saturn Outlook

steering — Rack and pinion leaking

2008 Suzuki XL7

engine — Timing chain and tensioner failure

2007 Saturn Aura

powertrain — 6T70/6T75 Transmission Wave Plate Failure

2007 Suzuki XL7

engine — Timing chain stretch and failure

2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

powertrain — Balance Shaft Wear & Engine Timing Issues

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 →