P0021 — Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2) — variable valve timing fault

Code P0021 is a standard OBD-II diagnostic trouble code: Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 2) — variable valve timing fault.

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In our record, P0021 is reported most often on Subaru, Chevrolet and Hyundai vehicles , against engine and powertrain failure patterns , across 2006–2020 model years.

In ProblemsByVin's analysis of the NHTSA owner-complaint record, owners cite P0021 across 17 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 P0021 17 patterns

2020 Chevrolet Blazer

powertrain — Camshaft timing over-advanced fault

2019 Ford Expedition

engine — Cam Phaser/VCT System Failure

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

powertrain — Transmission slipping and intermittent power loss during acceleration

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

engine — Transmission/Drivability Electrical Faults (TCM, solenoid, shift sensor)

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

engine — Excessive oil consumption

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe

powertrain — Catastrophic engine seizure and oil consumption

2014 GMC Acadia

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

2014 Kia Cadenza

engine — Excessive oil consumption and internal engine damage

2014 Subaru Impreza

engine — Engine Stall While Driving

2013 Cadillac SRX

cruise control — Throttle/transmission hesitation and lag during acceleration

2013 Subaru Impreza

powertrain — CVT Transmission Valve Body / Control System Failure

2013 Subaru XV CrossTrek

electrical — Electrical system stall and loss of power while driving

2012 INFINITI QX56

engine — Timing chain stretch and failure

2012 Subaru Impreza

engine — Fractured or Broken Valve Springs

2011 Nissan Maxima

powertrain — Engine timing chain cover deterioration — oil pressure loss

2007 Subaru Impreza

engine — Head Gasket Failure

2006 Subaru Impreza

engine — Banjo bolt filter/screen fracture in oil line

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 →