P0010 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)
1 Honda model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
P0010 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Honda Clarity PHEV can experience a dangerous loss of power when transitioning from electric to gasoline engine operation, particularly under high-load conditions such as highway hills, cold weather, or when the battery is nearly depleted. The vehicle may drop from highway speed (60+ mph) to as low as 20 mph while the engine revs loudly but fails to deliver power, behaving as if the transmission is in neutral. The 1.5L Atkinson-cycle engine struggles to maintain speed when the electric motor assistance diminishes, and the power management software does not always transition smoothly between operating modes.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle drops from highway speed to 20-30 mph unexpectedly
- Engine revs loudly but vehicle does not accelerate
- Power System Problem warning on dashboard
- Gear icon with exclamation mark appears
- Issue worsens in cold weather or on steep grades
How to Fix
Visit a Honda dealer for the latest PCM software update, which improves the hybrid-to-gas transition logic. Keep the battery charged above 2 bars when highway driving in cold weather. In HV mode on long highway grades, manually press the HV Charge button to maintain battery reserve for power blending. If power loss occurs, safely pull over, turn off the vehicle for 60 seconds, then restart — this resets the power management system. The issue is less severe after the 2019 software updates.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipOn highway trips longer than your EV range, use HV mode from the start rather than draining the battery completely. Keeping 20-30% battery charge allows the electric motor to supplement the gas engine on hills, preventing the power loss scenario entirely.
- TipIf you experience frequent power loss on your commute, ask the dealer specifically for TSB 19-056 and TSB 20-008 software updates. Not all dealers proactively apply these unless you request them.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0010 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0010 mean on a Honda?
P0010 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit (Bank 1)." This code points to an electrical problem in the intake camshaft position actuator (variable valve timing) circuit on Bank 1. The computer controls an oil-fed solenoid to advance or retard the intake camshaft for better performance and efficiency, and it has detected the solenoid circuit is open, shorted, or out of range. This is usually an electrical or solenoid fault rather than a mechanical timing problem, though oil-related issues can play a role. You may notice rough running, reduced power, or lower fuel economy. On Honda it is documented across 1 model: Clarity.
What are the most common causes of P0010?
The most common causes of P0010 are: Faulty intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring/connector at the solenoid, Open or short in the actuator circuit, Low or dirty engine oil restricting the solenoid, Clogged solenoid screen or oil passage, Poor electrical ground, Failed PCM/ECM (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0010 on a Honda?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Honda model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P0010 on a different make?
View P0010 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.