P0011 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
6 Toyota models · 7 documented issues · 1 critical · $50-$2,500 repair
P0011 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose degrades over time and can leak (Toyota covered certain 2007-2010 Siennas under Limited Service Campaign 90K, now expired), dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk.
Common Symptoms
- Burning oil smell from engine bay
- Oil drips on driveway
- Oil on exhaust manifold
- Low oil level between changes
- Smoke from engine compartment
How to Fix
Tighten or replace VVT-i oil line and sealing washers (Toyota 15679-31010). Replace valve cover gaskets (Toyota 11213-31040 front, 11214-31030 rear). Timing cover reseal if leaking from that area. The VVT-i line fix is a $50 repair; valve cover gaskets run $300-600 due to rear cover access.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Toyota/Lexus 04009-33131 No. 1 oil-hose kit
replace the campaign-specific rubber VVT-i oil-supply hose and clamps when that hose is the confirmed leak source Fitment/availability: Exact kit identified by Toyota LSC 90K for certain 2007-2010 Sienna 2GR-FE vehicles; confirm VIN and …
- Toyota 11213-0P010 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 b…
- Toyota 11214-0P040 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busines…
- Toyota 11213-0P030 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busin…
- Toyota 11214-0P010 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 business da…
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Sources for this issue (2)
Toyota T-SB-0269-10 applies to certain 2005-2007 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AZ-FE and built before the VIN cutoffs listed in the bulletin. The covered condition is MIL illumination with P0011, P0012 or P0016; Toyota says the VVT-i actuator may be the cause in some cases and supplies a test to verify actuator operation. It applies only to 2AZ-FE Camrys, and a code alone does not confirm which part has failed.
Common Symptoms
- Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with P0011, P0012 or P0016
How to Fix
Confirm model year, 2AZ-FE application and the production/VIN cutoff in the current Toyota bulletin. Preserve freeze-frame data, verify oil level/condition and follow the repair-manual circuit and mechanical checks. Use T-SB-0269-10's Techstream VVT Control active test to determine whether the bulletin repair applies; replace the camshaft timing gear assembly only when the actuator fails Toyota's test. Do not clean or replace the oil-control valve, open the timing system or order parts based on the code alone.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipRecord all stored/pending codes and freeze-frame data before clearing them; T-SB-0269-10 uses exact vehicle and actuator-test gates rather than treating P0011 as a part number.
- WarningThe bulletin is limited to certain pre-production-change 2005-2007 2AZ-FE Camrys. Do not apply its camshaft timing gear repair to 2AR-FE or A25A-FKS engines.
Sources for this issue (1)
Chain-driven 1ZZ-FE (and early 2ZR-FE) Corollas commonly develop a brief rattle/chatter from the timing-chain area for the first few seconds after a cold start. The hydraulic chain tensioner relies on oil pressure to take up slack; with age, sludge/varnish buildup in the tensioner or a worn tensioner/guides lets the chain slap until oil pressure builds. It is a heavily discussed issue on owner forums (ToyotaNation, BobIsTheOilGuy, CorollaForum). Usually it's a benign-but-annoying noise, but a badly worn tensioner/guides can eventually let the chain wear the cover or, in severe cases, jump timing.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle/chatter from front of engine for a few seconds at cold start
- Light top-end ticking that quiets once oil pressure builds
- Chain noise that worsens with low or old oil
- Rattle on quick throttle blips at idle
How to Fix
Maintain strict oil-change intervals with correct-viscosity oil (low oil level/pressure worsens the rattle). The community-recommended fix is to replace the hydraulic timing-chain tensioner first (it unbolts from the side of the timing cover near the firewall and is a relatively easy job); if noise persists, replace the chain and guides as a kit. Use OEM-quality parts — some aftermarket tensioners fit poorly. Cleaning sludge from a gummed-up tensioner can also resolve mild cases.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Toyota 13540-0D010 genuine 1ZZ-FE timing-chain tensioner assembly
confirmed leaking, sticking or mechanically failed 1ZZ tensioner after noise and chain diagnosis Fitment/availability: 1998-2008 Corolla 1ZZ-FE branch with catalog engine-number note 5001001-9XXXXXX or CXXXXXX; page supersedes 13540-2202…
- Toyota 13540-0T020 genuine 2ZR timing-chain tensioner assembly
confirmed failed 2ZR chain tensioner on the matching production branch Fitment/availability: 2009-2012 Corolla 2ZR-FE production branch marked (L); select by VIN, production origin and installed number and do not substitute for the cam-g…
- Toyota 13540-0H010 genuine chain-tensioner assembly
confirmed failed tensioner on the matching alternative production branch Fitment/availability: 2009-2012 Corolla catalog alternative branch within this issue; confirm 2ZR-FE, VIN, production origin and installed number because the listin…
- Toyota 13050-0T050 genuine camshaft timing gear assembly
bulletin-matching professional repair for brief cold-start knock/rattle; obtain all bulletin-specified gaskets and sealant separately by VIN Fitment/availability: 2009-2010 Corolla 2ZR-FE vehicles matching Toyota T-SB-0087-09 Rev1 after …
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Sources for this issue (3)
The VVT-i camshaft timing oil control valve (OCV/spool valve, PN 15330-22030 on 1ZZ-FE) sticks or clogs with oil varnish on high-mileage Corollas, so the intake cam phaser can no longer be controlled. This sets P0011 'A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 1)' (or P0010/P0016) and can cause rough idle, hesitation and a rattle at start. Low or dirty engine oil, and the small OCV filter screen clogging, are the usual root causes.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0011
- Rough or unstable idle
- Hesitation or reduced power
- Start-up rattle from cam phaser
How to Fix
Check engine oil level/condition first (VVT faults often stem from low or degraded oil). Remove the camshaft timing oil control valve, clean the OCV and its filter screen; if the plunger is sticky or the solenoid fails a resistance/actuation test, replace it. OEM PN 15330-22030 (fits 2000-2008 Corolla 1ZZ-FE; also Celica/Matrix/MR2), roughly $50-90; Denso/Standard aftermarket cross-references available. This part number is for the 1ZZ-FE only; for 2009-2010 models with the 2ZR-FE, confirm the correct valve for your VIN before ordering. Clear codes and verify cam timing response after replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Toyota 15330-22050 genuine 1ZZ-FE cam timing oil-control valve
failed or persistently sticking intake OCV after oil, circuit, command and mechanical-timing diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2000-2008 Corolla 1ZZ-FE branch within this issue; current supersession for 15330-22030/22010, with VIN and inst…
- Toyota 15678-21010 genuine oil-control-valve filter screen
replace a damaged or contaminated screen after inspection and correction of the underlying oil/sludge condition Fitment/availability: 2000-2008 Corolla 1ZZ-FE catalog branch; do not apply to the 2009-2010 2ZR branch without its separate …
- Toyota 15330-0T010 genuine 2ZR-FE intake cam timing oil-control valve
failed intake OCV after oil, electrical, commanded-response and mechanical timing checks Fitment/availability: 2009-2010 Corolla 2ZR-FE No.1/intake OCV branch, current supersession for 15330-37010; confirm VIN, production origin, engine …
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Sources for this issue (2)
Tundras with Toyota's VVT-i system can produce a brief (~1 second) rattle or knock at cold start. The cause is the intake-side VVT 'cam gear' (variable cam timing actuator): when oil drains back out of the VVT unit overnight, the lock pin is disengaged and the internal components impact the housing during initial cranking before oil pressure refills the unit. Toyota addressed the condition with TSBs and revised cam-gear/actuator designs on affected engines. While brief rattle is usually benign, severe cases can let the VVT housing and sprocket separate, causing the engine to stop.
Common Symptoms
- Brief rattle or knock for ~1 second at cold start
- Noise only on first start after sitting
- Worse in cold weather or after long sitting
- Occasional CEL with VVT/timing codes
How to Fix
If the rattle is brief and oil pressure is good, switching to a quality full-synthetic oil with strong cold-flow and anti-drainback behavior (and shorter change intervals) often reduces or eliminates it. Persistent or loud rattle warrants inspection per the applicable Toyota TSB and replacement of the intake-side VVT cam gear/actuator. Keep oil level correct and use the specified 0W-20/5W-20 to maintain VVT response.
Sources for this issue (3)
On the second-generation Tacoma 4.0L 1GR-FE V6, owners report P0011 (Bank 1 intake camshaft timing over-advanced) with rough running that cleared after the Bank 1 camshaft timing oil control valve was replaced. It affects 2005-2015 Tacomas with the 4.0L 1GR-FE V6; the owner reports linked here are from 2012 and 2013 trucks.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with code P0011
- Engine runs rough
How to Fix
Have a technician check the oil level and condition, then test the Bank 1 camshaft timing oil control valve and its filter screen. In the owner reports linked here, replacing the oil control valve cleared P0011.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0011 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 P0011 mean on a Toyota?
P0011 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)." P0011 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more advanced than it should be — the variable valve timing system is either over-advancing the cam or not responding correctly to commands. Modern engines use a camshaft actuator, controlled by an oil-fed solenoid, to vary valve timing for better power and efficiency. When the actual cam position stays more advanced than the computer commands (or won't move back), this code is set. It generally indicates a fault in the variable valve timing system and can cause rough idle, reduced performance, or poor fuel economy. On Toyota it is documented across 6 models: Sienna, Camry, Corolla, Tundra, Tacoma, Celica.
What are the most common causes of P0011?
The most common causes of P0011 are: Stuck or faulty camshaft (VVT) oil control valve / solenoid, Low or dirty engine oil restricting actuator movement, Clogged oil control valve screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser / actuator stuck advanced, Wrong oil viscosity or overdue oil change, Wiring or connector fault to the VVT solenoid, Faulty camshaft position sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0011 on a Toyota?
Published repair estimates on Toyota range from $50 to $2,500 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.