P0012 on Nissan: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
7 Nissan models · 7 documented issues · 7 critical · $400-$4,000 repair
P0012 on Nissan by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Nissan Frontier VQ40DE 4.0L V6 is notorious for timing chain guide and tensioner failure, typically occurring between 80,000-130,000 miles. The plastic chain guides deteriorate and break apart, causing chain rattle and potential engine damage. This is one of the most well-known issues with the Frontier. Nissan issued a Service Campaign for some model years.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling on startup that fades
- Persistent chain rattle at idle
- Check engine light with P0300/P0011/P0021 codes
- Metal debris in oil
- Engine timing jumping
How to Fix
Replace all timing chain guides, tensioners, and chains. The job requires significant labor as the engine must be partially disassembled. Use updated Nissan timing chain kit. Total cost: $1,500-3,000. Some independent shops specialize in this repair for $1,200-2,000.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan updated secondary timing chain 13028-ZK01C
Quantity two; confirm VIN and bulletin applicability.
- Genuine Nissan secondary tensioner shoe 13097-ZK01C
Use only for a confirmed applicable VQ40DE secondary-chain repair; quantity two.
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The Xterra VQ40DE 4.0L V6 shares the same timing chain guide failure as the Frontier. The plastic guides deteriorate and shatter, causing chain rattle and potential catastrophic engine damage. This issue typically occurs between 80,000-130,000 miles and is the second most common Xterra problem after SMOD.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start
- Chain rattle at idle
- Check engine light with timing codes
- Metal debris in oil
- Engine running rough
How to Fix
Replace all timing chain guides, tensioners, and chains. Use updated Nissan parts or Cloyes aftermarket kit. Labor-intensive repair requiring 8-12 hours. Cost: $1,500-3,000. Address immediately upon hearing any chain rattle.
The Nissan Titan VK56DE 5.6L V8 suffers from premature timing chain guide failure, similar to the Frontier VQ40DE but more expensive to repair. The plastic chain guides crack and break, causing chain rattle and potential catastrophic engine damage. The issue typically manifests between 80,000-150,000 miles. Nissan extended the warranty on some models.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start
- Persistent timing chain rattle
- Check engine light with camshaft position codes
- Rough running engine
- Metal fragments in oil during changes
How to Fix
Replace all four timing chain guides, tensioners, and chains. This is a major repair requiring 12-16 hours of labor. Use updated Nissan guide set (part# 13091-7S000 primary guides). Total cost: $2,000-4,000. Some owners report success with aftermarket timing chain kits from Cloyes (9-0720S).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan VK56DE passenger/right slack-side guide 13091-7S000
Confirm VIN and supersession.
- Genuine Nissan VK56DE driver/left slack-side guide 13091-7S012
2004-2015 Titan 5.6L VK56DE; left/driver bank; supersedes 13091-7S010 and 13091-7S011. Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 business days and add-to-cart live at review
- Genuine Nissan VK56DE passenger/right tension-side guide 13085-7S002
2004-2015 Titan 5.6L VK56DE; right/passenger bank; supersedes 13085-7S001. Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 business days and add-to-cart live at review
- Genuine Nissan VK56DE driver/left tension-side guide 13085-7S012
2004-2015 Titan 5.6L VK56DE; left/driver bank; supersedes 13085-7S011. Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 business days and add-to-cart live at review
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The MR20DD 2.0L engine in the 2013-2019 Sentra suffers from premature timing chain stretch causing a rattling noise on cold start and potential engine damage. The chain tensioner and guides also wear prematurely. If the chain jumps, it can cause valve-to-piston contact and catastrophic engine failure.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start
- Check engine light with codes P0011/P0014
- Rough idle
- Reduced engine power
- Engine misfires
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides. Use updated Nissan timing chain kit (part# 13028-3RC0A for chain, 13070-3RC0A for tensioner). Total job costs $800-1,500 at an independent shop. Address promptly to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
The Juke MR16DDT engine timing chain stretches prematurely, especially with irregular oil changes. The chain tensioner cannot compensate for excessive stretch, leading to timing issues and potential engine damage. This is more common in the turbo engine than in other Nissan 1.6L variants.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on startup
- Check engine light with P0011/P0014
- Rough idle
- Poor acceleration
- Engine misfires
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, tensioner, and guides. Use updated Nissan timing chain kit. Job costs $800-1,500 at an independent shop. Always use full synthetic oil and change every 5,000 miles to prevent recurrence.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan timing-chain kit A3028-1KC3A (superseded to A3028-1KC4A)
Confirm VIN, current supersession and the complete bulletin/ESM bill; this kit alone is not every required seal, bolt or sprocket.
- Genuine Nissan crankshaft sprocket 13021-CK80A (superseded to 13021-CK83A)
Cataloged for 2012-2015 Juke MR16DDT, but this repair path is limited to applicable 2011-2013 campaign-era vehicles and must be VIN/current-supersession checked. Follow the bulletin for the 2011 production branch.
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The KA24DE engine in the 240SX uses a single timing chain with plastic-backed guides that wear and crack over time. As the guides deteriorate, the chain develops excessive slack, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start and eventually leading to jumped timing if left unaddressed. The upper guide (tensioner side) fails first, typically between 100,000-150,000 miles. A jumped timing chain can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage on this interference engine.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start that diminishes when warm
- Timing chain noise at idle
- Check engine light for timing-related codes
- Rough idle and misfires (if timing has jumped)
- Pieces of plastic guide material in oil pan
How to Fix
Sources for this issue (2)
P0012 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 P0012 mean on a Nissan?
P0012 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)." This code means the intake camshaft timing on Bank 1 is more retarded than the computer commanded — the variable valve timing system isn't reaching its target position. The computer controls camshaft timing through an oil-fed actuator (cam phaser) and a control solenoid; when actual timing lags the desired setting, this code sets. It is commonly caused by oil flow problems (low, dirty, or wrong oil), a stuck solenoid, or a worn cam phaser. Symptoms can include rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and sometimes rattling on startup. On Nissan it is documented across 7 models: Frontier, Xterra, Titan, Sentra, Juke, 240SX, Hardbody.
What are the most common causes of P0012?
The most common causes of P0012 are: Low, dirty, or incorrect-viscosity engine oil, Faulty or stuck intake camshaft (VVT) oil control solenoid, Worn or stuck camshaft phaser/actuator, Clogged solenoid screen or oil passages, Wiring or connector problems at the solenoid, Timing chain wear or stretch affecting cam timing, Faulty camshaft position sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0012 on a Nissan?
Published repair estimates on Nissan range from $400 to $4,000 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.
Looking for P0012 on a different make?
View P0012 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.