P0012 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
3 Toyota models · 4 documented issues · 1 critical · $50-$2,500 repair
P0012 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)
Toyota T-SB-0041-13 Rev1 covers certain 2010-2012 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2AR-FE and within the VIN ranges the bulletin lists. The condition is a brief knock or rattle, approximately one second, immediately after a cold-soak startup. Toyota's repair is replacement of the intake camshaft timing gear assembly after confirming applicability. The bulletin does not tie this noise to P0016 or P0012 codes.
Common Symptoms
- Brief knock or rattle for approximately one second immediately after a cold-soak startup
How to Fix
Reproduce and record the brief noise after a true cold soak, then verify the engine and VIN against the current Toyota bulletin. Rule out oil level/grade, extended cranking and other engine or accessory noises. Apply T-SB-0041-13 Rev1 only when both the vehicle and the symptom match the bulletin; the timing-system repair is a technician procedure. Diagnose any stored P0016/P0012 separately under the repair manual rather than using this bulletin as proof of a broken phaser.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipCapture the first cold-soak start on video and note duration; the Toyota bulletin describes an approximately one-second knock/rattle immediately after startup.
- WarningDo not use P0016 or P0012 alone to invoke this bulletin. Confirm 2AR-FE, WMI, VDS, production VIN and the exact cold-start symptom first.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2ZZ-GE engine in the Celica GT-S uses a variable valve lift system (VVTL-i) that engages at approximately 6,200 RPM. The lift bolts (Toyota calls them rocker shaft set bolts) wear under lift use and can loosen or break, letting the rocker shaft rotate and preventing VVTL-i engagement; Toyota TSB EG010-03 covers 2000-2002 GT-S models with replacement bolts. When the lift bolts fail, the engine loses its high-RPM power band entirely. Many owners never rev high enough to notice the problem until they attempt spirited driving.
Common Symptoms
- Loss of power above 6,200 RPM
- No noticeable VVTL-i engagement (missing second power surge)
- Check engine light related to VVTL-i system
- Ticking noise from valve train at high RPM
How to Fix
Confirm the fault by road-testing for missing VVTL-i changeover around 6,200 RPM, scanning for related codes such as P1693/P1694, and removing the valve cover to inspect the two lift bolts on the rocker shaft for wear or breakage. Replace both lift bolts with the updated Toyota parts, inspect the rocker pins and oil passages/screens for sludge, verify proper oil level/pressure, and clear any VVTL-i codes before retesting; many owners also replace the lift oil filter screen and perform an oil service with the correct synthetic oil. Parts are usually inexpensive (roughly $20-$60 for bolts, gasket, and related small parts), while total repair cost is commonly about $250-$600 depending on labor and whether additional valvetrain damage or oiling issues are found.
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 Toyota?
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 Toyota it is documented across 3 models: Sienna, Camry, Celica.
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 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.