P0014 on Audi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
3 Audi models · 3 documented issues · 3 critical · $2,000-$12,000 repair
P0014 on Audi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The C6 A6 with the 3.2L V6 and 4.2L V8 engines suffers from timing chain tensioner failures due to wear over time. Audi designates the chains and tensioners as "lifetime" parts requiring no maintenance, but they fail as early as 80,000-120,000 miles. The 3.2L engine has 4 chains, 3 tensioners, and several guides—all prone to wear. A loud rattling or clicking noise on cold start from the upper rear of the engine is the classic symptom of failing tensioners. If ignored, the timing chain can jump or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and complete engine destruction. The transmission must be removed for full access, making this a labor-intensive repair. AudiWorld forums report low-mileage cars with stretched chains due to the design flaw.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or clicking noise from rear of engine on cold start
- Metallic clattering that disappears after engine warms up
- Check engine light with timing/cam correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
- Rough idle or hesitation
- Engine won't start (if chain has jumped)
- Severe engine damage if chain breaks (bent valves, destroyed pistons)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace ALL timing chains, tensioners, and guides at 80,000-100,000 miles before failure occurs. The repair requires removing the transmission for access. Labor is 15-20 hours. Replace oil pump chain as well. Use OEM Audi parts only—aftermarket tensioners fail quickly. If rattling has started, DO NOT delay—engine damage can occur within weeks. Some owners opt for engine replacement ($8,000-$12,000) if severe damage has occurred. Class action settlement may cover some costs for 2004-2008 models.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Bank 2 (left) upper timing-chain tensionerOEM06E109217AMCross-ref06E109217AH
Confirm VIN and engine before ordering; do not use this link for a 2011 A6 without Audi VIN confirmation.
- Bank 1 (right) upper timing-chain tensionerOEM06E109218APCross-ref06E109218AJ
Confirm VIN and engine before ordering; do not use this link for a 2011 A6 without Audi VIN confirmation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Owner tips & cautions
- TipRecord a true first-start-of-the-day video. The Audi TSB is limited to a brief one-to-three-second cold-start rattle.
- WarningDo not use this TSB to self-diagnose persistent rattle, warm-engine noise, rough running, a no-start, or cam-crank correlation faults.
Sources for this issue (2)
The first-generation Q3 (2015-2018) and early second-generation (2019-2020) models with the 2.0 TFSI EA888 engine suffer from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to other Audi models (A4, A5, Q5). The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle on cold starts. If ignored, the chain can slip or jump timing, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Rattling noise from the front of the engine on cold start is the classic warning sign. Later 2021+ models have updated tensioners and are less prone to failure. AudiWorld and Q3 forums report failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction requiring $6,000-$10,000 replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling or clattering from front of engine on cold start
- Metallic rattling that disappears after warm-up
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
- Rough idle or misfires
- Engine won't start (if chain has jumped timing)
- Catastrophic engine damage (bent valves, destroyed pistons)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides at 80,000-100,000 miles BEFORE rattling starts ($2,000-$3,000). If rattling has started, DO NOT delay—chain can jump at any moment. Repair requires removing front engine cover, water pump, thermostat. Labor is 8-12 hours. Use ONLY OEM Audi parts—aftermarket tensioners fail quickly. Change oil every 5,000 miles and check oil level weekly to prevent accelerated tensioner wear. If catastrophic failure occurs, engine replacement ($6,000-$10,000) is often more cost-effective than rebuild. 2021+ Q3 models have updated parts and are more reliable.
Sources for this issue (1)
The B8/B8.5 A5 with the 2.0 TFSI engine (2008-2016) suffers from premature timing chain tensioner failure, identical to the A4 and A6. The tensioners wear out between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing the timing chain to stretch and rattle. A loud rattling noise on cold start from the front of the engine is the classic warning sign. If ignored, the timing chain can jump timing or break, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact and destroying the engine. Early B8 models (2008-2012) are more prone to failure than later B8.5 models (2013-2016). A5OC forum members report many failures under 100,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete engine destruction. The repair requires removing the front of the engine and costs $2,000-$5,000. Some owners report oil consumption issues leading to accelerated tensioner wear.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattling or clattering noise from front of engine on cold start
- Metallic rattling that disappears after 10-30 seconds of warm-up
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0087)
- Rough idle or misfires
- Engine won't start (if chain has jumped)
- Catastrophic engine damage if chain breaks (bent valves, destroyed pistons)
How to Fix
PREVENTIVE REPLACEMENT: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides at 80,000-100,000 miles BEFORE rattling starts ($2,000-$3,000). If rattling has already begun, DO NOT delay—chain can jump at any moment. Repair requires removing front engine cover, water pump, and thermostat. Labor is 8-12 hours. Use ONLY OEM Audi parts—aftermarket tensioners fail quickly. Change oil every 5,000 miles and check oil level weekly to prevent accelerated wear. If catastrophic failure occurs, engine replacement ($6,000-$10,000) may be more cost-effective than rebuild.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0014 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 P0014 mean on a Audi?
P0014 stands for "Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)." P0014 means the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 is timed too far advanced — the variable valve timing (VVT) system has moved the cam beyond the position the computer commanded, or it's stuck in an over-advanced position. The engine uses VVT to rotate the camshaft and optimize valve timing for power, economy, and emissions; the computer compares the commanded cam position to the actual reading from the cam sensor and flags this code when they don't agree. Common results are rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a rattle at start-up. Oil flow and the VVT actuator are the usual suspects. On Audi it is documented across 3 models: A6, Q3, A5.
What are the most common causes of P0014?
The most common causes of P0014 are: Low or dirty engine oil restricting VVT operation, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid), Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passages, Faulty camshaft phaser/actuator, Wiring or connector fault at the oil control valve, Stretched timing chain or jumped timing, Camshaft position sensor fault giving incorrect reading. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0014 on a Audi?
Published repair estimates on Audi range from $2,000 to $12,000 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 P0014 on a different make?
View P0014 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.