P0014 on Mazda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced (Bank 1)
4 Mazda models · 5 documented issues · 4 critical · $400-$3,500 repair
P0014 on Mazda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Ford-derived 3.7L Duratec V6 in first-generation CX-9 suffers from timing chain stretch, typically between 80,000-120,000 miles. Chain guides and tensioners wear, causing timing to retard and triggering check engine codes. If not addressed, can lead to jumped timing and severe engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start from timing chain area
- Check engine light with P0016, P0017, or P0018 cam/crank correlation codes
- Rough idle and intermittent stalling
- Engine performance noticeably degraded at higher mileage
How to Fix
Replace timing chain, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers as a complete kit. This is a labor-intensive job requiring partial engine disassembly. Recommended to replace water pump and thermostat while engine is apart.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Melling 3-1047S professional timing setOEMMelling 3-1047S
Early V6 timing-set branch for 2007 3.5L, 2008-2010 3.7L and qualifying 2011 vehicles produced through December 14, 2010 Fitment/availability: Direct indexed product page identifies Melling 3-1047S for 2007-2011 CX-9, with 2007 3.5L, 200…
- Melling 3-1049SC professional timing setOEMMelling 3-1049SC
Late V6 timing-set branch for qualifying 2011 vehicles produced after December 14, 2010 through 2015 3.7L Fitment/availability: Direct indexed product page identifies Melling 3-1049SC for late-2011 through 2015 CX-9 3.7L, explicitly from…
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipUse full synthetic 5W-20 oil and change every 5,000 miles to prolong chain life
- TipReplace water pump and thermostat during timing chain job - saves labor cost. CX9Club.com timing chain thread
Sources for this issue (1)
The second-generation CX-9 with the 2.5L turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine can develop timing chain stretch, producing a rattle or whine at startup that may persist for several seconds. Unlike the first-gen 3.7L V6 issue, the 2.5T chain stretch is typically less severe but still requires attention. The issue is linked to extended oil change intervals and use of non-synthetic oil allowing chain guide and tensioner wear.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle or whine at cold startup lasting 2-10 seconds
- Check engine light
- Reduced engine performance
- Rough idle after cold start
- Metallic ticking noise from engine
How to Fix
Use full synthetic 0W-20 oil and change at 5,000-mile intervals (not the 7,500-10,000 Mazda suggests for normal driving). If chain rattle is present, the timing chain, tensioner, and guides should be replaced. Mazda has issued TSBs for software updates to address cold-start rattle in some model years. Inspect during valve cover gasket or cam seal service.
Sources for this issue (2)
The exhaust-side VVT actuator (cam phaser) fails due to oil sludge and wear, causing timing codes and engine rattle. The actuator solenoid can also stick, leading to incorrect valve timing. Oil change neglect accelerates failure. Common on both MZR and early SkyActiv 2.5L engines.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise on cold start (chain slap)
- Check engine light with P0012 or P0022 cam timing codes
- Rough idle and stalling at stop lights
- Reduced power and poor fuel economy
How to Fix
Replace VVT actuator/cam phaser assembly and VVT solenoid. Use Mazda-spec 0W-20 full synthetic oil and replace at 5,000-mile intervals to prevent sludge. Check timing chain stretch while servicing.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mazda genuine electric intake VVT actuator PE01-12-4X0BOEMMazda PE01-12-4X0B
Electric intake VVT actuator after the bulletin PID test confirms actuator failure Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies genuine Mazda PE01-12-4X0B as the actuator and lists 2014-2017 Mazda6 2.5L applications.
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipUse full synthetic 0W-20 (Mazda spec) and change oil every 5,000 miles max - Mazda6Club.com VVT thread
- TipInspect timing chain stretch when replacing VVT - may need chain replacement at high mileage
The 2.3L DISI turbo engine's Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator has a known design weakness where an internal pin can come loose, causing the timing chain to slack. This leads to timing chain rattle, oil leaks, excessive exhaust smoke, and potentially catastrophic engine failure if the chain jumps timing. Mazda issued a Special Service Program (SSP) extending warranty coverage for VVT noise and timing chain issues on 2007-2010 models with the L3T engine. Mazda also released a revised VVT actuator design to address the failure.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or chattering noise on cold start that subsides after warm-up
- Check engine light with VVT-related codes (P0014, P0012)
- Excessive blue or white smoke from exhaust at idle
- Oil leaking from front of engine near VVT actuator
- Engine misfires or rough running at idle
How to Fix
Have the VVT actuator inspected at every oil change — listen for a rattle on cold start that goes away after 10-30 seconds. If rattling is present, replace the VVT actuator with Mazda's revised OEM part (updated design with stronger pin retention). Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and guides at the same time if any slack is detected. The job costs $800-1500 at an independent shop. Check if your vehicle is still covered under Mazda's extended SSP warranty (7 years/70,000 miles from original in-service date).
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mazda OEM VVT replacement kit MZR-VVT-RKTOEMEdge Autosport MZR-VVT-RKT
Complete VVT/timing service kit after diagnosis confirms actuator or chain-system failure Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies MZR-VVT-RKT for 2007-2013 Mazdaspeed3 and 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6, showed $587.41, Current…
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipUse the CorkSport VVT and Timing Tool Kit when doing this job — it makes cam and crank alignment much easier and prevents costly timing errors during reassembly.
- TipAlways replace the VVT actuator with Mazda's latest revised OEM part number, not the original design. The revised actuator has a stronger internal pin that resists the failure mode.
Sources for this issue (1)
The CX-7's 2.3L DISI turbocharged engine (shared with the Mazdaspeed3) suffers from VVT actuator failure and premature turbocharger wear. Carbon buildup on the direct-injection intake valves compounds the issue. Extended oil change intervals accelerate turbo bearing wear.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling on cold start
- Loss of turbo boost
- Check engine light
- Rough idle
- Oil consumption increasing
- Blue smoke on acceleration
How to Fix
Replace the VVT actuator and timing chain if worn. For turbo failure, replace the turbocharger and oil feed/return lines. Use full synthetic 5W-20 oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum to protect the turbo bearings. Consider walnut blasting for carbon buildup.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mazda CX-7 turbocharger L3YC-13-70ZAOEMMazda L3YC-13-70ZA
Current OEM turbocharger assembly for a confirmed 2.3L DISI Turbo failure Fitment/availability: Live direct product page identifies genuine Mazda L3YC-13-70ZA, explicitly fits 2007-2012 CX-7 2.3L, and supersedes L33L-13-700B/C plus L3Y4/…
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
- WarningThe 2.3T turbo is oil-cooled — change oil every 5,000 miles maximum with full synthetic or the turbo bearings WILL fail
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 Mazda?
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 Mazda it is documented across 4 models: CX-9, Mazda6, Mazdaspeed3, CX-7.
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 Mazda?
Published repair estimates on Mazda range from $400 to $3,500 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.
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.