P0014 on Nissan: How to Diagnose & Fix
"B" (Exhaust) Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
4 Nissan models · 4 documented issues · 4 critical · $800-$4,000 repair
P0014 on Nissan by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
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.
Sources for this issue (3)
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 later updated the timing chain, so the issue mainly affects earlier (pre-2012) trucks.
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 genuine Nissan guides and chains for the VK56DE (confirm part numbers by VIN with a Nissan parts counter). Total cost: $2,000-4,000. Some owners report success with aftermarket VK56DE timing chain kits.
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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Sources for this issue (1)
The Juke MR16DDT engine timing chain can deteriorate and stretch prematurely; Nissan attributed the condition to fuel characteristics in the North American market. The chain tensioner cannot compensate for excessive stretch, leading to timing issues and potential engine damage. Nissan states the issue is unique to the Juke's MR16DDT engine; 2011-13 Jukes built at Oppama from March 2010 to November 2012 were covered by voluntary service campaign P4213, which expired April 29, 2016.
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. For 2011-13 models, check whether Nissan service campaign P4213 (timing chain, guides and crank sprocket replacement) was completed.
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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Sources for this issue (3)
The 2013-2016 Pathfinder with the 3.5L VQ35DE engine develops timing chain stretch and chain guide wear, typically after 80,000-120,000 miles. The timing chain tensioner, secondary chain tensioners, and plastic chain guides all degrade over time. Stretched chains cause rattling on cold start, timing drift triggering misfire codes, and eventual engine failure if the chain jumps timing. The VQ35DE uses three chains (primary and two secondary), making replacement a complex job requiring 8-12 hours of labor. Infrequent oil changes accelerate chain and guide wear due to inadequate tensioner lubrication.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or chattering noise on cold start that diminishes as engine warms
- Check engine light with timing-related codes
- Engine misfires, especially at idle
- Reduced engine power and performance
- Metal debris in oil (visible on drain plug magnet)
- Increasingly loud timing chain rattle over time
How to Fix
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- OEM Nissan 2013-2016 Pathfinder VQ35DE complete timing kit
2013-2016 Pathfinder with VQ35DE only; select the correct year option and provide VIN. Does not include every front-cover seal, VVT component or labor item.
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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 Nissan?
P0014 stands for ""B" (Exhaust) Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (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 Nissan it is documented across 4 models: Xterra, Titan, Juke, Pathfinder.
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 Nissan?
Published repair estimates on Nissan range from $800 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.
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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.