P0017 on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
4 Buick models · 8 documented issues · 8 critical · $300-$6,500 repair
P0017 on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 1.4L Turbo LUJ (2011-2015) and LUV (2016+) in Encore — and shared Chevy Cruze/Sonic/Trax — develops timing chain stretch typically between 80,000-130,000 miles. Cold-start rattle, then misfire codes, then risk of chain skip. Same engine family used in Opel Astra J (Astra Adam Mokka — see prior Opel issues).
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- check engine light
- limp mode
How to Fix
Full chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets ($1,200-$2,000). Use dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30 and stick to 5,000-mile intervals — extended OLM intervals are the dominant cause. Catastrophic chain skip means head rebuild ($3,500+).
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2013-2015 Encore generated hundreds of NHTSA complaints for engine stalling and abrupt loss of power, including incidents at highway speed where the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. Owners report rough idle, hesitation, misfires, and the "engine power reduced" message, often traced to sensor faults, throttle body issues, or turbo-related underboost. Multiple reports note the problem recurring even after throttle body or sensor replacement, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic.
Common Symptoms
- Stalling while driving
- Sudden deceleration at highway speed
- Engine power reduced message
- Rough idle
- Hesitation / misfire
- Shaking
How to Fix
Diagnose with a scan tool to isolate the trigger (camshaft/crankshaft position sensors, throttle body, turbo underboost, or misfire). Common repairs include throttle body replacement, sensor replacement, and addressing the turbo/PCV issues above. Apply current GM software updates, as some driveability concerns were addressed via ECM reprogramming.
Sources for this issue (1)
Early Enclaves (2008-2012, plus shared Traverse/Acadia/Outlook) with the 3.6L LLT direct-injection V6 share LaCrosse's timing chain stretch and a separate excessive-oil-consumption issue. The PCV system pulls oil into the intake, intake valves carbon up (no port injection to wash them), and the chain wears prematurely from stretched OLM intervals.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- oil consumption (1 qt/1,000 miles)
- misfire
- rough idle
How to Fix
Timing chain replacement ($2,500-$4,500 with 3-row crossover labor premium). Walnut-blast intake valve carbon at the same time ($300-$500). PCV system update per TSB. Some owners refuse the chain job at this mileage and trade — failure can mean total engine replacement ($6,000+).
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L (and 2.8L) high-feature V6 in 2008-2013 Enclaves is prone to timing chain stretch and worn chain guides/tensioners, sometimes appearing as early as 40,000-60,000 miles. As the chain elongates, valve timing drifts, triggering misfires and a rattle at idle/startup; if a chain jumps a tooth it can bend valves and cause catastrophic engine damage. GM acknowledged the defect (occurring even with regular oil changes) and issued Special Coverage Adjustment #11340C extending the chain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on affected engines.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling noise at idle or cold startup
- Check engine light
- Engine misfire / rough running
- Reduced engine power message
- Metal shavings in oil
How to Fix
Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners (a full front-of-engine job). If covered under GM Special Coverage #11340C the repair is free up to 10yr/120k mi; otherwise it is an out-of-pocket repair. Keeping oil changes current and using correct-spec oil slows wear.
Sources for this issue (1)
The 2.0L Turbo LHU (2011-2014) and LTG (2014+) in Regal — and shared LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS/CTS — develops timing chain stretch around 80,000-130,000 miles. Symptoms: cold-start rattle, P0008/P0017 codes, eventual loss of cam timing. Aggravated by extended oil intervals and stop-start fleet use.
Common Symptoms
- cold start rattle
- misfire
- check engine light
- reduced power
How to Fix
Full timing chain kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets — $1,800-$3,000 at independent. Stick to 5,000-7,500 mile oil intervals with dexos1 full-synthetic 5W-30. Carbon-clean intake valves at the same service ($300-$500) since LHU/LTG are direct-injection.
Sources for this issue (1)
On 2011-2013 Regals with the 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection engine, the timing chain tensioner and the small bolts securing it into the aluminum cylinder head can loosen or shear, allowing the chain to stretch or jump time. This frequently causes catastrophic internal damage including bent valves and lost compression, often with little or no warning. Owners report failures as early as ~35,000 miles, sometimes just outside the powertrain warranty. Contributing factors include the early oil-life-monitor intervals being too long for this soot-heavy DI engine (GM later shortened recommended intervals).
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or whine from front of engine
- Check engine light
- Rough running / misfire
- No-start after chain jumps
- Sudden engine shutdown / catastrophic failure with no prior warning
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioner, guides and any damaged valvetrain components; severe cases require partial or full engine rebuild. Preventively, change oil more frequently (~5,000 miles) and address any P0008/P0016/P0017 codes immediately before the chain jumps time.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0017 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 P0017 mean on a Buick?
P0017 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer has detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 1 'B' camshaft (typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their proper timing relationship with each other. The computer compares the crankshaft position signal to the camshaft position signal, and when they don't line up within the allowed window, it sets this correlation code. This usually points to mechanical timing being off, most often from a stretched or worn timing chain, a slipped or stuck variable valve timing phaser, or a tensioner problem. You may notice rough running, low power, rattling at startup, or a no-start, and it should be addressed promptly to avoid valve-to-piston contact on some engines. On Buick it is documented across 4 models: Encore, Enclave, Regal, LaCrosse.
What are the most common causes of P0017?
The most common causes of P0017 are: Stretched or worn timing chain, Worn or failed timing chain tensioner or guides, Stuck or faulty variable valve timing (VVT) cam phaser, Faulty VVT oil control/solenoid valve, Low or dirty engine oil affecting phaser operation, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Timing chain jumped a tooth or incorrect timing after service, Damaged reluctor (tone) ring. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0017 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $300 to $6,500 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 P0017 on a different make?
View P0017 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.