P0017 on Kia: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
4 Kia models · 4 documented issues · 3 critical · $300-$3,500 repair
P0017 on Kia by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Borrego's 3.8L Lambda V6 is prone to timing chain stretch, causing a persistent rattle from the front of the engine. The chain stretches beyond the tensioner's ability to compensate, causing cam timing to drift. This triggers check engine lights for cam position correlation errors. The chain guides also deteriorate, with plastic pieces breaking off and entering the oil pan. If the chain stretches enough to jump a tooth, it causes valve-to-piston contact on this interference engine.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent rattling noise from front of engine
- Check engine light with P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019 codes
- Rough idle and reduced power
- Engine misfires (P0300 series codes)
- Noise increases with engine RPM
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and all chain guides as a complete set. The job requires removing the front timing cover and takes 8-12 hours of labor. Use a quality timing chain kit from Cloyes or Melling with improved chain guide material. Change the oil and filter immediately after the repair to flush out any chain guide debris. This is a preventive replacement — don't wait for the chain to jump.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Cloyes 9-0771SX OE-replacement timing-chain kitOEMCloyes 9-0771SX
Replace confirmed worn chains, guides and tensioners as a matched set after mechanical/VVT diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2009-2011 Kia Borrego 3.8L Lambda V6 in this issue; retailer catalogs the kit through 2012. Verify VIN, engine bui…
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipIf the chain is rattling, schedule the repair within 2-4 weeks — do not wait. A jumped chain bends valves and turns a $2,500 repair into a $5,000+ engine rebuild
- WarningChange oil immediately after timing chain replacement to flush out plastic guide debris — this debris can clog the oil pickup screen
Sources for this issue (2)
The Sephia engines are interference designs that require timing belt replacement at 60,000-mile intervals. The timing belt tensioner bearing can fail prematurely, causing the belt to jump or break. A broken timing belt on the Sephia engine causes catastrophic valve damage. Many Sephia owners were unaware of the timing belt replacement interval, leading to preventable engine failures. The belt, tensioner, and water pump should all be replaced together as a kit.
Common Symptoms
- Squealing from timing belt area
- Engine suddenly stops running (belt break)
- Rough idle and misfires (belt jumped one tooth)
- Ticking noise from timing cover
- Engine cranks but will not start (broken belt)
How to Fix
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Gates TCK185 PowerGrip timing-component kitOEMGates TCK185
Replace the timing belt and matched tension components on the early engine branch Fitment/availability: 1994 Kia Sephia 1.6L and the cataloged 1995 SOHC branch; verify engine code/cam layout because 1995 also has TCK179 applications.
- Gates TCK179 PowerGrip timing-component kitOEMGates TCK179
Replace the belt, tensioner, idler and spring together on the matched mid-generation engine branch Fitment/availability: 1995-1997 Kia Sephia 1.8L and cataloged 1.6L DOHC/applicable branches; verify engine and cam layout.
- Gates TCK302 PowerGrip timing-component kitOEMGates TCK302
Replace the matched timing belt and tension components on the later 1.8L branch Fitment/availability: 1998-2001 Kia Sephia 1.8L four-cylinder; interference-engine catalog application. Confirm VIN/engine and inspect the separately driven …
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Sources for this issue (1)
The Kia Spectra uses a 1.8L or 2.0L DOHC engine that requires timing belt replacement at 60,000-mile intervals. The timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys wear prematurely, causing belt flutter and eventual failure. These are interference engines, so a broken or jumped timing belt causes catastrophic engine damage. The timing belt is the single most critical maintenance item on the Spectra. Many engines have been destroyed by owners unaware of the replacement interval.
Common Symptoms
- Squealing or chirping from timing belt area
- Engine vibration at idle
- Engine suddenly stops running
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Ticking noise from front of engine
How to Fix
Inspect the timing belt system immediately if there is any chirping, ticking, front-engine noise, or unknown service history, and verify belt condition by removing the upper timing cover to check for cracking, fraying, oil contamination, slack, and pulley wobble. Repair requires a complete timing belt service: replace the timing belt, hydraulic/mechanical tensioner, idler pulleys, and strongly consider the water pump, front cam/crank seals, and accessory belts at the same time; on these interference engines, do not continue driving if belt timing is suspect. If the belt has already jumped or broken, perform a compression or leak-down test and inspect for bent valves before installing new parts, as cylinder head repair may be required. Typical preventive timing belt service runs about $500-$900 depending on parts replaced, while a failure with valve damage can raise repairs to roughly $1,500-$3,000+.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Replacement 298-054 timing-belt and water-pump kitOEMReplacement 298-054
Confirm VIN and use the seals only when inspection/procedure requires them.
- Gates TCKWP284 timing-belt component kit with water pumpOEMGates TCKWP284
Complete timing service on the early 2.0L production branch Fitment/availability: 2004-2005 Kia Spectra 2.0L and 2006 vehicles produced through May 22, 2006; confirm production date because the 2006 kit changes after May 22.
- Gates TCKWP284A timing-belt component kit with water pumpOEMGates TCKWP284A
Complete timing service on the later 2.0L production branch Fitment/availability: 2006 Kia Spectra 2.0L produced from May 23, 2006 and 2007-2009 2.0L vehicles; confirm production date/VIN.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
Nu-family Forte engines use a hydraulic timing chain tensioner that depends on oil pressure to keep the chain taut. After the car sits overnight the tensioner bleeds down, and on start-up the slack chain slaps the guides for one to five seconds until oil pressure builds - a loud metallic rattle or clatter from the timing cover end of the engine. A brief rattle is borderline normal; the problem is that on high-mileage Fortes, and especially those run on extended oil intervals or low oil (the 2.0 GDI's oil consumption makes this common), the tensioner ratchet and the plastic chain guides wear, the rattle lengthens, and eventually the chain stretches far enough to skew cam timing and set correlation codes. This is a wear-plus-oil-condition failure, distinct from the piston-ring and rod-bearing campaigns on the same engine family.
Common Symptoms
- Loud metallic rattle for 1-5 seconds on cold start
- Rattle that gets longer over months
- Chain noise on hot restart after the car sits briefly
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes
- Rough running or reduced power if timing has skewed
How to Fix
First verify oil level and condition - a low or sludged sump is the single most common cause, and topping up plus a fresh oil service with the correct viscosity often shortens the rattle immediately. If the noise persists past a few seconds or grows, replace the hydraulic chain tensioner; on higher-mileage engines do the tensioner, both chain guides and the chain as a set, because a stretched chain re-opens the slack against a new tensioner. Correlation codes (P0016/P0017) or a P0011 alongside the rattle mean the chain has already lost tension and the full kit is required. Not recall-covered.
Sources for this issue (3)
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 Kia?
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 Kia it is documented across 4 models: Borrego, Sephia, Spectra, Forte.
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 Kia?
Published repair estimates on Kia range from $300 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 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.