P0017 on Nissan: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1 Sensor B
5 Nissan models · 5 documented issues · 5 critical · $800-$4,000 repair
P0017 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 VK56 timing chain system uses plastic-faced guides and an oil-pressure-fed hydraulic tensioner. The feed passage to the tensioner is very small and gets restricted by sludge or debris on trucks run on stretched oil-change intervals, so the tensioner loses pressure and the chain goes slack. The chain then saws through the guide face and can contact the chain oiler jet, producing a rattle or squeal from the front cover that is loudest for the first seconds after a cold start and under light load. Left alone, guide material breaks off into the pan, timing drifts, and in the worst cases the chain jumps a tooth.
Common Symptoms
- Rattle from front of engine on cold start
- Whine or squeal from timing cover
- Noise quiets after oil pressure builds
- Plastic debris in oil pan or filter
- Rough running or misfire after chain jumps a tooth
How to Fix
Confirm with a cold-start listen at the front cover and drop the pan to look for plastic guide debris. The correct repair is a full front-cover teardown: replace both chain guides, the tensioners, the chain(s), and the front crank/cam seals, and clear the tensioner oil feed passage - replacing guides alone while leaving a clogged or worn tensioner leaves the noise. Return to a strict 5,000-mile oil interval afterward. If the chain has already jumped, check valve-to-piston contact before reassembly.
Sources for this issue (4)
The QR25DE 2.5L four-cylinder used in the second-generation (T32) Rogue is prone to timing-chain tensioner wear and chain/guide stretch. Worn plastic guides and a weak tension-side tensioner produce a loud rattle, most noticeable at cold startup and idle. As the chain stretches, valve timing drifts, triggering camshaft/crankshaft correlation faults; if ignored it can progress to chain skip, contact damage, or catastrophic engine failure. Nissan has historically characterized the noise as normal, but owners and independent shops document genuine tensioner/guide failures.
Common Symptoms
- Loud rattle on cold start
- Rattle/ticking at idle
- Check engine light with VVT/timing codes
- Rough running or misfire
- Reduced power
How to Fix
Diagnose with a cold-start listen and live-data cam/crank correlation check. Repair requires replacing the timing chain, tension-side and slack-side guides, and the chain tensioner (often the full timing set), plus the variable timing oil-control valve if codes point to it. Use correct-viscosity oil and keep intervals tight, as oil neglect accelerates tensioner wear.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- OEM Nissan Rogue QR25DE master timing kit - U.S. make
2014-2020 Rogue 2.5L QR25DE built in the United States within the product's 2013-2019 description; contact the vendor with VIN because the listing and model-year selector overlap differently. Not for Japan/Korea-built vehicles or the hyb…
- OEM Nissan Rogue QR25DE master timing kit - Japan/Korea make
2014-2020 Rogue 2.5L QR25DE built in Japan or Korea within the product's 2013-2019 description; contact the vendor with VIN. Not for U.S.-built vehicles or the hybrid.
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 (2)
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 Nissan?
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 Nissan it is documented across 5 models: Xterra, Titan, Juke, Armada, Rogue.
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 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.