P0018 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor A
1 Toyota model · 1 documented issue · $500-$1,200 repair
P0018 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 1998-1999 100-series (UZJ100) switched to the 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8, which uses a rubber timing belt on a ~90,000-mile replacement interval. The timing-belt-driven water pump, the hydraulic tensioner, and the idler pulleys are the common failure points and are typically leaking or worn by that interval (water-pump failure often precedes belt wear). There is a long-running interference vs. non-interference debate: Toyota officially lists it as interference, but the community consensus (and documented belt breaks on the early non-VVT-i 2UZ-FE) is that it generally does not bend valves when a belt snaps at low RPM. Regardless, a broken belt strands the vehicle, and careless belt jobs can nick the crank sensor reluctor wheel or pinch/route wiring wrong, causing no-start or timing DTCs.
Common Symptoms
- Coolant leak from front of engine (water pump)
- Squeal or rattle from timing cover area
- Belt due/overdue by mileage or age
- No-start or rough running after a prior belt job (sensor/wiring damage)
How to Fix
Replace the timing belt as a complete kit at ~90k-mile intervals: belt, hydraulic tensioner, idler/tensioner pulleys, and the timing-belt-driven water pump (Aisin/OEM), plus front crank/cam seals while apart. Take care not to damage the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel and route the crank-sensor/oil-sender harness to avoid belt chafe. This is a 6-8 hour labor job, so doing all wear items at once is standard practice.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- AISIN TKT-021 2UZ-FE timing-belt and water-pump kit
matched timing belt, water pump, tensioner and idler service kit Fitment/availability: 1998-1999 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.7L 2UZ-FE within this issue; seller lists 1998-2007 Land Cruiser coverage Fitment/availability: Live US direct product…
- AISIN SKT-001 timing-cover seal kit
condition-based front seal set while timing components are removed Fitment/availability: Vehicle-fitment-confirmed 1998-1999 Land Cruiser 2UZ-FE; kit contains front crank and two cam seals plus timing-cover seal components Fitment/availa…
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Sources for this issue (3)
P0018 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 P0018 mean on a Toyota?
P0018 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor A." This code means the computer detected that the crankshaft and the Bank 2 'A' (typically intake) camshaft are out of their expected timing relationship. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals; they should stay in a fixed correlation as the engine turns. When the Bank 2 camshaft is too far off from the crankshaft, P0018 sets, indicating the valve timing on that bank is misaligned. This can cause rough running, reduced power, hard starting, or a no-start, and in some cases signals timing chain or phaser trouble that warrants prompt attention. On Toyota it is documented across 1 model: Land Cruiser.
What are the most common causes of P0018?
The most common causes of P0018 are: Stretched, worn, or jumped timing chain (Bank 2), Worn or broken timing chain guides/tensioner, Stuck variable valve timing solenoid or phaser, Low or dirty engine oil affecting the phaser, Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, Damaged reluctor/tone ring, Incorrect timing from prior service, Wiring or connector fault at a cam/crank sensor. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0018 on a Toyota?
Published repair estimates on Toyota range from $500 to $1,200 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 P0018 on a different make?
View P0018 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.