P0019 on Subaru: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor B
3 Subaru models · 3 documented issues · 1 critical · $70-$4,500 repair
P0019 on Subaru by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 3.6L EZ36 flat-6 engine uses timing chains instead of belts, but the chains and guides are not maintenance-free as often assumed. The timing chain tensioner and plastic chain guides wear over time, typically after 120,000-180,000 miles. Worn chains stretch, causing rough idle, misfires, and timing-related codes. The EZ36 uses three timing chains (one for each bank plus one for the center) making replacement a complex and labor-intensive job. If a chain jumps timing due to severe stretch or guide failure, valve-to-piston contact can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Common Symptoms
- Rattling or chattering noise from front of engine on cold start
- Rough idle that improves as engine warms
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019)
- Reduced engine performance
- Engine misfires at idle
- Chain noise that increases over time
How to Fix
Replace all three timing chains, chain tensioners (3 units), chain guides (6 pieces), and chain tensioner shoes. This is a major job requiring 12-16 hours of labor. Use genuine Subaru timing chain kit or quality aftermarket (OSK brand). Replace water pump, thermostat, and front crank seal while the front of the engine is disassembled. Total repair with all components: $2,500-4,000 at an independent shop.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 13143AA071 Timing Chain
one of three required chains after mechanical timing diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36; current replacement for 13143AA070, confirm VIN/production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with …
- Genuine Subaru 13143AA081 Timing Chain
second timing chain after diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36; current replacement for 13143AA080, confirm VIN/production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 13143AA061 Timing Chain
third timing chain after diagnosis Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36; current replacement for 13143AA060, confirm VIN/production date Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 13142AA050 Timing Chain Tensioner
one of three position-specific tensioners Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36, position 13142; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 13142AA040 Timing Chain Tensioner
second position-specific tensioner Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36, position 13142B; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 13142AA080 Timing Chain Tensioner
third position-specific tensioner Fitment/availability: 2008-2014 Tribeca 3.6-liter EZ36, position 13142A; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
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Sources for this issue (4)
P0016 means the ECM sees the Bank 1 (passenger-side) intake camshaft out of sync with the crankshaft. Subaru's variable valve timing (AVCS) is oil-pressure driven, so on the FB-series Outback (FB25/FB20) this code is highly sensitive to oil level and condition. The common Subaru-specific chain: neglected/low oil starves the AVCS, and metal debris and sludge clog the tiny filter screens inside the banjo bolts that feed oil to the cam phasers, and/or the Bank 1 intake oil control valve (OCV) sticks. Only after those are ruled out is a stretched timing chain the cause. Subaru has issued service bulletins covering the AVCS/cam-timing code family (P0016-P0019). Chronic oil neglect is the root cause far more often than a mechanical timing failure.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Rough idle or hesitation
- Rattle at cold start (chain/tensioner in worst cases)
- Reduced power/fuel economy
- Occasional hard start
How to Fix
Check oil first — level to the full mark and condition (should not be black/gritty); change oil and filter with the specified 0W-20 synthetic if degraded, then clear and re-drive. If it returns, remove and clean or replace the clogged banjo-bolt filter screens and replace the Bank 1 intake oil control valve (OCV, ~$70-180 part). Verify actual VVT advance angle with a scan tool; only replace the timing chain/guides if mechanical stretch is confirmed. ECM VVT learned values may need a reset.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Subaru 10921AA231 Oil Control Valve
only when the correlation diagnostic proves an OCV fault Fitment/availability: 2013-2017 Outback 2.5-liter FB25 branch; confirm VIN and bank/position Fitment/availability: Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 10921AA23B Oil Control Valve
later OCV only after failed test results Fitment/availability: 2018-2019 Outback 2.5-liter FB25 branch within this card; confirm VIN and position Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed
- Genuine Subaru 14451AA050 Cam-Carrier Oil Filter
conditional filter renewal, not an automatic P0016 repair Fitment/availability: FB25 Outback branch; quantity and exact position must follow the current service procedure Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart …
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 (3)
Early FA20-equipped BRZs exhibit rough idle, RPM hunting, shaking, and occasional stalling shortly after cold start. Often triggers CEL with cam timing codes P0017, P0018, or P0019. Caused by ECU's reaction to normal mechanical variation in the AVCS system rather than a hardware defect. Subaru issued an ECU reflash via TSB; later production cars received the updated calibration at factory.
Common Symptoms
- rough idle
- RPM hunting at idle
- cold start shaking
- stalling
- check engine light
How to Fix
Subaru TSB 11-136-14R (revised 05/13/14) ECM reprogramming resolves the issue at no cost under warranty (labor op A455-288, 0.4 hr). Production fix incorporated Sept 27, 2013, so later 2014 build-dates may already have the updated calibration. No hardware replacement needed. Verify by VIN at dealer.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0019 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 P0019 mean on a Subaru?
P0019 stands for "Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 2 Sensor B." This code means the engine computer detected that the crankshaft and camshaft positions on bank 2 (sensor B, typically the exhaust camshaft) are out of their expected correlation — in other words, the cam and crank timing don't line up correctly. The computer compares the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals to verify valve timing, which is often controlled by a variable valve timing (VVT) actuator. A correlation error points to mistimed valve events, frequently from oil-flow or VVT issues, a stretched timing chain, or sensor faults. You may notice rough idle, reduced power, poor fuel economy, or a check-engine light, and ignoring it can risk engine damage. On Subaru it is documented across 3 models: Tribeca, Outback, BRZ.
What are the most common causes of P0019?
The most common causes of P0019 are: Stretched or worn timing chain (and worn guides/tensioner), Faulty variable valve timing (VVT) actuator/solenoid (Bank 2), Low oil level or dirty/sludged oil restricting VVT flow, Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, Clogged VVT oil control valve screen, Damaged sensor wiring or connector, Jumped/misaligned timing during prior service. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0019 on a Subaru?
Published repair estimates on Subaru range from $70 to $4,500 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 P0019 on a different make?
View P0019 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.