P0021 on Toyota: How to Diagnose & Fix
Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)
2 Toyota models · 2 documented issues · $50-$1,200 repair
P0021 on Toyota by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 commonly develops oil leaks from the VVT-i oil line, timing cover, and valve cover gaskets. The rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose degrades over time and can leak (Toyota covered certain 2007-2010 Siennas under Limited Service Campaign 90K, now expired), dripping oil onto the exhaust manifold creating a burning smell and fire risk.
Common Symptoms
- Burning oil smell from engine bay
- Oil drips on driveway
- Oil on exhaust manifold
- Low oil level between changes
- Smoke from engine compartment
How to Fix
Tighten or replace VVT-i oil line and sealing washers (Toyota 15679-31010). Replace valve cover gaskets (Toyota 11213-31040 front, 11214-31030 rear). Timing cover reseal if leaking from that area. The VVT-i line fix is a $50 repair; valve cover gaskets run $300-600 due to rear cover access.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Toyota/Lexus 04009-33131 No. 1 oil-hose kit
replace the campaign-specific rubber VVT-i oil-supply hose and clamps when that hose is the confirmed leak source Fitment/availability: Exact kit identified by Toyota LSC 90K for certain 2007-2010 Sienna 2GR-FE vehicles; confirm VIN and …
- Toyota 11213-0P010 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-2 b…
- Toyota 11214-0P040 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover after the seam is confirmed as the leak source Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2007-2016 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FE; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busines…
- Toyota 11213-0P030 passenger-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the passenger-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged passenger-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 busin…
- Toyota 11214-0P010 driver-side valve-cover gasket
reseal the driver-side valve cover on the late-engine branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: Cataloged driver-side gasket for 2017-2020 Sienna 3.5L 2GR-FKS; confirm VIN before ordering Fitment/availability: Ships in 1-3 business da…
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Sources for this issue (2)
Tundras with Toyota's VVT-i system can produce a brief (~1 second) rattle or knock at cold start. The cause is the intake-side VVT 'cam gear' (variable cam timing actuator): when oil drains back out of the VVT unit overnight, the lock pin is disengaged and the internal components impact the housing during initial cranking before oil pressure refills the unit. Toyota addressed the condition with TSBs and revised cam-gear/actuator designs on affected engines. While brief rattle is usually benign, severe cases can let the VVT housing and sprocket separate, causing the engine to stop.
Common Symptoms
- Brief rattle or knock for ~1 second at cold start
- Noise only on first start after sitting
- Worse in cold weather or after long sitting
- Occasional CEL with VVT/timing codes
How to Fix
If the rattle is brief and oil pressure is good, switching to a quality full-synthetic oil with strong cold-flow and anti-drainback behavior (and shorter change intervals) often reduces or eliminates it. Persistent or loud rattle warrants inspection per the applicable Toyota TSB and replacement of the intake-side VVT cam gear/actuator. Keep oil level correct and use the specified 0W-20/5W-20 to maintain VVT response.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0021 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 P0021 mean on a Toyota?
P0021 stands for "Intake Camshaft Position Timing - Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 2)." P0021 means the engine computer detected that the intake camshaft on bank 2 is timed too far advanced and won't return to its commanded position. Most modern engines use variable valve timing (VVT), where an oil-pressure-driven actuator rotates the camshaft to optimize power and efficiency; the PCM compares the camshaft's actual position to its target. When the cam stays over-advanced beyond an acceptable limit, this code sets. Bank 2 refers to the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one. You may notice rough idle, reduced performance, or lower fuel economy. On Toyota it is documented across 2 models: Sienna, Tundra.
What are the most common causes of P0021?
The most common causes of P0021 are: Dirty or low engine oil restricting the VVT system, Stuck or failed camshaft oil control valve (VVT solenoid) on bank 2, Clogged VVT solenoid screen or oil passage, Faulty camshaft position actuator / phaser, Wiring or connector fault at the VVT solenoid, Camshaft or crankshaft position sensor problems, Worn timing chain, guides, or stretched chain altering cam timing. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0021 on a Toyota?
Published repair estimates on Toyota range from $50 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.
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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.