P0012 Intake camshaft timing too far retarded

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P0012 means: Intake camshaft timing too far retarded. The camshaft is not where the engine computer wants it to be. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The most common repair costs about €70–140 in Estonia, depending on make and model. The most common cause: oil is low, old or the wrong grade.

What it means

The camshaft is not where the engine computer wants it to be. It is adjusted with oil pressure, so oil is the most common culprit.

What could be wrong

1. 1Oil is low, old or the wrong grade · Oil change €70–140
2. 2Adjuster valve is sticking or its screen is blocked · Valve or actuator replacement €120–240
3. 3Camshaft adjuster (phaser) is worn · Camshaft adjuster replacement €250–500
4. 4Timing chain is stretched · Timing belt or chain replacement €400–800

What you can check yourself

Check the oil level. If the last oil change was more than a year ago, change the oil and filter and clear the code. You can check the simple things yourself, but the repair is best done in a workshop.

How we fix it

1. We check the oil and watch the camshaft position with a diagnostic tool
2. We clean or replace the adjuster valve
3. If the chain is stretched, we replace the timing chain kit

Standard SAE description: "A" Camshaft Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)