P0016 on a Toyota: Causes, Fixes & Repair Cost

🟠 Moderate severity · drivable

You can often drive a Toyota a short distance with P0016, but if it runs rough, stalls, or won't start, stop driving — a jumped timing chain can cause major engine damage.

What P0016 means on a Toyota

On a Toyota, P0016 means the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors on bank 1 are reporting positions that do not line up. The two shafts are out of sync, which usually points to a stretched or jumped timing chain, or a faulty sensor.

Is P0016 common on Toyotas?

P0016 appears on higher-mileage Toyotas like the Camry, Corolla, and RAV4, where timing chain stretch and worn tensioners become more likely. Many Toyota engines use timing chains that last a long time, so a correlation code at high mileage often means the chain or its guides are wearing out.

Commonly reported on: Camry, Corolla, RAV4.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Rough idle or stalling
Hard starting in some cases
Loss of power or poor fuel economy

Common causes

most common: Stretched or jumped timing chain
common: Worn timing chain tensioner or guides
common: Worn VVT gear or actuator
less common: Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
less common: Low oil pressure affecting the VVT system

How to fix it

Fix	DIY?	Typical cost
Inspect the timing chain, tensioner, and guides	Mechanic	$100–300
Replace the timing chain kit if it is stretched	Mechanic	$800–1800
Replace a faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensor	Yes	$100–300
Replace the VVT gear if it is worn	Mechanic	$400–900

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drive my Toyota with a P0016 code?

Short distances are usually okay if the engine runs fine. If it idles rough, stalls, or won't start, have it towed — a jumped timing chain can ruin the engine.

What causes P0016 on a Toyota?

A stretched or jumped timing chain is the most common cause at high mileage. Worn tensioners, a faulty sensor, or a worn VVT gear can also set this code.

How much does it cost to fix P0016 on a Toyota?

A timing chain job usually runs $800–$1,800. Replacing a sensor is much cheaper, around $100–$300.