P0017: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B
What Does P0017 Mean?
P0017 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor B. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 23 different vehicle models.
Similar to P0016 but for the exhaust camshaft (Sensor B) on Bank 1. The crankshaft and exhaust camshaft positions don't correlate correctly. This code often appears alongside P0016, indicating the timing chain may have jumped affecting both camshaft positions.
Common affected vehicles: Toyota Camry/Corolla (2AR-FE, 2GR-FE), Nissan Altima/Sentra (QR25DE), GM Equinox/Terrain (2.4L Ecotec), Honda Accord/Civic (K24, R20), BMW 3-Series (N20/N26), Ford Escape/Focus (EcoBoost). Toyota vehicles typically develop VVT issues around 100K-120K miles. GM Ecotec engines are notorious for timing chain stretch between 60K-120K miles, which was the subject of a class-action lawsuit. Nissan QR25DE engines commonly show VVT codes around 80K-130K miles.
**Real-World Diagnostic Walkthrough:** P0017 is one of those codes where the context matters enormously. If it appears alone with no unusual engine noises and the engine runs fine at all RPMs, start cheap: oil change with the correct viscosity, clear the code, drive 50+ miles. If it appears alongside P0016 with a rattling noise from the front of the engine during cold starts (a 2-5 second rattle that fades as oil pressure builds), you're looking at a timing chain issue that needs prompt attention. On GM Ecotec 2.0L/2.4L engines — the most common vehicles to set P0016+P0017 — the timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides, phasers) runs $200-$600 in parts, but labor is the expensive part at $600-$2000 because the front of the engine must be partially disassembled. Before paying out of pocket, check with your GM dealer about extended warranty coverage — GM extended the powertrain warranty for timing chain issues on many 2006-2014 Ecotec-equipped vehicles.
**What To Expect at the Shop for P0017:** When you bring your vehicle to a mechanic for P0017, here's what a thorough diagnostic should include: (1) The technician should connect a professional scan tool and read not just the stored code, but also freeze frame data — this shows the exact conditions (RPM, coolant temp, vehicle speed, fuel trims) when the code was set. (2) They should check for related codes that may point to a root cause. (3) A visual inspection of relevant components and wiring should be performed before any parts are replaced. (4) On reputable shops, diagnostic time is typically 0.5-1.0 hours ($50-$150) before any repair work begins. (5) Be wary of shops that want to immediately replace parts based solely on the code number without performing diagnosis — codes indicate symptoms, not specific failed parts.
Symptoms of P0017
- ⚠️ check engine light
- ⚠️ rough running
- ⚠️ hard starting
- ⚠️ engine rattle
- ⚠️ loss of power
Common Causes
- 🔍 Stretched or jumped timing chain
- 🔍 Faulty exhaust VVT solenoid
- 🔍 Faulty camshaft position sensor B
- 🔍 Worn timing chain tensioner
P0017 Reports by Year
Real Owner Reports
From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.
""TAKATA RECALL" THE TIMING BELT. TIMING BELT STRETCHED. KNOW FOR FACT THAT 5 OTHER CHEVROLET EQUINOX 2008 HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM BROUGHT TO THE SAME AUTOMACANIC SHOP. OURS WOULD BE THE 6TH KNOWN IN HASTINGS MINNESOTA. WOULD LIKE A RECALL AND HAVE PROBLEM FIXED AND PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURE. "
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 04/17/2017
"THE TIMING CHAIN AND GUIDES WENT BAD AT ONLY 110K MILES. AND IF IT WAS RECALLED LIKE THE 2009 CHEVY TRAVERSE WAS THEN I WOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO FIX IT. IT HAS THE SAME MOTOR. IT IS THE 3.6L MOTOR. BECAUSE IT IS THE SPORTS MODEL. IT WAS THROWING P0008 P0018 P0017 AND TWO TRANSMISSION CODES SO I BELIEVE "
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 05/12/2020
"VARIABLE VALVE TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AS WITH THE PREVIOUS YEARS MODELS THAT HAVE HAD PROBLEMS.2007 TO 2009 MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND THE 2010 MODEL YEAR V6 IS HAVIG THE SAME PROBLEM. CODES P0016 AND P0017. CRANKSHAFT AND CAMSHAFT CORRELATION. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES. SAM"
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 03/26/2018
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Most Reported Vehicles for P0017
Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
| # | Vehicle | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | |
| 2 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX | |
| 3 | MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS | |
| 4 | GMC ACADIA | |
| 5 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | |
| 6 | KIA SOUL | |
| 7 | MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS | |
| 8 | CHEVROLET CAMARO | |
| 9 | KIA SELTOS | |
| 10 | GMC TERRAIN | |
| 11 | CHEVROLET COLORADO | |
| 12 | HYUNDAI ELANTRA | |
| 13 | HYUNDAI KONA | |
| 14 | HYUNDAI SONATA | |
| 15 | KIA FORTE |
P0017 Reports by Vehicle
Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.
Diagnostic Tips
- Scan all modules, save freeze-frame data, and clear unrelated history codes before focusing on P0017.
- Confirm whether companion codes are present first; they often identify the root cause sooner than the headline DTC.
- Prioritize inspection around engine and the most common failure path for this code family.
- Compare commanded vs actual cam/crank angle at idle and during light acceleration to detect actuator or phaser drift.
- After each repair step, complete one drive cycle and verify readiness monitors instead of judging success after a quick idle test.
- If the code keeps returning on high-incidence platforms (for example CHEVROLET TRAVERSE), check TSB patterns and wiring/connector fitment before major part replacement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping freeze-frame review and losing the exact RPM/load conditions when the fault set.
- ❌ Replacing cam sensors before validating oil condition/pressure and actuator control performance.
- ❌ Clearing P0017 and returning the car before monitors complete — this often creates repeat visits.
- ❌ Treating intermittent wiring or connector faults as permanent component failure without wiggle testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do P0016 and P0017 appear together?
Is P0017 as serious as P0016?
How long do VVT solenoids last?
Can I use synthetic oil with VVT engines?
Will P0017 cause my check engine light to stay on?
Reported Repair Costs for P0017
Based on 31 owner-reported repair costs from NHTSA complaints.
⚠️ These are owner-reported costs, not estimates. Actual costs vary by location, labor rates, and root cause. Source: NHTSA complaints database.
What To Do Next
Possible Fixes
- 🔧 Replace VVT solenoid
- 🔧 Replace timing chain assembly
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1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
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2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
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3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.