P0021 on SUBARU IMPREZA — A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2

Q: "What does P0021 mean on a SUBARU IMPREZA?"

"P0021 indicates: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2. This is a fuel and air metering code. 5 SUBARU IMPREZA owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0021 on SUBARU IMPREZA?"

"Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0021 serious on my SUBARU IMPREZA?"

"Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on SUBARU IMPREZA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my SUBARU IMPREZA shows P0021?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0021 Means on Your SUBARU IMPREZA

P0021 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

5 SUBARU IMPREZA owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2006-2014. Most reports come from the 2006, 2007 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (80.0% of reports).

Real SUBARU IMPREZA Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Hard start, rough idle, drove 3 miles, check engine light turns on, code: p0021 bank1/2. did research. it's a banjo bolt filter/screen mine was cracked in half inside the oil line restricting oil to the turbo. managed to remove one easily accessible banjo screen which fixed half the problem."

— 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA owner · ENGINE · Filed 07/09/2020

"Purchased car august 20th. august 24th, 2013 on the way back from pa on 80 east my check engine light came on. problem was diagnosed as cam position timing over advance or system performance b1 and b2. code was p0011 and p0021."

— 2007 SUBARU IMPREZA owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/24/2013

"Code p0021 popped up shortly after engine had rattling noise and shut down."

— 2012 SUBARU IMPREZA owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/27/2020

"I have been having continuous problems with engine light coming on w the wheel skid light also. I went to Auto Zone and the codes P000D, C1422,P00700 and others."

— 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA owner · POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 07/22/2023

"I own a 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX which was still under warranty(48xxx miles) I’ve been having issues with my vehicle where at times it shuts off on me whenever I come to a complete stop."

— 2014 SUBARU IMPREZA owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/13/2021

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'06

1

'07

1

'12

1

'13

1

'14

Common Causes on SUBARU IMPREZA

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 80%

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 20%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0021 mean on a SUBARU IMPREZA? ▾

P0021 indicates: A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 2. This is a fuel and air metering code. 5 SUBARU IMPREZA owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0021 on SUBARU IMPREZA? ▾

Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0021 serious on my SUBARU IMPREZA? ▾

Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on SUBARU IMPREZA, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my SUBARU IMPREZA shows P0021? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0021 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on SUBARU IMPREZA