P0016 on Volkswagen: Crankshaft Position and Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
Severity: 3 of 4
Park it and get it diagnosed if you hear a rattle from the front of the engine, the engine runs rough, or it is slow to start. A chain or belt that has stretched or jumped can slip further and cause major engine damage. If it runs normally, drive only the minimum distance needed to reach a shop, gently.
Estimate range covers the repairs listed below; see the cost breakdown. A flashing check engine light, a hot temperature gauge, or brakes that feel different mean stop driving and get help.
What P0016 usually means on a Volkswagen
Timing chain and tensioner failure on Volkswagen's EA888 turbo four cylinder engine was the subject of a class action. The settlement, reached in 2018 and final in 2019, listed certain Volkswagen Beetle, CC, Eos, GTI, and Jetta Sedan vehicles from the 2008 to 2014 model years, along with several Audi models. It extended coverage for failed chains and tensioners on eligible vehicles to 10 years or 100,000 miles from the original in service date, with proof of maintenance. Most of those vehicles have now aged out of that coverage, but the history makes P0016 worth taking seriously.
A chain that has slackened or a tensioner that has failed can let the chain jump, which can badly damage these engines.
Most likely causes on Volkswagen vehicles
- Failing timing chain tensioner
- Stretched timing chain or worn guides
- Low or degraded engine oil
- Cam or crank sensor fault
Order reflects cost and likelihood in general; your vehicle may differ. Confirm with testing before buying parts.
Volkswagen specific tips
- A rattle for a few seconds at cold start is a common warning sign on these engines; do not ignore it.
- Ask whether the shop uses the updated tensioner design for your engine.
- Check the oil level often; these engines can use some oil between changes.
Estimated repair cost
This is an estimate, built from typical parts price ranges plus labor hours times an assumed shop rate of $110 to $190 per hour. Actual prices vary by vehicle, region, and shop. Diagnosis fees are often extra.
| Repair | Parts | Labor | Estimate (low / high) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam or crank position sensor | $20 to $150 | 0.3 to 1.5 h | $20 + 0.3 × $110 = $53 $150 + 1.5 × $190 = $435 |
| Oil control valve (VVT solenoid) | $30 to $200 | 0.5 to 2.0 h | $30 + 0.5 × $110 = $85 $200 + 2.0 × $190 = $580 |
| Timing belt kit | $80 to $350 | 2.5 to 6.0 h | $80 + 2.5 × $110 = $355 $350 + 6.0 × $190 = $1,490 |
| Timing chain, tensioner, and guide kit | $150 to $600 | 4.0 to 12.0 h | $150 + 4.0 × $110 = $590 $600 + 12.0 × $190 = $2,880 |
Costs are generic for this code; parts and labor on some Volkswagen models may run higher.
Watch a repair video
Search YouTube for “P0016 Volkswagen fix” videos. Pick a recent video that matches your engine, and confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
Repair manuals
Step-by-step service manuals for Volkswagen with torque specs and wiring diagrams:
Haynes manuals for Volkswagen Chilton manuals
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Check Volkswagen recalls
Enter your VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup before paying for repairs.
FAQ
Is P0016 serious on a VW?
Yes, if it comes from the timing chain or tensioner. Have it diagnosed before driving much more.
Is my VW still covered by the timing chain settlement?
Coverage ran 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in service date on eligible vehicles, so most have aged out. A VW dealer can check your VIN.
Read the full P0016 guide or more Volkswagen check engine notes.