Nissan Check Engine Code
P0011 on Nissan
"A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
Also covers: Infiniti
P0011 on Nissan: what makes it different
P0011 (Intake Camshaft Position A – Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1) is very common on Nissan VQ-series V6 and QR25 4-cylinder engines. These engines rely heavily on VVT (CVTC) solenoids and are sensitive to oil condition and level.
Most-affected engines
- VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (Altima, Maxima, Murano, 350Z)
- VQ40DE 4.0L V6 (Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder)
- QR25DE 2.5L (Altima, Sentra, Rogue)
- MR20DE 2.0L (Sentra, Rogue)
Common model years: 2004–2018
Most likely cause on Nissan
Clogged or stuck-open intake VVT (CVTC) solenoid on bank 1, often caused by sludged or low engine oil.
Known Nissan engine-family issues
The QR25DE is widely documented for oil consumption, which starves the VVT solenoid of clean oil pressure. The VQ35DE timing chain and tensioners on higher-mileage Altimas/Maximas can stretch, throwing P0011 along with rattle on cold start. Nissan VVT solenoids are a known wear item.
Nissan-specific causes (most common first)
- Failed or sludged intake CVTC (VVT) solenoid – bank 1
- Low engine oil level or extended oil change intervals
- QR25/VQ35 oil consumption causing low oil and weak VVT actuation
- Stretched timing chain on high-mileage VQ engines
- Clogged oil control passage to camshaft phaser
- Failed camshaft position sensor giving incorrect phase reading
Nissan-specific diagnostic tip
Before condemning the timing chain, check oil level and condition first — Nissans with oil burn often set P0011 simply from low oil. Then swap the bank 1 and bank 2 intake VVT solenoids (on V6) and see if the code follows. The solenoid is far cheaper than chain work and is the fix most of the time.
Symptoms drivers report
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or stalling at stops
- Noticeable loss of power or poor acceleration
- Slight drop in fuel economy
- Occasional hard start when the engine is warm
Typical repair cost on Nissan
Most Nissan owners fix P0011 for between $150 and $900, depending on which underlying cause turns out to be at fault. Start with the most-likely cause for your vehicle — Clogged or stuck-open intake VVT (CVTC) solenoid on bank 1, often caused by sludged or low engine oil. — before throwing parts at it.
Nissan P0011 FAQ
Will my Nissan Altima fail emissions with P0011?
Yes, P0011 is an emissions-related code that triggers the check engine light, which is an automatic emissions inspection failure in most U.S. states. It must be resolved and readiness monitors set before retesting.
Is P0011 on a Nissan a serious problem?
It can be. If it's a solenoid or low oil, it's minor. But if it's caused by a stretched timing chain (common on high-mileage VQ35 and QR25 engines), driving with it risks chain skip and severe engine damage. Listen for a chain rattle on cold start.
Related codes
Drive a different make? See the general P0011 guide for cross-vehicle causes and symptoms.
Confirm P0011 on your Nissan in 60 seconds
Two cheap things and you can read P0011 on your Nissan yourself — with freeze-frame and live data, free. No subscription.
As an Amazon Associate, AXLY earns from qualifying purchases. General P0011 guide →