Is it safe to drive with a P0021 code?

Severity is medium. Address P0021 sooner rather than later — driving with an active check engine light can worsen the problem or void emissions warranties.

How much does it cost to fix P0021?

Repair costs for P0021 typically range from $0 to $500 in the US, depending on the underlying cause. The most common fix is: Dirty/low engine oil.

Check Engine Code

P0021

"A" Camshaft Position — Timing Over-Advanced (Bank 2)

Severity: medium DIY difficulty: 2/5 Typical cost: $0–$500

What P0021 means

Bank 2 twin of P0011. Intake cam over-advanced on the Bank 2 cylinder bank.

Symptoms

CEL
Rough idle
Power loss

Likely causes (most common first)

Dirty/low engine oil
Failed VVT solenoid (Bank 2)
Worn phaser
Stretched timing chain

Can I keep driving?

Medium — drivable but fix soon

Typical repair cost

DIY fixes can start near $0 (parts only). Shop repairs for P0021 typically run up to $500 depending on the underlying cause and vehicle. Start with the most common cause — Dirty/low engine oil — before throwing parts at it.

Related codes

P0011P0020P0022P0024

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