P0014
"B" Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
Quick answer: P0014 means "B" Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1). Fixing the underlying cause typically runs $130 to $910 at an independent shop. Drive gently, service soon.
- Severity
- Moderate
- Safe to drive?
- Drive gently, service soon
- Typical repair
- $130 to $910
- Most likely cause
- Low, old, or wrong-viscosity engine oil, or a long-overdue oil change (check this first, since it is the cheapest and most common cause)
What P0014 means
This is the sibling of P0011, but for the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 and in the opposite direction: the cam is more retarded, meaning later in its timing, than the computer commanded, and it cannot pull it back into line. Variable valve timing swivels the cams using pressurized engine oil, so the whole system lives or dies on oil that is clean, at the right level, and the right viscosity. That is why the honest diagnosis starts at the dipstick, not the parts counter.
Common symptoms
What drivers usually notice with this code.
- Rough idle or stumbling, sometimes with a brief rattle at startup
- Hesitation, sluggish throttle response, or reduced power
- Hard starting or occasional stalling
- Worse fuel economy
- Check-engine light that may come and go with driving conditions
Common causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1Low, old, or wrong-viscosity engine oil, or a long-overdue oil change (check this first, since it is the cheapest and most common cause)
- 2A stuck or sludged oil control valve (VVT solenoid) for the exhaust cam
- 3A clogged screen or filter feeding that oil control valve
- 4A worn or sticking exhaust cam phaser or VVT actuator
- 5A faulty camshaft position sensor or its wiring reporting timing wrong
- 6A stretched timing chain letting the cam timing drift mechanically (the expensive end)
Can I keep driving?
You can usually drive short-term, but variable valve timing problems feed on low or dirty oil and tend to worsen, so get it looked at within days rather than weeks.
Severity: Moderate. A flashing check-engine light always means stop, whatever the code says.
Ballpark cost
What P0014 usually costs to fix
A range, not a quote. What you pay depends on your vehicle, your area, and which of the causes above turns out to be the real one.
Typical parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer rates run higher.
That spread is wide on purpose. P0014 points at a system, not a single part, so the real answer depends on what the diagnosis finds. Use the range to know what to expect. If an estimate comes in higher, it usually means the specific repair is more involved, and it is always fair to ask what is included.
Next steps
What to do next
Check the oil level and condition first, and if it is low or overdue, start with a fresh oil change in the exact viscosity the manufacturer specifies, because that alone clears a surprising number of these. The next step is testing or replacing the exhaust-cam oil control valve, which is typically an affordable part in a reachable spot. Only after clean oil and a known-good solenoid should anyone be quoting phaser or timing-chain work, so ask what was ruled out before agreeing to the bigger job.
Walk in informed
Ask for the diagnosis in writing and which test confirmed it, so you understand exactly what is being fixed. Fixxr shows you what the job typically costs near you, so you can approve the work with confidence.
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA — Check for vehicle safety recalls — look up open recalls for your vehicle by VIN, free
- FTC — Auto repair basics — your consumer rights at the repair shop
- AAA — Car repair and maintenance costs — independent guidance on what repairs should cost
Cost ranges and guidance reviewed July 2026.
P0014 FAQ
P0014 questions, answered
Can I drive with a P0014 code?
You can usually drive short-term, but variable valve timing problems feed on low or dirty oil and tend to worsen, so get it looked at within days rather than weeks.What does the P0014 code mean?
This is the sibling of P0011, but for the exhaust camshaft on bank 1 and in the opposite direction: the cam is more retarded, meaning later in its timing, than the computer commanded, and it cannot pull it back into line. Variable valve timing swivels the cams using pressurized engine oil, so the whole system lives or dies on oil that is clean, at the right level, and the right viscosity. That is why the honest diagnosis starts at the dipstick, not the parts counter.What are the most common causes of a P0014 code?
The most likely causes, roughly in order, are low, old, or wrong-viscosity engine oil, or a long-overdue oil change (check this first, since it is the cheapest and most common cause); a stuck or sludged oil control valve (VVT solenoid) for the exhaust cam; a clogged screen or filter feeding that oil control valve; a worn or sticking exhaust cam phaser or VVT actuator. Check the oil level and condition first, and if it is low or overdue, start with a fresh oil change in the exact viscosity the manufacturer specifies, because that alone clears a surprising number of these. The next step is testing or replacing the exhaust-cam oil control valve, which is typically an affordable part in a reachable spot. Only after clean oil and a known-good solenoid should anyone be quoting phaser or timing-chain work, so ask what was ruled out before agreeing to the bigger job.How much does it cost to fix a P0014 code?
Fixing the underlying problem behind a P0014 code typically runs $130 to $910 at an independent shop, including parts and labor. The exact figure depends on your vehicle and which part turns out to be at fault.
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