P0017 on Toyota vehicles
Crank/Cam Correlation (Bank 1 Exhaust) — what it means on a Toyota, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0017 on a Toyota means crank/cam correlation (bank 1 exhaust). Most vehicles stay drivable short-term, but diagnose it promptly. The most common cause is stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides (typically $800–$3,500). Pick your Toyota model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0017 mean on a Toyota?
P0017 is the exhaust-cam counterpart of P0016. The ECM compares the crankshaft position signal to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position signal and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This usually means timing chain stretch, a stuck cam phaser unable to return to base position, or a position sensor producing bad data. P0017 is one of the strongest indicators of timing chain wear on engines with dual VVT.
P0017 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Toyota. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Toyota model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Toyota with P0017?
In most cases a Toyota stays drivable for short trips with P0017 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a high-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.
What causes P0017 on a Toyota?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides | Most common | $800–$3,500 |
| Stuck exhaust cam phaser cannot return to base timing | Common | $400–$1,500 |
| Failed exhaust cam position sensor producing inaccurate readings | Common | $100–$400 |
| Low oil pressure preventing the phaser from holding position | Occasional | $50–$200 |
| Damaged exhaust cam reluctor wheel or tone ring | Occasional | $300–$1,500 |
| Stuck-open exhaust VVT oil control valve | Occasional | $100–$450 |
| Timing chain skipped one tooth after a tensioner failure | Rare | $1,000–$4,000 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Toyota model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0017 by Toyota model
Select your Toyota model and year for a P0017 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Toyota RAV4
691 NHTSA owner complaints · 9 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Camry
842 NHTSA owner complaints · 6 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Corolla
721 NHTSA owner complaints · 8 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Tacoma
583 NHTSA owner complaints · 15 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota 4Runner
170 NHTSA owner complaints · 16 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Highlander
650 NHTSA owner complaints · 11 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Toyota Sienna
393 NHTSA owner complaints · 22 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0017.
P0017 on other makes
Other codes on Toyota vehicles
P0017 on a Toyota: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0017 mean on a Toyota?
P0017 is the exhaust-cam counterpart of P0016. The ECM compares the crankshaft position signal to the Bank 1 exhaust camshaft position signal and finds them more than a calibrated number of degrees out of alignment. This usually means timing chain stretch, a stuck cam phaser unable to return to base position, or a position sensor producing bad data. P0017 is one of the strongest indicators of timing chain wear on engines with dual VVT. P0017 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Toyota — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0017 on a Toyota?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Cold-start rattle or chirp from the front timing cover. Hard cold start with long crank times. Loss of low-end torque. Rough idle and reduced throttle response. Reduced fuel economy. Possible engine no-start if timing has slipped enough
What causes P0017 on a Toyota?
Stretched timing chain or worn timing chain guides (most-common). Stuck exhaust cam phaser cannot return to base timing (common). Failed exhaust cam position sensor producing inaccurate readings (common). Low oil pressure preventing the phaser from holding position (occasional). Damaged exhaust cam reluctor wheel or tone ring (occasional). Stuck-open exhaust VVT oil control valve (occasional). Timing chain skipped one tooth after a tensioner failure (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Toyota with P0017?
In most cases a Toyota stays drivable for short trips with P0017 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a high-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on the model and engine.