P0019: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B
What Does P0019 Mean?
P0019 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B. This code relates to the fuel and air metering system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 5 different vehicle models.
Bank 2 exhaust camshaft correlation error β the Bank 2 equivalent of P0017. Often appears alongside P0018 if the Bank 2 timing chain has jumped.
Common affected vehicles: Toyota Camry/Corolla (2AR-FE, 2GR-FE), Nissan Altima/Sentra (QR25DE), GM Equinox/Terrain (2.4L Ecotec), Honda Accord/Civic (K24, R20), BMW 3-Series (N20/N26), Ford Escape/Focus (EcoBoost). Toyota vehicles typically develop VVT issues around 100K-120K miles. GM Ecotec engines are notorious for timing chain stretch between 60K-120K miles, which was the subject of a class-action lawsuit. Nissan QR25DE engines commonly show VVT codes around 80K-130K miles.
**Real-World Diagnostic Walkthrough:** P0019 appearing alongside P0018 is the clearest possible indicator of a Bank 2 timing chain problem β both the intake and exhaust camshafts are out of correlation, which is only possible if the chain has stretched or jumped. Start by checking oil level and condition, then listen for cold-start rattle from the Bank 2 side. If you hear rattle + see both codes, budget for a timing chain kit. If P0019 appears alone without P0018 and without rattle, try replacing the Bank 2 exhaust VVT solenoid first ($40-$150) β a stuck solenoid can cause the exhaust cam to sit at an unexpected position without the chain being at fault. After solenoid replacement, clear codes and drive 50+ miles to see if the code returns. On GM 3.6L V6 engines, the Bank 2 exhaust solenoid is accessed from the rear of the engine near the firewall β tight but doable with the right tools and patience.
**What To Expect at the Shop for P0019:** When you bring your vehicle to a mechanic for P0019, here's what a thorough diagnostic should include: (1) The technician should connect a professional scan tool and read not just the stored code, but also freeze frame data β this shows the exact conditions (RPM, coolant temp, vehicle speed, fuel trims) when the code was set. (2) They should check for related codes that may point to a root cause. (3) A visual inspection of relevant components and wiring should be performed before any parts are replaced. (4) On reputable shops, diagnostic time is typically 0.5-1.0 hours ($50-$150) before any repair work begins. (5) Be wary of shops that want to immediately replace parts based solely on the code number without performing diagnosis β codes indicate symptoms, not specific failed parts.
Symptoms of P0019
- β οΈ check engine light
- β οΈ rough running
- β οΈ hard starting
- β οΈ engine noise
- β οΈ loss of power
Common Causes
- π Stretched timing chain
- π Faulty exhaust VVT solenoid Bank 2
- π Faulty camshaft sensor Bank 2 Sensor B
P0019 Reports by Year
Real Owner Reports
From NHTSA complaint database β actual owner descriptions.
"THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD MULTIPLE TIMES. IT WOULD THEN START BACK UP WHILE STILL ROLLING ON THE HIGHWAY. AT LIGHTS IT SHUTOFF AND I THEN HAD TOBRESTART IT IT DID THIS ALL THE WAY HOME. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. SCANNER SAYS P0019 STATES IT'S THE CORRELATION N TIMING CHAIN AND CAM"
β Chevrolet Traverse owner, 02/18/2020
"MY HUSBAND AND I WENT TO THE STORE WITH OUR TWO KIDS JUST TO GRAB SOME GROCERIES. WE LIVE LESS THAN 5 MILES FROM THE GROCERY STORE. ON OUR WAY HOME THE CAR STARTED SHAKING WHILE IDLING AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL OUT ON US. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE CAR DECIDED TO S"
β Chevrolet Traverse owner, 11/03/2019
"THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SHOWING CODES P0018 AND P0019, THE VEHICLE WILL START TO IDLE AND THE TRACTION CONTROLS COME ON AND THE VEHICLE GOES INTO SAFETY MODE NOT ABLE TO GO ABOVE 30 MILES/HOUR. MECHANIC STATED THAT IT WAS INDICATING ISSUES WITH TIMING BELT, BUT THAT IT WAS VERY COMMON FOR THI"
β Chevrolet Traverse owner, 06/03/2019
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Most Reported Vehicles for P0019
Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
| # | Vehicle | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CHEVROLET TRAVERSE | |
| 2 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | |
| 3 | JEEP WRANGLER | |
| 4 | GMC ACADIA | |
| 5 | MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS |
P0019 Reports by Vehicle
Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.
Diagnostic Tips
- Check engine oil level and condition first β the VVT system runs entirely on oil pressure.
- Use a multimeter to test solenoid resistance (typically 6-12 ohms).
- Inspect the solenoid connector for oil contamination and corrosion.
- After an oil change, clear the code and drive 50 miles to see if it returns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- β Replacing the VVT solenoid without changing the engine oil first.
- β Ignoring the code because the engine seems to run OK β VVT issues accelerate timing chain wear.
- β Using the wrong oil viscosity β VVT systems are extremely sensitive to oil weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fix both banks if only P0019 appears?
How long do VVT solenoids last?
Can I use synthetic oil with VVT engines?
Will P0019 cause my check engine light to stay on?
Can I pass emissions with P0019?
What To Do Next
Possible Fixes
- π§ Replace exhaust VVT solenoid Bank 2
- π§ Replace timing chain assembly
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1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
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2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
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Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50β$150) pinpoints the root cause.