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P0019: Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 2 Sensor B

Severity
critical
NHTSA Reports
9
Vehicles Affected
5
System
Powertrain

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

Common Causes

P0019 Reports by Year

2018
3
2020
2
2019
2
2014
1
2025
1

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.

P0019 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

Diagnostic Tips

  1. Check engine oil level and condition first β€” the VVT system runs entirely on oil pressure.
  2. Use a multimeter to test solenoid resistance (typically 6-12 ohms).
  3. Inspect the solenoid connector for oil contamination and corrosion.
  4. After an oil change, clear the code and drive 50 miles to see if it returns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fix both banks if only P0019 appears?
Only Bank 2 needs immediate repair. However, if one chain has failed, the other may be similarly worn β€” many mechanics recommend replacing both as preventive maintenance.
How long do VVT solenoids last?
VVT solenoids typically last 80,000-150,000 miles depending on oil maintenance. Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity are the single best way to extend solenoid life.
Can I use synthetic oil with VVT engines?
Yes β€” in fact, full synthetic oil is recommended for most VVT-equipped engines. Synthetic oil resists breakdown and sludge formation better than conventional oil, which helps keep VVT passages clean.
Will P0019 cause my check engine light to stay on?
Yes β€” P0019 will keep the Malfunction Indicator Light (check engine light) illuminated until the underlying issue is repaired and the code is cleared, or until the ECU's self-test passes for several consecutive drive cycles after the issue resolves on its own.
Can I pass emissions with P0019?
No β€” a lit check engine light is an automatic emissions test failure in most states. Additionally, the specific monitor related to this code will likely show as 'not ready' or 'failed,' which is also a failure condition in most testing programs.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

  • πŸ”§ Replace exhaust VVT solenoid Bank 2
  • πŸ”§ Replace timing chain assembly
  1. 1
    Find your vehicle above

    Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.

  2. 2
    Check for recalls

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.

  3. 3
    Get a professional diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

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