P0016 on a Toyota Highlander
P0016 means crankshaft/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A). On the Highlander, a few causes come up far more than others.
What P0016 usually means on a Highlander
P0016 means the crank and cam position signals don't line up on bank 1 — the ECU sees the camshaft where it doesn't expect it. On the Highlander it's the chain-driven 2GR-FE V6 where this typically shows up, most often from a stuck VVT oil control valve or a weak position sensor, though a neglected high-mileage engine can point to a stretched timing chain. It usually brings hard starting and rough running and warrants prompt attention, since bad timing can damage valves.
Most common causes on the Highlander
- Stuck camshaft timing OCV
A jammed oil control valve leaves the cam phaser mis-positioned and breaks the crank-cam correlation; check it first.
- Sludge-starved VVT actuator
Dirty, neglected oil prevents the phaser from settling at its commanded position.
- Stretched timing chain
A worn chain and guides on a high-mileage 2GR-FE can drift cam timing enough to set P0016.
- Faulty cam or crank sensor
A weak reading from the cam or crank sensor breaks the correlation the ECU verifies.
What P0016 costs to fix on a Highlander
Replacing an oil control valve or a position sensor is a moderate, mostly bolt-on job. A stretched chain on the 2GR-FE is the expensive outcome, involving the front cover, chain, tensioner, and guides. Confirm the cheaper causes before going that far, and keep the oil at the right viscosity, since low oil pressure by itself can trigger P0016.
Year, engine and mileage change the answer. Start a case and Redline weighs these causes against what your car shows, then names the check that would settle it.
Other codes on the Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander problems & recalls by year
Based on widely reported patterns for this model; individual causes vary by year, engine and history. Generic P0016 behavior is covered on the main P0016 page. Confirm with a scan tool before buying parts.
P0016 on your Highlander?
Every problem becomes a Case. Tell Redline what your Highlander is doing: it shows what the evidence supports, what’s still missing, and what to check next, before you approve a repair.
“Inner pad ~1 mm. Outer pad 3 mm.”
Next: check the slide pins move freely before buying parts.