P0340 on a Subaru Outback

What P0340 usually means on a Outback

P0340 on the Outback means the PCM lost or could not correlate the camshaft position signal. On these engines the usual cause is the camshaft position sensor itself or its wiring and connector, and because the boxer has sensors on both sides, confirming which one is worth a moment. A failing sensor can cause hard starting, stalling, or a no-start, and the fault is sometimes intermittent as the sensor heats up. Oil contamination at the sensor or connector is also worth checking on a higher-mileage engine.

Most likely causes on this model

1. Failing camshaft position sensor

   The most common cause; the sensor drops out intermittently or fails outright, especially when hot.

2. Wiring or connector fault

   A corroded or oil-soaked connector interrupts the signal and mimics a bad sensor.

3. Oil contamination at the sensor

   A leak letting oil reach the sensor or its plug can disrupt the reading on higher-mileage engines.

4. Timing or reluctor issue

   Less commonly, a timing-component or tone-ring problem skews the cam signal.

What it costs on a Outback

The camshaft position sensor is a modest part, and labor is reasonable once the correct side is identified, typically a couple hundred dollars all in. Wiring repairs cost little more than time. This is usually a straightforward fix, but confirm the sensor and its connector before replacing anything, since an oil leak at the connector can masquerade as a failed sensor.

Other codes we cover on the Subaru Outback

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Subaru Outback problems & recalls by year