MajorCommonEngine

Toyota Wish: Valvematic VVT Actuator Failure (P0011/P1047)

Valvematic VVT Actuator Failure (P0011/P1047) is a common engine fault on the Toyota Wish on the 2009–2017 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $350 to $950 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 32 documented faults on the Toyota Wish.

Vehicle: Toyota Wish
Engine: 2.0L
Years: 2009–2017
Fuel: petrol
System: Engine

This page covers the Toyota Wish as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Toyota Wish faults32 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The 3ZR-FAE Valvematic intake variable valve timing actuator and oil control valve (OCV) are prone to failure, particularly in higher-mileage grey imports. Sludge from neglected oil changes blocks the OCV filter screen, starving the actuator of hydraulic pressure. The ECU logs P0011 (camshaft timing over-advanced) or the Toyota-specific P1047 (Valvematic system fault), and idle quality deteriorates markedly. Full Valvematic actuator replacement is required when cleaning the OCV filter and solenoid does not resolve the fault.

What you would notice

Rough or hunting idle, especially when cold
Check engine light with P0011 or P1047 stored
Hesitation and flat spot on light throttle
Reduced engine performance and fuel economy

How to check it

Where to look. Intake camshaft end, top of engine under the cam cover

Inspect engine oil condition - dark sludgy oil accelerates OCV filter blockage.
Test the intake OCV solenoid resistance (spec approx 6.9 ohms).
Listen for a ticking or rattling noise from the valve train at idle that changes with RPM.
Cold-start idle quality is the clearest indicator.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan for P0011 or P1047 with an OBD-II reader.

What it costs to put right

$350 to $950 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the engine oil been changed every 5,000-7,000 km using 0W-20 synthetic?”
“Has any valve train noise or check engine light appeared?”
“Has the Valvematic actuator or OCV solenoid ever been replaced?”

Now check the Toyota Wish you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Toyota Wish buyer questions

Is valvematic vvt actuator failure (p0011/p1047) serious on a Toyota Wish?

We rate it major and common on the Toyota Wish. The 3ZR-FAE Valvematic intake variable valve timing actuator and oil control valve (OCV) are prone to failure, particularly in higher-mileage grey imports. Sludge from neglected oil changes blocks the OCV filter screen, starving the actuator of hydraulic pressure. The ECU logs P0011 (camshaft timing over-advanced) or the Toyota-specific P1047 (Valvematic system fault), and idle quality deteriorates markedly. Full Valvematic actuator replacement is required when cleaning the OCV filter and solenoid does not resolve the fault.

How much does it cost to fix on a Toyota Wish?

$350 to $950 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Toyota Wish years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2009–2017 Toyota Wish. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Inspect engine oil condition - dark sludgy oil accelerates OCV filter blockage. Test the intake OCV solenoid resistance (spec approx 6.9 ohms). Listen for a ticking or rattling noise from the valve train at idle that changes with RPM. Cold-start idle quality is the clearest indicator. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan for P0011 or P1047 with an OBD-II reader. Look here: Intake camshaft end, top of engine under the cam cover