P0335 Code: Subaru Outback (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database

Comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD2 code P0335 on 2020-2024 Subaru Outback

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0335
• Name: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• What it means: The engine control module (ECM/ECU) is not getting a valid signal from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor, or the signal is out of the expected range. This sensor provides the ECM with real-time crankshaft position information needed for spark timing and fuel injection. When the signal is missing, erratic, or out of range, the ECM cannot reliably control ignition and fueling.
• Severity and driving impact:
  • Could cause hard starting or no-start.
  • May cause stalling or rough, irregular running, especially at idle or low RPM.
  • In some cases, vehicle may go into a reduced-power/limp mode to protect the engine.
  • The MIL (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a P0335 diagnostic code will be stored.
• Data note: There are no official recalls or owner complaints documented in the provided NHTSA data for this exact model/year/issue. See data limitations at the end.

COMMON CAUSES ON SUBARU OUTBACK

• Faulty CKP sensor itself (aging, internal fault, contamination).
• Damaged, corroded, loose, or water/dirt-affected CKP sensor wiring or connector.
• Oil leaks or oil contamination around the CKP sensor or front crank area (oil can degrade the sensor or short/impede the signal).
• Damaged or misaligned reluctor/tone ring (the sensor reads teeth/valves from a tone wheel); a missing tooth, bent ring, or misalignment can produce a poor or missing signal.
• Electrical ground or power supply problems (low battery voltage, poor grounding, parasitic loads affecting sensor signal).
• ECM/PCM fault (rare, but possible).
• Timing mechanism issues (timing belt/chain irregularities or timing components) that alter the relation between crank position and engine speed. In practice, a CKP signal problem is usually sensor, wiring, or mechanical/readout issue rather than a true timing fault, but timing work can reveal root causes.
• Environmental factors unique to Subaru engines (oil leaks near the front of the engine, humidity or splash intrusion into connectors, vibration affecting fragile wiring) can contribute to intermittent CKP problems.

SYMPTOMS

• MIL illuminated with DTC P0335 in the ECM.
• Engine does not start or has extended crank before starting, or starts inconsistently.
• Engine stalls during idle or while driving, sometimes at low RPM.
• Rough idle, misfire-like feel, or intermittent rough running.
• Tachometer may behave erratically or show inconsistent readings.
• In some cases, the vehicle may enter a limp mode to protect the engine, limiting power.
• No obvious mechanical damage; symptoms may be intermittent and disappear when the engine is cranked to create signal pulses.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Preliminary checks

• Verify DTC with an appropriate scan tool and note any freeze-frame data (engine RPM, throttle position, fuel trim, etc.) at the time of the fault.
• Check battery voltage and charging system. A healthy system typically shows 12.6 V+ with the engine off and 13.5–14.8 V while running. Low or fluctuating voltage can produce false or intermittent sensor readings.
• Inspect for other stored codes that often accompany CKP faults (misfire codes P0300–P0304, camshaft-related codes, or sensor-related codes). This helps differentiate CKP issues from ignition or fuel problems.

Visual inspection

• Locate the CKP sensor on your Outback (location can vary by engine: typically around the front lower portion of the engine near the crankshaft pulley or timing cover area). Check for oil leaks, dirt, or moisture around the sensor and its connector.
• Inspect the 2–3 wire harness and the connector for damaged insulation, corrosion, bent pins, or loose connections.
• Look for oil or coolant leaks that could contaminate the sensor area.

Electrical tests (use the service manual for exact specs and wiring diagrams)

• Connector and wiring:
  • Disconnect the CKP sensor connector and inspect pins for corrosion or damage.
  • Reconnect cleanly and ensure a firm, locked connection.
  • With the ignition ON (do not crank), check for the correct reference/ground signals on the circuit using a multimeter or backprobe technique:
    • Power supply to the sensor (reference voltage) and ground should be present and stable.
• Sensor resistance and continuity (per manufacturer spec):
  • Remove the sensor connector and test resistance across the CKP sensor outputs according to Subaru service data.
  • Check continuity of the signal wire from the sensor to the ECM input; check for shorts to ground or to power.
• Signal integrity (live data or scope):
  • With the engine cranking or running, monitor the CKP signal live data in the scan tool. You should see a regular alternating signal that corresponds to crank RPM.
  • If possible, use an oscilloscope to view the CKP waveform. A healthy CKP typically shows a clean, periodic waveform synchronized with engine RPM. A missing pulse, erratic waveform, or severely degraded signal indicates sensor or tone-ring issues.
• Sensor location and tone ring:
  • Confirm the tone ring (reluctor) around the crankshaft has no missing teeth, cracks, or severe damage.
  • Ensure there is proper alignment between the CKP sensor and the tone ring; misalignment can cause signal loss or irregular pulses.

Mechanical/diagnostic correlation

• If the CKP signal appears normal on the scope but a P0335 persists, consider:
  • ECM input filtering or internal fault (less common; would require dealer-level diagnostics).
  • Secondary issues such as timing component wear or a crankshaft related fault that disrupts actual crank position reading versus ECM expectation.

Repair-oriented decision tree

• If CKP sensor signal is absent or severely degraded and wiring checks are clean:
  • Replace CKP sensor with a quality part (OEM or reputable aftermarket).
  • Re-test to confirm signal restoration and that the fault does not return under driving conditions.
• If wiring harness or connector is damaged:
  • Repair or replace the affected wiring/connector; ensure proper shielding and routing away from heat sources and moving parts.
• If oil leaks or contamination around the sensor is the cause:
  • Address the leak (seal, gasket, or front cover area) to prevent recurrence.
• If the reluctor ring/tone wheel is damaged:
  • Replace the tone ring and recheck timing alignment; this is a more involved repair and may require front-cover service.
• If all electrical tests pass but the fault persists:
  • Consider ECM/PCM inspection or re-flash (as a last resort). This typically requires dealer-level diagnostic tools and software updates.

Post-repair steps

• Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
• Perform a road test, including idle, slow speed, and moderate acceleration, to confirm the issue is resolved and no new codes appear.
• Monitor live data for a while to ensure CKP signal remains stable across engine operating ranges.

RELATED CODES

• P0335 is part of the crankshaft position sensor family. Related codes you might encounter include:
  • P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0337: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input
  • P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Input
  • P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
• Some vehicles may show other codes when the CKP signal is lost or degraded, including misfire codes (P0300-series) or camshaft-related codes if timing signals become misaligned.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Notes:

• Prices vary by region, shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. The figures below are broad ranges typical in 2025 and reflect common Outback labor times and part costs. Dealer pricing is generally higher than independent shops.

• CKP sensor replacement

  • Parts: approximately $40–$120 (OEM or aftermarket, depending on source and engine variant)
  • Labor: roughly 1–2 hours (depending on sensor access; front-cover work can add time)
  • Typical total: $150–$350
  • Notes: If the sensor is easily accessible without removing major components, costs stay on the lower end. If access requires front cover removal or timing-related disassembly, costs can rise significantly.

• Wiring harness/connector repair

  • Parts: $5–$100 (material costs vary; simple connector replacement is inexpensive; loom repair or harness replacement is more)
  • Labor: $50–$200
  • Typical total: $60–$300

• Front cover/timing area work (rare, but possible if CKP issues are tied to the tone wheel or if access requires front cover removal)

  • Parts: vary (timing belt/chain kit, seals, etc.)
  • Labor: significantly higher (often 2–6 hours plus additional time for timing checks)
  • Typical total: $500–$1500+ depending on scope

• ECM/PCM replacement or re-flash

  • Parts: $400–$1200 (new or remanufactured ECM)
  • Labor: $100–$300
  • Typical total: $500–$1500
  • Note: This is a less common remedy for CKP issues and is typically a last resort after wiring and sensor replacement.

• Typical expectation for most CKP failures on this generation Outback

  • Rough ballpark: $150–$450 for sensor replacement plus any limited wiring work; more if timing cover work or a PCM issue is involved.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY viability:
  • If the CKP sensor is readily accessible without removing major components, a capable DIYer with basic hand tools, a multimeter, and a scan tool can usually replace the CKP sensor and re-test.
  • Pros: Lower cost, hands-on learning experience.
  • Cons: Front-facing access may require special tools, access to the correct torque specs, and careful handling of timing-related components. A failed attempt can lead to mis-timing or other issues.
• Professional repair:
  • Recommended if the CKP sensor is difficult to access, if you observe oil contamination, or if the wiring harness shows damage. A professional shop has the tools to verify signal integrity with an oscilloscope and can verify proper timing and ECM function.
• What to bring to a shop if you go in:
  • The vehicle, a copy of the codes, any freeze-frame data, recent maintenance history, and a note of symptoms (idle issue, no-start, stalling, etc.).
• Safety considerations:
  • Disconnect the battery before disconnecting any sensor connectors.
  • Follow proper jacking/stand procedures if you need to access components under the vehicle.
  • Ensure the engine is cool when working near belts and pulleys.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance to reduce electronic sensor failures:
  • Address oil leaks promptly; keep the front of the engine clean and free of oil buildup that could reach the CKP sensor.
  • Use quality engine oil and maintain proper oil level to minimize sludge or contamination around sensor areas.
  • Replace worn or leaking gaskets, seals, and timing components as part of routine maintenance when affected by mileage or service intervals.
• Electrical cleanliness and protection:
  • Inspect harnesses and connectors during routine maintenance or when you notice electrical-related symptoms.
  • Keep the engine bay dry and address water intrusion or corrosion promptly.
• Starting and running habits:
  • Avoid prolonged cranking when starting; if the engine doesn’t start within a typical few seconds, investigate rather than cranking excessively, which can reduce battery life and potentially mask other issues.
• Proactive diagnostic approach:
  • If you experience intermittent starting or stalling, address it early with a proper diagnostic to prevent further fuel and ignition system strain.

Data limitations and transparency

• The provided data for 2020–2024 Subaru Outback shows no owner complaints and no recalls in the NHTSA database for this exact issue. This means there is no compiled recall or complaint trend to cite here.
• The diagnostic guidance above relies on general automotive knowledge and standard diagnostic practices for CKP sensor-related failures, applied to the Subaru Outback context. Individual vehicle symptoms can vary, and a proper diagnosis should be based on live data, the vehicle’s service manual, and, if needed, specialist tools.
• If you suspect a different or additional issue (e.g., camshaft sensor, wiring harness, or PCM), treat it as part of a broader diagnosis and test accordingly.