The 2.2L engine has trouble starting. Runs good after start. Check engine light codes p0342 & p0335. Symptoms are random... backfire from intake, engine shakes and binds and will not turn over, sounds of free spinning after normal cranking for 2 seconds. Replaced crank sensor and still getting crank code. Thanks for reading.

Could be the Cam sensor, can trip both in the codes. There is the possibility that the timing is off. Have there been any other major repairs recently?

No choice but to replace the camshaft sensor too.

There hasn't been any other repairs lately. Its just gradually been getting worse over a period of about a year. Considering the age and mileage of the car I would favor replacing the sensor, but something is nagging me to check the timing chain. Could there be a problem with the chain tensioner... if it even has one?

It has a timing chain and tensioner, but I would start by replacing the camshaft sensor and go from there.

Ive been searching around the internet for bad cam sensor symptoms and everyone I read claims issues of the vehicle stalling or having problems while idling/driving. My car does not show any symptoms after started. Just trouble starting. This may be a separate issue but the starter is free spinning more and more and does not engage the flywheel... added to the original issue of the engine light, intake backfire and binding. Can the starter motor be related to a timing issue?

Sounds like you need a new starter motor. The starter motor is not related to any timing issue.

I thought it might be a safety mechanism to prevent engine harm but I doubt that exists in any car. What do you think about the cam sensor/engine code issue?

If you think the car is worth it, I would replace the starter motor and the Camshaft Position Sensor (you had a code thrown for it).

Turned out to be the starter... seems it was too weak and caused the engine to turn back on it self and throw the codes... what a confusing issue.

Good job!