P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
250 vehicles · 30 makes
P0300 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected.” The engine control module has detected misfires occurring randomly across multiple cylinders. This is the most common OBD-II code and can have many causes. A flashing check engine light with P0300 means active misfires that can damage the catalytic converter. This code appears across 250 vehicle models from 30 manufacturers.
Common Causes
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0300, you'll need an OBD-II scanner. Here are our recommendations at every price point.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple, affordable code reader that reads and clears check engine codes. Great for quick diagnostics on any OBD-II vehicle (1996+).
- Read & clear engine codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with a free companion app. Provides enhanced diagnostics, smog readiness, and repair reports sourced from a database of verified fixes.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
A professional-grade handheld scanner that reads all four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level diagnostic tablet with bi-directional control, active tests, and full system coverage. Ideal for serious DIYers and small shops.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Vehicles Affected (250)
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Ignition Coil Failure
EGR Valve/Cooler Failure
Diesel Injector Failure
4.0T Carbon Deposit Accumulation
EA888 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
4.2L V8 Carbon Buildup and High-Rev Issues
Electronic Water Pump Failure (2.0T)
B5 S4 2.7T Timing Chain Guide Failure
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Coolant Leaks
PCV Valve Failure (Rough Idle and Oil Consumption)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.0T Twin-Turbo V8)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
4.2L V8 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
2.7T Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires and Flashing Check Engine Light
Coil Pack Failure and Ignition Misfires on 1.8T Engines
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Severe Carbon Buildup Causing Valve Damage (3.0T TFSI)
Excessive Oil Consumption (2.0 TFSI Engine)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Water Pump Failure (60k Mile Lifespan)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (3.0T)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Pre-Dual Injection EA888 Gen 3)
Water Pump and Thermostat Failure
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.2 V8 FSI and 5.2 V10 FSI)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.5T 5-Cylinder)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.9T Twin-Turbo V6)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.0T V8)
B6/B7 4.2L V8 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (Intake Valves)
Turbocharger Oil Strainer Failure (4.0T V8) - CRITICAL
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0 TFSI Direct Injection)
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
S65 V8 Rod Bearing Premature Failure
N63 Twin-Turbo V8 Excessive Oil Consumption
N63 Hot-Vee Engine Excessive Oil Consumption
N63 Valve Stem Seal Degradation and Oil Burning
N63/S63 Twin-Turbo V8 Excessive Oil Consumption
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
N63 Valve Stem Seal Degradation and Oil Burning
G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Valve Cover Gasket Leak and PCV Failure
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
SMG III Hydraulic Pump Failure - E60 M5
S63/S63TU Valve Stem Seal Failure & Oil Consumption
Fuel Injector Failure - 428i/430i/435i/440i F32/F33/F36
Electric Water Pump Failure (N52, N20 Engines)
N63 Valvetronic Motor Failure - F01/F02 750i/750Li
Electric Water Pump Failure - E85 (N52) & E89 Z4
S63 V8 Rod Bearing Premature Wear & Failure - E70/F85 X5 M
B58 Coolant System Failures (xDrive40i)
S55 High-Pressure Fuel Injector Failure - F82/F83 M4
S63/S63TU Ignition Coil Premature Failure
S63 Rod Bearing Failure (X6 M)
S85 V10 Rod Bearing Failure (Catastrophic Engine Destruction)
Rod Bearing Failure (S65 V8) - CRITICAL
CCV/Oil Separator Failure Causing Vacuum Leaks, Oil Consumption, and Cold-Weather Hydrolock Risk
Electric Water Pump Failure (All Engines)
Electric Water Pump Failure (N52, N55, N63 Engines)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
S85 V10 Rod Bearing Premature Failure (CATASTROPHIC) - E60 M5
S63TU4 Rod Bearing Wear (M8/M8 Competition)
Electric Water Pump Failure
Direct Fuel Injector Failure (S55)
S63 Twin-Turbo V8 Rod Bearing Concerns (F06/F12/F13 M6)
V12 Nikasil Cylinder Bore Wear (M70/M73)
Electric Water Pump Failure (All 1 Series E82/E88)
S55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F82/F83 M4
N63TU3 Valve Stem Seal Failure & Oil Consumption (M850i)
Electric Water Pump Failure (All Engines)
N55 Rod Bearing Premature Wear - F87 M2
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks (M54, N52 Engines)
S63 Twin Turbo Wastegate Rattle - E70/F85 X5 M
Rod Bearing Wear (S54 Engine)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires and Check Engine Light on M52TU/M54 Engines
4.6L Northstar V8 Head Gasket Failure and Bolt Pull-Out
GM 6.2L V8 Engine Recall for Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Northstar Head Gasket Failure and Head Bolt Pull-Out
Opti-Spark Distributor Water Intrusion and Failure
LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure
Northstar 4.6L Head Gasket Blown from Block Thread Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
Northstar 4.6L Head Gasket Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - SRX
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption - 6.2L EcoTec3 V8
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Northstar 4.6L Head Bolt Thread Pull/Head Gasket Failure
Northstar 4.6L Head Gasket Failure and Overheating
Northstar 4.6L Head Gasket Failure from Head Bolt Thread Stripping
6.2L L87 Connecting Rod/Bearing Failure Leading to Engine Seizure
LT1 5.7L Optispark Distributor Failure (1994-1996)
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (ATS V6 models)
4.6L Northstar V8 Head Gasket Failure (1993)
Northstar 4.6L Head Gasket Failure (Head Bolt Thread Pull)
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure - V8 Cylinder Deactivation System
LT1 Optispark Distributor Water Intrusion and Failure
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Active Fuel Management Lifter Failure
5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure
Duramax Diesel Injector Failure
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Head Gasket Coolant Leak and Overheating on 3.4L V6
PCV Valve Cover Failure and Oil Leak (1.4T)
2.2L/2.4L Head Gasket Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption (2.5L Ecotec LCV/LKW)
4.3L Vortec Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) Failure
Injector Wiring Harness Chafing (Duramax)
5.7L Vortec Spider Injector Assembly Failure (CPI)
3.4L V6 Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
Cylinder Head Valve Seat Failure and Misfire on 3.5L/3.7L Inline-Five
L99 AFM Lifter Failure and Camshaft Damage on 6.2L Automatic Cars
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure - V8 Cylinder Deactivation
Vortec 4.3L Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
2.2L OHV Head Gasket Failure
AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8)
LT2 Engine Valve Lifter Tick and DFM Concerns
3.1L/3.4L Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Guide Failure
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure - V8 Cylinder Deactivation
2.5L V6 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
3.1L V6 Distributor Gear Wear Causing Timing Issues
HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure
2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure
Chronic Overheating - Multiple Causes
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
Head Gasket Failure (Especially Turbo Models)
2.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure
3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure
Turbocharger Failure (GT/Turbo Models)
3.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure and Overheating
2.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Tick and Camshaft Failure
Timing Belt Tensioner and Water Pump Failure
Engine Oil Sludge Buildup (2.4L Non-Turbo)
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick
2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge and Seizure
5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure
2.7L V6 Engine Oil Sludge Buildup and Failure
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
2.4L DOHC Head Gasket Failure
Engine Overheating - Thermostat Housing Debris
6G72 Timing Belt and Balancer Belt Failure
Head Gasket Failure
2.2L/2.5L Head Gasket Failure
Head Gasket Failure
2.4L Electronic Throttle Body Failure
2.2L/2.5L Head Gasket Failure
Gen 1 V10 Head Gasket Failure
Rod Bearing Failure from Oil Starvation (Track Use)
Engine Oil Sludge Buildup (3.6L Pentastar V6)
Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (3.9L V6 and 4.7L V8)
2.3L EcoBoost Head Gasket Failure and Coolant Intrusion
2.0L Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity
Fuel Injector Failure and Rough Running (EcoBlue Diesel)
2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Failure
1.6L EcoBoost Engine Overheating and Coolant Loss - Recall 14S11
1.5L EcoBoost 3-Cylinder Coolant Loss and Engine Failure
EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Cassette and Tensioner Failure
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L)
Engine Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders (Engine Block Cracking)
Distributor Internal Coil and Sensor Failure
Head Gasket Failure and Coolant Leakage
2.3L HSC Head Gasket Failure
3.8L V6 Head Gasket Failure
3.0L Vulcan V6 Head Gasket Failure
Distributor Failure (Mazda FS/KL Engine)
4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage
Ignition Coil Pack Failure
2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area
1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Into Cylinders
Timing Chain Cassette and Guide Failure on 4.0L SOHC V6
6.0L Powerstroke Head Bolt Failure and Head Gasket Blowout
4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Guide Failure
2.0L SPI Head Gasket Failure
3.8L V6 Head Gasket Failure
5.4L 2-Valve Spark Plug Blow-Out From Cylinder Head
AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure
AFM/DFM Lifter Collapse and Failure
LML Duramax EGR Cooler and EGR Valve Failure
6.0L V8 Excessive Oil Consumption and AFM Lifter Wear
AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
4.3L Central Port Injection (CPI) Spider Injector Failure
5.7L Vortec Spider Injector Assembly Failure
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6)
5.7L Vortec Intake Manifold Gasket and CPI Issues
Ecotec 2.4L Timing Chain and Tensioner Failure
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure and Tick
1.5T Earth Dreams Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Fuel Injector Debris Causing Misfires and Catalyst Codes
11th Gen 2.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup and Idle Vibration
Ignition Coil Failure
Idle and Stalling Problems
Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage
VCM System Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage
EGR System Clogging (Lean Burn Engine)
Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks Causing Misfires
Distributor Internal Coil and Igniter Failure (4th Gen)
Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure (Theta II)
Theta II Engine Seizure Due to Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Theta II Engine Failure / Connecting Rod Bearing Seizure
Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine
Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure
GDI Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
Fuel Injector Failure Causing Misfire, Rough Running, and Check Engine Light
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks Onto Spark Plug Wells and Exhaust Manifold
Head Gasket Failure (Shared Excel Platform)
Theta II Engine Seizure / Recall
Head Gasket Failure (Mitsubishi G4DJ/G4EK)
Knock Sensor / Engine Protection Logic Triggering Reduced Power and Check-Engine Light on 2.0L Models
Excessive Oil Consumption (Theta II Engine)
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI Engines)
Fuel Injector Failure and Engine Stalling
3.8L Lambda V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
3.3L Lambda II GDI V6 Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
5.0L Tau V8 Timing Chain and GDI Injector Issues
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfire
Ignition Coil and Plug Wire Failure Causing Misfire, Hesitation, and Check Engine Light
Head Gasket Failure (Mazda B-Series Engine)
Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and Sudden No-Start on 1.6L Engines
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0T)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0T)
V35A-FTS 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Main Bearing / Engine Failure Risk Covered by Toyota-Lexus Recall
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks Causing Oil Smell and Misfire Risk
Apex Seal Failure / Compression Loss
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (NB)
Carbon Buildup on Direct Injection Intake Valves
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Skyactiv)
Timing Chain Guide and Tensioner Failure
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires
Distributor Failure on V6 Models
Distributor Internal Coil and Hall Effect Sensor Failure
Skyactiv 2.0L Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear
M272 Balance Shaft Gear Wear and Failure
M272 Balance Shaft Sprocket Wear
M264 2.0L Engine Stalling or No-Start from Crankcase Ventilation / Cylinder Head Vent Valve Fault
N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup from Direct Injection
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection) Causing Misfires/Power Loss
Turbocharger Oil Feed Line Leak and Carbon Buildup
B38/B48 Engine Timing Chain Stretch and Rattle
N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch
VVEL Solenoid Failure (VK56VD Engine)
VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
Excessive Oil Consumption (QR25DE)
Ignition Coil Failure
Distributor / Ignition System Failure Causing Sudden Stall or No-Start
2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)
Timing Chain Rattle and Failure (QR25DE 4-Cylinder)
Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear)
Cylinder Bore Scoring
Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Cylinder Bore Scoring
Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Failure
Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Cylinder Scoring on 981 GTS and GT4
6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues
HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure
MDS Lifter Failure and Hemi Tick (5.7L)
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Failure
Head Gasket Failure
EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)
EJ25 Head Gasket Failure
EJ25 Head Gasket Failure
Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257)
Head Gasket Issues
FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk
EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
EJ257 Piston Ringland Failure
EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak
Head Gasket Failure (EA82 Engine)
Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stall Risk
EGR Valve and Intake Manifold Carbon Buildup
Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE)
1NZ-FXE Head Gasket Failure and EGR Cooler Issues
2.4L 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption
G16E-GTS Head Gasket Seepage Under Hard Use
3.4L 5VZ-FE Head Gasket Failure
22R-E Head Gasket Failure
2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston/Ring Wear
FA20 Valve Spring Recall (Campaign E0G/17V-587)
Excessive Oil Consumption from 1ZZ-FE Piston Ring Wear
1GR-FE V6 Head Gasket Failure with External Coolant Leak at Rear of Cylinder Head
2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure
Head Gasket Failure
Head Gasket Failure (5E-FE)
Head Gasket Failure (Supercharged Models)
Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak Causing Cold-Start Rough Idle and Lean Codes
2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption From Piston/Ring Wear
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (All Engines)
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
2.5L 5-Cylinder Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Ignition Coil Failure
2.0 TSI Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (CCTA/CBFA)
EA211 1.5T Engine Ticking and Fuel Injector Noise
EA888 Gen 3 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI)
2.5L I5 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
2.0T TSI Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
PCV Valve Diaphragm Failure
VR6 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
2.0L Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Timing Belt and Water Pump Failure
PCV Valve/Diaphragm Failure
VR6 Cylinder Head Cracking
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Ignition Coil Pack Cracking and Misfires
Ignition System and Distributor Failure
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (1.8T/2.0)
FAQ
What does P0300 mean?
P0300 stands for "Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected." The engine control module has detected misfires occurring randomly across multiple cylinders. This is the most common OBD-II code and can have many causes. A flashing check engine light with P0300 means active misfires that can damage the catalytic converter.
What are the most common causes of P0300?
The most common causes of P0300 are: Worn spark plugs or ignition coils, Vacuum leak, Low fuel pressure, Clogged fuel injectors, EGR valve malfunction, Low compression, Timing chain stretch. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0300?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P0300?
Au7o has documented P0300 across 250 vehicle models from 30 manufacturers: Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, RAM, Renault, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.