P0300 on Acura
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 on Acura vehicles indicates random/multiple cylinder misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Acura models — most commonly on Integra, RL, TL. P0300 means the engine computer detected misfires occurring randomly or across multiple cylinders rather than in one specific cylinder. A misfire is when a cylinder fails to ignite its fuel-air mixture properly, which the computer senses through small fluctuations in crankshaft speed. Because it's not isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something that affects the whole engine — like fuel, air, or ignition system problems — rather than a single coil or plug. Persistent or heavy misfiring wastes fuel, runs rough, and can damage the catalytic converter, which is why a flashing check engine light should be taken seriously. Typical repair costs on Acura range from $80 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0300
- •Worn or fouled spark plugs (across cylinders)
- •Vacuum or intake air leak
- •Weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or low fuel pressure
- •Failing ignition coils or worn spark plug wires
- •Dirty or faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor
- •Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
- •Faulty crankshaft/camshaft position sensor
- •Low compression or EGR/PCV system faults
P0300 on Acura by Model
Acura Integra(1 issue)
- Distributor internal shaft seal fails, oil leaks into cap and causes misfires + stalling1990-2001
The ignition distributor on 1990-2001 Integras (and all Honda B-series engines of the era) sits at the rear of the head and is driven directly off the exhaust cam. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal separates the cam-driven shaft from the cap/rotor/electrical assembly above it. When this seal hardens with age and heat cycling, engine oil under pressure leaks past the shaft, fills the cap area, and coats the rotor and contacts. Result: misfires, hard starts, hesitation, stalling at idle, and sometimes a check-engine light for misfire codes. The shaft seal CAN technically be replaced internally, but it is difficult and many shops will not attempt it — they replace the whole distributor instead because reused housings often re-leak quickly. Cleaning the cap helps for a few weeks and then symptoms return.
Acura RL(1 issue)
- Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A1996-2004
Like every C-series V6 Honda used in the 1990s and 2000s (Legend, NSX, CL, TL, RL all share the family), the RL's 3.5L C35A V6 has a distributor mounted at the back of the head and driven directly off the camshaft. Inside the distributor housing, an oil seal isolates the cam-driven shaft from the cap/rotor/electrical assembly above. By 100,000 miles the seal hardens, oil pressure forces engine oil past the shaft, and the cap fills with oil. Result: misfires (typically P0300 random plus individual cylinder codes P0301-P0306 since this is a V6), rough idle, hesitation. RepairPal explicitly lists distributor O-rings as one of the most common Acura RL oil leak points. The figure-8 oil cooler seal and oil filter housing gasket are the other two common leaks on this engine — diagnose carefully before assuming distributor. The C35A engine remained in the first-gen RL through the entire 1996-2004 production run, so this issue affects all years.
Acura TL(1 issue)
- Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V62009-2014
The 3.7L J37 V6 used in many TL SH-AWD models has a documented pattern of excessive oil consumption, sometimes leading to low oil level warnings, misfires, and spark plug fouling. Acura/Honda issued warranty extensions and service information for affected V6 engines in this family due to piston ring-related oil consumption. Owners often notice the engine using significant oil between changes, and if ignored, the condition can progress to rough running and catalyst damage risk.
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View P0300 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0300 mean on Acura?▼
P0300 stands for "Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected." P0300 means the engine computer detected misfires occurring randomly or across multiple cylinders rather than in one specific cylinder. A misfire is when a cylinder fails to ignite its fuel-air mixture properly, which the computer senses through small fluctuations in crankshaft speed. Because it's not isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something that affects the whole engine — like fuel, air, or ignition system problems — rather than a single coil or plug. Persistent or heavy misfiring wastes fuel, runs rough, and can damage the catalytic converter, which is why a flashing check engine light should be taken seriously. On Acura specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0300 on Acura vehicles?▼
Common causes on Acura: Worn or fouled spark plugs (across cylinders), Vacuum or intake air leak, Weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or low fuel pressure, Failing ignition coils or worn spark plug wires, Dirty or faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0300 on a Acura?▼
Repair costs on Acura range from $80 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Acura models have P0300 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0300 on 3 Acura models: Integra, RL, TL.