P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
161 vehicles · 35 makes · $20-$15,000 repair
Most Reported On
P0303 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected.” This code means your engine's computer detected a misfire specifically in cylinder number 3 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly or completely. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder is supposed to fire. A misfire wastes fuel, can cause a noticeable shake, rough idle or loss of power, and can flood raw fuel into the exhaust where it may overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Because the fault is isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something specific to that cylinder's ignition, fuel delivery, or compression. This code is most commonly reported on 2004-2012 Mazda RX-8, 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata (Base, GL, GLS, LX, Limited, SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Sport), and 2008-2021 Volkswagen Golf (GTI, GTI Autobahn, GTI S, GTI SE, Golf R, R, R32), plus 158 other vehicles, with repair costs ranging from $20 to $15,000.
Common Causes
Typical Repair Cost
Based on 228 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0303, 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 (161)
VCM-Related Oil Consumption, Spark Plug Fouling and Motor Mount Failure (J37 VCM Engine)
Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6
Distributor internal shaft seal fails, oil leaks into cap and causes misfires + stalling
Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A
Cylinder Misfire Diagnosis and Ignition-Coil Failure — 2.7T APB/BEL
Fuel-Quality or Deposit-Related Rough Running and Misfire Diagnosis
2009-2025 Q5 Gasoline-Quality Deposit Diagnosis - TSB 2014753/13
2009-2021 A4 2.0T Gasoline-Quality Deposit Diagnosis - TSB 2014753/13
2010-2011 A4/A4 Avant CAEB Bosch Ignition-Coil Diagnosis - TSB 2033561/2
2019-2021 A6 3.0L Misfire Codes - Check ECM Software Before Mechanical Cleaning
2007-2008 RS4 Deposit-Related Cold-Start Misfire - Diagnose Before Cleaning
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Direct Fuel Injector Failure (S55)
S63/S63TU Valve Stem Seal Failure & Oil Consumption
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak (M52/M54 6-Cylinder)
S55 High-Pressure Fuel Injector Failure - F82/F83 M4
S63/S63TU Ignition Coil Premature Failure
N54 High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure - E89 Z4 sDrive35i/35is
Service StabiliTrak / Traction Control Warnings with Reduced Power
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Misfire from Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak (1.8L)
P0303 — Cylinder 3 Misfire from Ignition Coil/Plug or Intake-Valve Carbon Buildup on the 1.5L Turbo
4.3L Vortec CSFI "Spider" Injector Poppet Valve Leaking/Clogging
1.5L Turbo Intake Valve Carbon Buildup Causing Misfires and Rough Cold Start (GDI)
1.5L Turbo Fuel Injector Leak Causing Misfire, Fuel Odor and Rough Running
CSFI/CPI 'Spider' Fuel Injector Assembly Failure (Misfire, Rough Idle, Poor Fuel Economy)
5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Camshaft Damage
AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8)
Injector Wiring Harness Chafing (Duramax)
2.7L TurboMax (L3B) lifter failure, intake-valve carbon buildup, and high oil consumption
Cylinder Head Valve Seat Failure and Misfire on 3.5L/3.7L Inline-Five
HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure
Chronic Overheating - Multiple Causes
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
Head Gasket Failure (Especially Turbo Models)
3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure
Turbocharger Failure (GT/Turbo Models)
3.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure and Overheating
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Tick and Camshaft Failure
3.6L Pentastar Valvetrain Failure (Rocker Arm / Lifter Ticking, Misfire, Engine Damage)
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
Engine Overheating - Thermostat Housing Debris
Head Gasket Failure
2.4L Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Gen 1 V10 Head Gasket Failure
Rod Bearing Failure from Oil Starvation (Track Use)
Valve Spring Failure on 6.4L 392 HEMI (High-RPM and Modified/Boosted Cars)
Random Misfire / Rough Idle (P0300) From Worn Spark Plugs & Failing Ignition Coils
2.0L head gasket failure (original composite gasket) — SOHC and DOHC
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
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L)
3.5L EcoBoost Intercooler Condensation Causing Shudder and Limp Mode
2.7L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion from Cracked Cylinder Head
5.4L 3-Valve Triton Two-Piece Spark Plug Snaps Off Inside the Cylinder Head During Removal
3.5L EcoBoost (Gen 1) Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — Misfire, Rough Idle, Power Loss
4.6L 2-Valve Triton V8 Spark Plug Ejection / Stripped Head Threads (TSB 07-21-2)
4.0L SOHC / OHV Waste-Spark Coil Pack Misfire (P0300 Series)
Ignition Coil Pack Failure
2.0L SPI Head Gasket Failure
3.5L EcoBoost Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Misfire (Often Caused by Broken Exhaust Manifold Studs)
5.4L 2-Valve Spark Plug Blow-Out From Cylinder Head
Ignition Coil / Spark Plug Misfire — Oil-Fouled Coils & Water Ingress in Plug Wells
4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage
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
Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires
K24Z Sticking Piston Rings — Excessive Oil Consumption (3rd Gen)
1.5L Turbo Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders / Head Gasket Coolant-Slot Defect
2.4L K24 i-VTEC Excessive Oil Consumption - Sticking Piston Oil Control Rings
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak — Burning Smell and Oil in Spark-Plug Wells
1.5T Cold-Weather Misfire from Fuel Injector Leakage — PGM-FI Software (TSB A19-033)
Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks Causing Misfires
Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage
Distributor Internal Coil and Igniter Failure (4th Gen)
1.5L Turbo (L15BE) Engine Oil Dilution — Fuel in Oil, Overfilled Dipstick, Gas Smell in Cabin
Cold-Start Rough Idle / Vibration on 1.5L Turbo (Linked to Oil Dilution & Misfire)
EGR System Clogging (Lean Burn Engine)
Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure
Theta II Engine Seizure Due to Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine
Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure
Fuel Injector Failure Causing Misfire, Rough Running, and Check Engine Light
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks Onto Spark Plug Wells and Exhaust Manifold
HEMI Engine Tick/Lifter Noise
3.7L V6 Exhaust Manifold Crack / Valve Cover Oil Leaks
4.0L 0331 Cylinder Head Casting Cracking Between #3 and #4 Cylinders
3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm / Lifter Needle-Bearing Failure — Valvetrain Tick, Misfire & Cam Damage
3.6L Pentastar V6 left cylinder head failure / engine tick (early build)
2018-2022 WK / 2021-2025 WL 3.6L Intake Camshaft and Rocker Wear
Ignition Coil Rail Failure Causing Misfire on 4.0L
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI Engines)
Fuel Injector Failure and Engine Stalling
SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue
P0303 — Cylinder 3 Misfire from a Failed Ignition Coil (Most Common) or GDI Carbon/Plug Wear
Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and Sudden No-Start on 1.6L Engines
Ignition Coil and Plug Wire Failure Causing Misfire, Hesitation, and Check Engine Light
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfire
2.0L EcoBoost coolant loss / EGR cooler leak — low coolant, white smoke, overheat
Navigator 5.4L 3V Triton Spark Plug Breakage on Removal
Coil-on-Plug Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (4.6L V8)
2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides
Apex Seal Failure / Compression Loss
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (NB)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Skyactiv)
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires
2012-2013 Mazda3 SKYACTIV Cold-Start Misfire from Intake-Valve Deposits
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Rapid Wear Causing Misfires
Skyactiv 2.0L Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
SkyActiv-G Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection)
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
VVEL Solenoid Failure (VK56VD Engine)
QR25DE Ignition Coil Failures Causing Misfires (Cylinders 1 and 4)
P0303 — Cylinder 3 Misfire from Oil-Fouled Coil (Leaking Valve Cover / Spark Plug Tube Seals)
GA16DE valve cover gasket and spark-plug-tube seal oil leak (oil in the plug wells)
Excessive Oil Consumption (QR25DE)
Ignition Coil Failure
2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)
4.7L PowerTech V8 Head Gasket Failure / Coolant Intrusion and Valve-Seat Drop After Overheat
5.7L HEMI Dropped Valve Seat (Pre-2009 Engines) Causing Misfire and Catastrophic Engine Damage
3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure Wiping Camshaft ('Pentastar Tick', Misfire)
6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues
HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure
MDS Lifter Failure and Hemi Tick (5.7L)
6.4L HEMI Valvetrain Failure (Roller Lifter/Camshaft Wear, "HEMI Tick")
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Failure
3.0L Hurricane Twin-Turbo I6 Random Misfire (P0300) on Early-Build Trucks Needing ECU/Ignition Reflash
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
Distributor Cap, Rotor, and Ignition Moisture Misfire (SOHC EJ18/EJ22)
EJ255 Turbo Piston Ringland Cracking and Engine Failure (Forester XT)
EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak
Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting
Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)
FA24 2.4L Turbo Direct-Injection Intake-Valve Carbon Buildup (XT / Wilderness / Onyx Turbo Models)
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
G16E-GTS Head Gasket Seepage Under Hard Use
1.5L 1NZ-FE Valve Cover Gasket and Oil Filler Cap Leak
P0303 — Cylinder 3 Misfire from Failed Ignition Coil / Worn Plugs (3.5L 2GR-FKS)
Ignition Misfires: Distributor Cap/Rotor, Plug Wires and Distributor Oil-Seal Contamination
Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak Causing Cold-Start Rough Idle and Lean Codes
Ignition Coil and Intake/PCV Failure Causing Random Misfire (2.7L 1AR-FE / 2GR V6) — P0300
Valve Spring Recall (Early Production)
2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Excessive Oil Consumption from 1ZZ-FE Piston Ring Wear
Ignition Coil-On-Plug Failure Causing Misfire and P0351/P030x Codes
1GR-FE V6 Head Gasket Failure with External Coolant Leak at Rear of Cylinder Head
FA20 Valve Spring Recall (Campaign E0G/17V-587)
2GR-FE Valve Cover Gasket & Spark-Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak (Oil-Fouled Coils / Misfire)
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Ignition Coil Failure
2.5L 5-Cylinder Ignition Coil Pack Failure
EA211 1.5T Engine Ticking and Fuel Injector Noise
EA888 Gen 3 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI)
2.0T EA888 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup Causing Cold-Start Misfires
Ignition Coil Pack Cracking and Misfires
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires (2.0 ABA and VR6)
VR6 coil pack casing cracking causing misfires (worse in wet weather)
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
2.0L Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (1.8T/2.0)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires and Power Loss
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup on the GDI 1.5 TSI
2.0 TSI/FSI Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
W12 Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfires and Rough Running
2.0 TSI direct-injection carbon build-up on intake valves
EA888 Direct-Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
FAQ
What does P0303 mean?
P0303 stands for "Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected." This code means your engine's computer detected a misfire specifically in cylinder number 3 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly or completely. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder is supposed to fire. A misfire wastes fuel, can cause a noticeable shake, rough idle or loss of power, and can flood raw fuel into the exhaust where it may overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Because the fault is isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something specific to that cylinder's ignition, fuel delivery, or compression.
What are the most common causes of P0303?
The most common causes of P0303 are: Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 3, Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 3, Bad spark plug wire or boot (where applicable), Clogged or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 3, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt/leaking valve, head gasket), Wiring or connector fault at the coil or injector. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0303?
Repair costs for P0303 range from $20 to $15,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0303?
Au7o has documented P0303 across 161 vehicle models from 35 manufacturers: Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, MINI, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Pontiac, Porsche, RAM, Ram, Saab, Saturn, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
Sources (12)
- RecallNHTSA Recall 17V-224
- ForumMG-Rover: Land Rover Freelander V6 head gasket failure
- manufacturerFreelander Specialist: Freelander 2.5 Petrol K V6 Head Gasket Replacement
- ForumLandyZone: KV6 engine reliability after re-design
- ForumLandyZone: Freelander 1 KV6 Head Gasket failure
- ForumLand Rovers Only: 2003 Freelander KV6 2.5 blown head gasket repair
- ForumLandyZone: 2001 Freelander 2.5KV6 troubles?
- ForumHead Gasket Failure in 2.2 liter models - Subaru Outback Forums
- mediaSubaru Head Gasket Problems Explained - All Wheel Drive Auto
- ForumEj25 sohc 2000 ob head gasket - Ultimate Subaru
- mediaSubaru Head Gasket Problems Crucial Years - Automotive Body Care
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.