P0303 on Nissan
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0303 on Nissan vehicles indicates cylinder 3 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 5 Nissan models — most commonly on Altima, Armada, Maxima. 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. Typical repair costs on Nissan range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0303
- •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
P0303 on Nissan by Model
Nissan Altima(1 issue)
- 2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage2002-2006
On many 2.5L QR25DE Altimas, the pre-catalytic converter material can deteriorate and be drawn back into the engine during valve overlap, scoring cylinder walls and accelerating oil consumption. Owners report needing to add oil frequently, loss of compression, rough running, and in severe cases complete engine failure. This issue is widely discussed in owner communities and tied to Nissan service information addressing catalyst and ECM updates on affected 2.5L cars.
Nissan Armada(1 issue)
- VVEL Solenoid Failure (VK56VD Engine)2017-2024
The 2017+ Armada uses the VK56VD 5.6L V8 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) which is prone to solenoid and actuator failures. The VVEL solenoids can stick or fail, causing rough idle, misfires, and reduced power. This is a common issue shared with the Infiniti QX80. Replacement requires removing the intake manifold.
Nissan Maxima(1 issue)
- Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)2004-2015
The VQ35DE engine in the 6th and 7th generation Maxima is prone to ignition coil failure. Coils typically fail one at a time, causing misfires on the affected cylinder. The rear bank (cylinders 1-3) coils fail more frequently due to heat soak from the firewall proximity. Coil failure is especially common after 60,000-80,000 miles and is one of the most reported Maxima issues.
Nissan Sentra(1 issue)
- Excessive Oil Consumption (QR25DE)2007-2012
The 6th generation Sentra with the 2.5L QR25DE engine is known for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The issue is caused by worn piston rings and valve stem seals. The QR25DE engine design has tight piston ring tolerances that contribute to oil passing into the combustion chamber. Nissan performed an oil consumption test for warranty claims but many vehicles were out of warranty when the issue became severe.
Nissan Versa(1 issue)
- Ignition Coil Failure2007-2019
The Versa HR16DE engine experiences ignition coil failure, typically one coil at a time. Failed coils cause misfires on the affected cylinder, resulting in rough running, loss of power, and increased emissions. The compact engine bay and heat soak contribute to coil degradation. Coils typically fail between 60,000-100,000 miles. Running on a failed coil can damage the catalytic converter from unburned fuel.
Looking for P0303 on a different make?
View P0303 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0303 mean on Nissan?▼
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. On Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P0303 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0303 on a Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0303 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0303 on 5 Nissan models: Altima, Armada, Maxima, Sentra, Versa.