P0305 on Subaru
Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
P0305 on Subaru vehicles indicates cylinder 5 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Subaru models — most commonly on BRZ, Tribeca, WRX STI. This code means the engine control module detected a misfire on cylinder number 5, meaning that cylinder is not burning its air-fuel mixture properly on some combustion cycles. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder fails to fire correctly. A misfire wastes fuel, can make the engine run rough or shake, and dumps unburned fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. It generally points to a problem with spark, fuel delivery, or compression specifically affecting cylinder 5. Typical repair costs on Subaru range from $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0305
- •Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 5
- •Failed ignition coil or coil pack for cylinder 5
- •Faulty or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 5
- •Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder
- •Bad spark plug wire or boot (on applicable engines)
- •Low compression from worn rings, valves, or head gasket
- •Carbon buildup or sticking valve on cylinder 5
- •Lean or rich fuel condition affecting the cylinder
P0305 on Subaru by Model
Subaru BRZ(1 issue)
- FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk2013-2016
The FA20 engine in 2013-2016 BRZs was subject to a safety recall (WQG-66 / NHTSA 18V-845) for defective valve springs that can fracture due to insufficient hardness. A broken valve spring causes a cylinder misfire and can lead to engine stalling. In worst cases, the broken spring allows valve-to-piston contact, causing catastrophic engine damage. Subaru recalls affected VINs for free valve spring replacement. The recall also affects the Toyota 86/Scion FR-S which shares the same engine.
Subaru Tribeca(1 issue)
- EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak2006-2007
The 2006-2007 Subaru Tribeca with the 3.0L EZ30 flat-6 engine can develop head gasket leaks, typically at higher mileages (130,000-200,000 miles). While the EZ30 is generally more resistant to head gasket issues than the smaller EJ25 boxer engines, the problem does occur. The flat-6 boxer design means the head gaskets are oriented horizontally, which allows coolant to seep past the gasket under gravity when the engine is off. Symptoms include external oil leaks between the head and block, coolant consumption, and in severe cases, coolant entering the combustion chamber causing white exhaust smoke and overheating. The repair is complex due to the flat-6 layout and cramped engine bay of the Tribeca.
Subaru WRX STI(1 issue)
- Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257)2015-2021
The EJ257 engine in the STI is known for rod bearing failures, especially when modified or driven hard. The stock rod bearings have thin oil clearances and can spin under high load conditions. Oil starvation during hard cornering can accelerate bearing wear.
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View P0305 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0305 mean on Subaru?▼
P0305 stands for "Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine control module detected a misfire on cylinder number 5, meaning that cylinder is not burning its air-fuel mixture properly on some combustion cycles. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder fails to fire correctly. A misfire wastes fuel, can make the engine run rough or shake, and dumps unburned fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. It generally points to a problem with spark, fuel delivery, or compression specifically affecting cylinder 5. On Subaru specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0305 on Subaru vehicles?▼
Common causes on Subaru: Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 5, Failed ignition coil or coil pack for cylinder 5, Faulty or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 5, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Bad spark plug wire or boot (on applicable engines). Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0305 on a Subaru?▼
Repair costs on Subaru range from $2,500 to $12,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Subaru models have P0305 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0305 on 3 Subaru models: BRZ, Tribeca, WRX STI.