Fault Code Lookup › Powertrain codes › P0303
P0303 Powertrain · generic OBD-II
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0303 is a standard code covering engine, transmission, fuel and emissions. It names the system that logged the fault, not the part that failed. Below: which cars owners reported it on, what happened, and recalls on those cars, from 225 complaints filed with NHTSA. Updated November 3, 2026.
Owners also write it as P030385, P030300 (the last two characters are the sub-code).
- 225owner reports
- 30car models
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention a fire
- 2012–2025model years
Which cars get code P0303?
Every model whose owners mentioned P0303 in a complaint, most reports first. Each year opens that car's full problem report. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Ford Edge
42 reportsChrysler Pacifica
31 reportsFord Fusion
25 reportsJeep Grand Cherokee
7 reportsFord Mustang
6 reportsRam 1500
6 reportsChevrolet Silverado
5 reportsGMC Yukon XL
4 reportsFord Explorer
3 reportsGMC Yukon
3 reportsChevrolet Equinox
2 reportsDodge Charger
2 reportsFord Ecosport
2 reportsJeep Cherokee
2 reportsJeep Wrangler
2 reportsAlfa Romeo Giulia
1 reportAlfa Romeo Stelvio
1 reportAudi Q5
1 reportChevrolet Traverse
1 reportChrysler Town and Country
1 reportDodge Challenger
1 reportDodge Durango
1 reportDodge Grand Caravan
1 reportFord Fiesta
1 reportGMC Sierra
1 reportJeep Liberty
1 reportMercedes-Benz GLE-Class
1 reportRam 2500
1 reportVolkswagen Passat
1 reportWhere does P0303 show up?
By brand
- Ford148
- Chrysler32
- Jeep12
- Chevrolet8
- GMC8
- Ram7
- Dodge5
- Alfa Romeo2
- Audi1
- Mercedes-Benz1
- Volkswagen1
Component the owner filed it under
Is there a recall for P0303?
The others concern the component owners file this code under (Engine) on the same cars; they may or may not relate to the code. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer, Ranger, and Bronco vehicles. The engine may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2025 Ford Explorer. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Ranger, Lincoln Nautilus, Mustang, Maverick, Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, Bronco Sport, and Bronco vehicles. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may fail, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
2025 Ford Explorer. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025 Transit, F-150, and Explorer vehicles. The connecting rod and rod bearing components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2025 Ford Explorer. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Q5 Quattro and Q5 Sportback Quattro vehicles. The cylinder head cover screws may have been improperly tightened.
2023 Audi Q5. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing…
2021 Chevrolet Silverado, 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, 2024 GMC Yukon XL, 2024 GMC Yukon, 2021 GMC Sierra. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication: Pump Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Ford Focus and 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport vehicles. The oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure.
2018 Ford Ecosport. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing…
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2015 Ram 1500, 2014 Ram 1500. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Full risk and remedy on each car's report.
What happened when owners saw P0303?
10 of the 225 reports, spread across the models above, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
On approximately September 28, 2026, the vehicle began sputtering when first turned on. It then progressed to running extremely rough. On September 30, 2026 the Engine Icon lit up first. A few days later, I received an Engine Fault Service Now message. I went to the Auto Zone on October 4, 2026 and they ran a diagnostic check. These are the codes that were found: Check Engine Fail Replace Ignition Coil and Spark Plug #3 P0303 Cylinder 3 misfire detected P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent P0300 Random misfire detected Cylinder 3 On October 5, 2026, I took it to my mechanic and he began checking everything. He found oil on and inside the computer. He also found that there…
"I am reporting a severe, known manufacturing defect involving internal coolant intrusion on my 2018 Ford Edge 2.0L EcoBoost, which has caused total engine failure and rendered the vehicle entirely unsafe and completely inoperable. The vehicle began throwing codes P0300 (Random Misfire), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), and P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire) due to liquid coolant flooding the combustion chambers. The engine is now completely locked and will not start, stranding me at home with no transportation. This is a critical safety issue. Liquid coolant leaking into active engine cylinders poses an immediate risk of sudden engine stalling while driving, loss of motive power in traffic, and…
Failed head gasket that put vehicle in compromised working condition on the roadway - check engine light flash, poor and inconsistent engine running. First indications were 5-10 seconds of rough idle after startup when sitting overnight, then p0303 check engine code for cylinder three misfire as well as loss of coolant. Independent shop confirmed issue and replaced head gasket. Problem appears to have re-occurred after 2 years and 20000 miles with similar indications. Same shop advised likely engine block or cylinder head defect or damage and would not do any tear down or repair short of engine replacement.
The vehicle in question has the coolant intrusion into cylinders 2 and 3 with rough idle on startup, P0300, P0302, P0303, and white smoke on startup. The vehicle now has 111339 miles on it and the out of pocket cost is more than what the vehicle blue books for in excellent condition. TSB 22-2134 speaks to all the issue and what the repair is. If this is a known issue then I feel this should be a vehicle recall by Ford due to the costly repair.
Cylinder Misfires OBD-II code P0303 Engine Overheats after changed thermometer Fuel in the coolant system Coolant leaking from exhaust
I own a 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle initially developed a check-engine light and was diagnosed with P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire), P0316 (startup misfire), and P018C. On August 24, 2026, all four spark plugs and one ignition coil were replaced and a fuel/induction cleaning was performed. On September 10, the vehicle suddenly started with an extremely rough idle and produced a large cloud of white, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke. The check-engine light illuminated and the previous codes returned along with additional codes. The vehicle continued producing white exhaust smoke after several hours of diagnostic testing. Later that day, the engine…
2025 Ram 1500 experiences complete engine stalling at low RPM while coasting to stops. First and only owner since June 20, 2025. Vehicle properly maintained. INCIDENTS: August 28, 2026 - stalled twice (12:30 PM at stop sign, 3:30 PM at stop light). Both times coasting with no throttle/brake input. Check engine light appeared. September 17, 2026 - Critical safety incident: Vehicle stalled while releasing brake at stop sign merging with Highway 50 eastbound (50 MPH traffic). Complete loss of power steering and brakes during highway merge. REPAIR ATTEMPTS FAILED: Dropped off September 3, returned September 10 after PCM software update. Stalling returned. Returned September 16-17 for ignition…
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Trail Boss (VIN [XXX]), currently at approximately 63,000 miles. My truck suddenly developed a rough idle, engine ticking, and a cylinder 3 misfire. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Service ESC” warnings appeared. The transmission also began shifting extremely hard, at times feeling as though another vehicle had struck the truck from behind. The oil pressure gauge also stopped functioning. Due to these symptoms, I stopped driving the vehicle. A diagnostic scan produced P0303, P0449, P0498, P0499 and P0500. After replacing a failed cylinder 3 spark plug, the truck initially ran…
Update to original claim filed 11760897. Dealership inspected on 9/9/2026 and found engine damage severe enough to warrant a complete replacement. Catastrophic damage. Unspecified what caused the damage, but service advisor made me aware of a deep gash along the cylinder wall after removing the cylinder heads, unspecified cylinder. Likely from cylinder 3 where the code was being displayed- P0303. Vehicle was in the beginning stages of an oil consumption test and had a history of oil loss without any visible leaks. Add oil light came on 650 miles after oil change. Oil was likely being burnt up through combustion due to damaged cylinder wall. Unknown time for new engine to be installed…
I am reporting recurring engine misfires involving my 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle currently has approximately 15,700 miles. The first incident occurred approximately five months ago. The check-engine warning appeared and the vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized Ford dealership with DTC P0303, indicating a cylinder 3 misfire. The cylinder 3 spark plug was replaced. A second misfire subsequently occurred at approximately 15,700 miles. The vehicle again exhibited an engine misfire/check-engine warning and was transported through Ford Roadside Assistance for service. An authorized Ford dealership diagnosed DTC P0301, indicating a cylinder 1…
P0303: questions drivers ask
What does code P0303 mean?
P0303 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code. Its standard definition is "Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected". The code tells you which system set the fault, not which part failed; the owner reports on this page show what it meant in practice for 30 car models.
Which cars get code P0303 most often?
In NHTSA owner complaints, P0303 is mentioned most for the Ford Escape (69), Ford Edge (42), Chrysler Pacifica (31), across 30 models and model years 2012 to 2025. Popular models collect more reports because more of them are on the road.
Is there a recall for code P0303?
No NHTSA recall text names P0303 directly. 8 recalls on the cars that report this code concern the same component owners name most (Engine); they may or may not relate to the code. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What should I do if my car shows P0303?
Write down when the code appeared and what the car did (warning lights, loss of power, noises, speed, weather). Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer or independent workshop to read the stored freeze-frame data before anyone clears the code, and keep the repair order. If the car loses power in traffic, stop driving it. CarHooq does not diagnose: these are owner reports and official recall notices, not repair advice.
How this page was made
CarHooq read the text of every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for 19 US and European brands (model years 2012 onwards) and picked out the diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote down. This page lists every mention of P0303 (including sub-code forms such as P030385). The definition is the generic SAE J2012 wording; a carmaker may use the code slightly differently. Nothing here is a diagnosis. Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain), retrieved November 3, 2026. How CarHooq reports are made.
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