P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Minimize driving; a flashing check engine light means stop - persistent single-cylinder misfire dumps raw fuel into the exhaust.
Symptoms
- Steady shake at idle (one cylinder dead or weak)
- Loss of power, flashing light under load
Likely causes, most common first
- Spark plug or coil on cylinder 1 (swap test settles it fast)
- Injector on cylinder 1 clogged or dead
- Low compression in cylinder 1 - valve or ring trouble
Read P0301 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0301 is a misfire isolated to cylinder 1 - unlike P0300's scatter, this points at one cylinder's ignition, fuel, or mechanical health. That specificity is diagnostic gold: swap the coil (or plug) with a neighboring cylinder and see whether the code follows the part.
If ignition and injector check out, a compression or leak-down test on that cylinder is the moment of truth. Sibling codes P0302 through P0308 mean the same fault logic applied to their respective cylinders - the diagnosis playbook is identical, only the cylinder number changes.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0301
“Check engine light on. Codes P0316, P0300, P0301, P0302. Technician confirmed via scope coolant intrusion on cylinder 1 and 2. Technician stated it is known issue with this engine and recommends a new engine for $16,169.92. This has been an ongoing issue for the past two years.”2017 Lincoln MKC · Aug 2026
“vehicle may experience driveability issues, which may result in DTCs P0300 (random misfire detected), P0301 (No. 1 cylinder misfire detected), P0302 (No. 2 cylinder misfire detected), P0303 (No. 3 cylinder misfire detected), P0304 (No. 4 cylinder misfire detected), or P0172 (fuel system too rich) or a whirling noise coming from the engine compartment. POSSIBLE CAUSE Based on certain driving patterns and environmental factors, the DTC's stated above may be set or a whirling noise may occur. Apparently only certain vin numbers were affected, mine is not in the list but im still having the exact same issues.”2017 Honda CR-V · Aug 2026
“Car overheated and losing coolant. I just purchased this car on 6/22/2026 and having issues already. The check engine light is on and giving a p0301 code. I'm having to add coolant everyday to keep the car from running hot.”2018 Ford Escape · Jul 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“I own a 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with approximately 75,000 miles. My vehicle developed a check engine light with diagnostic codes P0300 (random misfire) and P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). I also began experiencing white smoke from the exhaust during cold starts. An independent repair shop suspects coolant is entering cylinder 1 due to a possible head gasket failure. They have recommended removing the cylinder head to inspect for cracks, check for warping, pressure test the head, inspect the cylinder walls, and replace the head gasket and related components if no further engine damage is found. The vehicle was properly maintained, and these symptoms appeared unexpectedly.”2020 Ford Mustang · Jul 2026
“Check-engine light related to code P0301 (misfire, cylinder 1). This is a known issue on many Ford engines, including the 2.0L ecoBoost in our Escape (with Titanium trim). Reference: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10169807-0001.pdf”2018 Ford Escape · Jun 2026
“Was driving and stopped at a stoplight. When I went to drive it started sputtering and if I wouldn’t have driven into a gas station, it would’ve given out in the middle of the road. It wouldn’t let me switch to drive or reverse , only neutral or park. It threw a code P0301, cylinder 1 misfire. Had to get it towed. Now I have to get my spark plugs and fuel injectors replaced.”2023 Hyundai Sonata · May 2026
“Lincoln MKC 2017 Engine failure due to Coolant leak. Bought new Lincoln MKC 2017. The current mileage is 52, 500. Upon Starting, engine would shake for about 10 seconds. The Engine light would come ON. Engine light would turn OFF and ON for few weeks. The Dealership diagnostic indicated code P0301. I was advised Full Engine replacement. Currently the Engine is not starting at all. I have heard it's a design issue with the Engine. I have contacted multiple Lincoln dealerships, and each one has its own engine replacement costs. Lincoln Concierge declined my request to help in anyway although it seems to be a design issue with the Engine.”2017 Lincoln MKC · May 2026
“The ecoboost 2.0 engine allowed coolant to intrude into the block. The engine misfires, runs rough, and had the potential to allow large amount of coolant into the cylinder resulting in complete engine stoppage. The safety of the driver and those around the driver are at risk when the engine shuts off. The engine has been inspected by an independent service center. Yes, the engine light illuminated and a P0301 fault code was produced.”2018 Ford Edge · Apr 2026
“Our 2015 Honda Odyssey van has bad piston rings 1-3. The check engine light and all of the lights are on in the vehicle is not driving and idling poorly.This is the second time it has happened. The first time was under warranty at 112,000 miles, and now the van has 179,000 miles. There seems to be several recalls and known problems and warranty was extended last year, but we just missed it. The code is P0301. I took it to the Honda service and the spark plugs are fouled.”2015 Honda Odyssey · Apr 2026
“Vehicle "slams" into gear and goes into "limp" mode. RPM's increase dramatically and speed accelerate ration is very low. Check engine light on and several U codes show. And P0301”2017 Chrysler Pacifica · Mar 2026
Cars that report P0301 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0301?
Minimize driving; a flashing check engine light means stop - persistent single-cylinder misfire dumps raw fuel into the exhaust.
How much does it cost to fix P0301?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (spark plug(s)) to $5,000 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.