P0301 on Ford vehicles
127 owner complaints filed with NHTSA about Ford vehicles mention P0301 (Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected) - across 9 models. Below is where it shows up, by model and year.
Can you drive with it? Minimize driving; a flashing check engine light means stop - persistent single-cylinder misfire dumps raw fuel into the exhaust.
Symptoms, likely causes in order and realistic repair costs are on the main P0301 page - they do not differ much by brand. This page shows what is specific to Ford: which models and years actually report it.
Ford models reporting P0301
The number next to each year is how many NHTSA complaints for that car mention P0301. Owners rarely quote trouble codes when complaining, so real occurrence is many times higher - use these numbers to compare years, not as totals.
What Ford owners report
“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
“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
“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
P0301 on other makes
Makes with enough NHTSA reports of P0301 for their own page.
Counts are NHTSA owner complaints whose text mentions P0301 - owner-reported and unverified. Always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.