P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Short careful trips only, and only while the check engine light is steady. If it is FLASHING, pull over when safe and stop the engine - an active misfire can overheat the catalytic converter to the point of fire risk.
Symptoms
- Flashing check engine light under load
- Shaking at idle
- Loss of power and fuel economy
Likely causes, most common first
- Spark plug or coil on cylinder 2
- Fuel injector clogged or failing
- Vacuum leak feeding that cylinder
- Low compression - valve or ring wear
Read P0302 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
P0302 names cylinder 2 specifically, which is what makes it far easier to chase than a general P0300. The computer counts crankshaft speed between firing events; when cylinder 2 contributes less than its share, this code sets.
Cylinder numbering is not intuitive on V-engines - on most V6 and V8 layouts the odd cylinders sit on one bank and the even ones on the other, so cylinder 2 usually lives on the opposite side from cylinder 1. Check the numbering for your engine before buying parts. The classic test is to swap the coil and plug from cylinder 2 with a neighbouring cylinder: if the code follows the parts, you have your answer for the price of ten minutes.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0302
“Took my 2017 Edge in for Check Engine light ON. Tech found Code P0302 & P0316 for misfire code. Followed TSB-22-2229 and inspected for coolant leak. Found coolant intrusion in cylinder #2. Assessed that a new engine is needed (long block repair/replace). Quoted $12,623.84 + tax. Advised that if I continue to drive my vehicle "it would not last long."”2017 Ford Edge · Sep 2026
“On September 11, 2026, my 2018 Ford Edge with approximately 126,000 miles began shaking and the check-engine light came on. There were no earlier warnings. I am concerned the engine could lose power while driving. I took it to a Ford dealership, where the advisor verbally confirmed coolant inside an engine cylinder and reported codes P0302 and P0316. The repair was quoted at $8,600 before taxes, and repair assistance was denied. The only other recent inspection was a registration inspection a few months earlier.”2018 Ford Edge · Sep 2026
“The 2.0l Ecoboost engine is indicating an error code of P0302 after an engine service light. This code is for a Cylinder 2 misfire. The vehicle reserve coolant tank is showing low and in need of coolant after a recent oil/fluid service. This likely is the beginning of the known issue of coolant intrusion into this 2017 2.0L Ecoboost engine. This results in the need to replace the longblock of this vehicle. The design is a known defect and the vehicle has less than 55000 miles. The vehicle is scheduled for repairs on September 8, 2026. Due to engine failure this vehicle could cause a road hazard, accident, or roadside response.”2017 Ford Edge · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated and was idling rough. During initial start-up there was a backfire coming from the engine with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and DTC: P0302 was retrieved. The cylinder was replaced. The contact stated that approximately 2 weeks later, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: P0302 (Cylinder #2 misfire); was retrieved. The manufacturer was informed of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,967.”2019 Ford Escape · Aug 2026 · 53,967 mi
“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
“Misfire on 2 cylinder, noise on start up diagnostic code P0300 P0302 P050 I was driving home and the engine started making a strange sound, vehicle would could no increase speed normally. The dealership did basic analysis from the onboard computer and did a compression test. Heavy knocking sound on passenger side of the engine. The issue happened on Aug 5th 2026. The issue is due to the AFM that causes the lifter to fail and dealership says I need a new engine $15787 or replace cam shaft $14530.”2020 GMC Sierra 1500 · Aug 2026
“Engine started having a rough idle on start up and within a few days the check engine light came on. Took to Lonnie Cobb Ford in Henderson, TN. DTC P0300 and P0302 diagnosed. Coolant leaking on to piston head. Issue involved in lawsuit Miller vs. FordMotor Ecoboost lawsuit. Safety issue due to possible engine lock up or fire. Out of warranty. Quote for $6500 on an $8000 vehicle for an engine defect Ford has been aware of for years.”2016 Ford Edge · Jul 2026
“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.”2017 Ford Fusion · Jul 2026
“I experienced rough idle and smell of coolant at start up. Engine light came on. Took car to dealership for diagnosis. Dealer verified my concern ran pcm self test, p0300, p0302 p0303 p0316 present, found coolant intrusion into cylinders. Dealer replaced long block per wsm 303-01. Cost to me $8,036.29. My 2017 Edge had 72,177 miles.”2017 Ford Edge · Jul 2026
Cars that report P0302 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
P0302 by make
Makes with enough NHTSA reports of P0302 for a page of their own - which models and years report it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0302?
Short careful trips only, and only while the check engine light is steady. If it is FLASHING, pull over when safe and stop the engine - an active misfire can overheat the catalytic converter to the point of fire risk.
How much does it cost to fix P0302?
Typical US repair costs range from $20 for the simplest fix (spark plug) to $600 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P0302. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.