Carlexica

P0316: Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.

Fix now, drive carefully

Minimize driving until diagnosed - startup misfires often precede full misfire codes.

$80 - $5,000
typical repair range
137
NHTSA complaints mention this code
78,680
median mileage when reported, mi

Symptoms

  • Rough running in the first seconds after start
  • Often paired with P0300-series codes

Likely causes, most common first

  1. Weak ignition components showing under startup load
  2. Low compression in one cylinder
  3. Fuel delivery marginal at cranking pressure
  4. On Ford EcoBoost/Coyote: known early-misfire patterns worth a TSB check

Read P0316 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

P0316 means misfires were detected specifically within the first 1000 revolutions after startup. Cold, low-rpm combustion is the hardest test an engine faces each day - weak parts fail it first, then progress to full-time misfires.

The accompanying cylinder-specific code (if any) directs the work. On several Ford engines this code participates in well-documented factory patterns - a technical service bulletin search by your engine is worth ten minutes before parts spending.

Repair options and cost

Plugs and coils as indicated$80 - $600
Compression diagnosis$100 - $250
Mechanical repair if compression low$1,500 - $5,000

Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.

Owner reports mentioning P0316

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
My 1.5L EcoBoost engine in my 2019 Ford Escape exhibits a low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, and runs rough condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator light with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0302 and P0316. Ford admits to having this issue as described in a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 but is not agreeing to service my vehicle as they state it does not have this issue despite exhibiting all of this symptoms listed in the Satisfaction Program.2019 Ford Escape · May 2026
My 2017 Ford Edge SEL with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine has a diagnosed coolant leak and misfire/startup codes P0302 and P0316. The vehicle hesitates and rumbles during startup and sometimes feels like it may shut off. The diagnosis appears consistent with the known Ford 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion/coolant-in-cylinder issue. I was told the engine may need replacement, estimated around $10,000. Ford opened case CXH-08391857 but advised there is no active recall or financial assistance because the vehicle is out of warranty. I am reporting this because an engine misfire/possible stall condition may create a safety concern.2017 Ford Edge · May 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
I have a vehicle whose refrigeration is going into the motor. It started with the check engine light came on notifying the third spark plug was damaged and showed the codes P0303, P04DB, P0316, P0339. Later a warning sign came on the dashboard with the phrase "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, SERVICE NOW". It had a recall almost immediately after it was acquired and was seen by the manufacturer about two years.2018 Ford Escape · May 2026
P0217 engine coolant over temp condition, p0316 misfire detected on startup, p2601 coolant pump a control circuit performance stuck off. investigated coolant and found no coolant in reservoir. inspected for leaks and found no leaks. preformed block test on engine and engine failed block test this indicates a failed head gasket. This happened at random, with a full tank of coolant, while driving. There was a heat warning on the dash, I pulled over immediately, and took it into the mechanic the same week. There is a crack in the engine block that is leaking coolant into the cylinders.2019 Ford Escape · Apr 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape has diagnostic codes P0302 and P0316 cylinder 2 misfire and no compression on cylinder 2 due to coolant intrusion into the engine block. This is a known defect documented in Ford TSB 22-2322 and Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12. My VIN was excluded from this program despite having the identical failure and identical fault codes as covered vehicles. This engine failure occurred at highway speed creating a dangerous safety hazard. Ford has refused goodwill assistance despite this being a known manufacturing defect.2018 Ford Escape · Apr 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power and the transmission failed to shift properly. The contact conducted was able to retrieve DTC: P1315, P0304, P0316, P054A and P0014. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport · Mar 2026 · 72,000 mi
1. Transmission failure, it is available for inspection up until time of repair. 2. The vehicle lost power while driving, had incidents of jerking forward without warning, and shifter would get stuck. 3. Yes, independent service center. 4. Yes, when the incident occurred (Transmission Fault Service Now) P0301-00 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected P0316-00 Misfire Detected on Startup P059F-00 Active Grille Air Shutter A Performance/Stuck Off P0729-00 Gear 6 Incorrect Ratio P2702-00 Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio2017 Ford Escape · Feb 2026
My 2018 Ford Escape titanium is leaking coolant into the cylinder's. This is a known issue affecting the Ecoboost engine and is not a sign of wear and tear. Code: p0316, p0302. NHTSA should investigate these issues. The warranty may be expired but in good faith this should be covered by the manufacturer. A Ford mechanic mentioned the cost of $7500 to $10000 for this repair which is a cost I cannot afford. My vin is: [XXX] Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)2018 Ford Escape · Nov 2025
Check engine light came on and car was idling rough. Took to auto repair shop and was quoted almost $12,000 to fix problem. Code P0316, P2601 and P0302. Misfire in cylinder 2 due to coolant leakage. My entire engine needs to be replaced. I will now need to purchase a new car. I just found out this has been a known issue for 2017 Ford Escapes. I was never notified. Would not have bought this car in 2018 if this informatiom had been available. Just found out there is a class action lawsuit.2017 Ford Escape · Oct 2025

Cars that report P0316 most often

Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with P0316?

Minimize driving until diagnosed - startup misfires often precede full misfire codes.

How much does it cost to fix P0316?

Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (plugs and coils as indicated) 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.