P0300 on Lincoln: How to Diagnose & Fix
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
5 Lincoln models · 6 documented issues · 5 critical · $100-$15,000 repair
P0300 on Lincoln by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Certain 2021-2022 Nautilus models built with the 2.7L Nano EcoBoost V6 left Ford's engine plant with intake valves machined from Silchrome Lite alloy. If the valve stock experienced an over-temperature condition during machining, the material becomes excessively hard and brittle. Those valves can snap at the stem while the engine is running, dropping the valve head into the cylinder. The result is immediate, catastrophic internal engine damage and a total loss of drive power, usually preceded by an illuminated check-engine light and rough running. Nautilus and Edge production affected runs May 10, 2021 through October 29, 2021 — this is a build-window defect, not a whole-model-year one, and it is specific to the 2.7L V6. Nautilus vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder are not part of this population. Ford recalled 90,736 vehicles across Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Nautilus and Aviator.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of engine power while driving
- Engine misfire and violent rough running
- Loud metallic knocking or clatter from the engine
- Engine will not restart after stalling
- Check engine light with misfire codes
How to Fix
Have a Ford/Lincoln dealer check the VIN and complete recall 24S55 / NHTSA 24V635. The recall uses an engine-cycle inspection procedure and replaces engines only when the procedure requires it. After completion, ask the dealer whether any Ford extended-coverage program applies to the VIN. Do not assume every later engine failure qualifies.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
Early-build 2024 Nautilus Hybrid (2.0L EcoBoost-hybrid) vehicles can suffer high-pressure direct fuel injector failures within the first few hundred miles. The injector tip breaks off into the cylinder, causing sputtering, white exhaust smoke, fuel smell, severe knocking, limp mode, and sometimes total engine destruction requiring engine replacement. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 24B23 for 6,574 U.S. 2024 Nautilus Hybrids built October 7, 2023 through February 29, 2024; it directs replacing all four injectors.
Common Symptoms
- white exhaust smoke
- fuel smell
- loud clicking or clunking noise
- limp mode
- engine stall
- low power
How to Fix
Repair under Lincoln CSP 24B23 — dealer replaces all 4 high-pressure direct injectors free of charge; the program ran through May 31, 2025 with no mileage limit, so after that date ask a dealer whether it still applies to your VIN. If injector tip dropped into cylinder, dealer must replace the engine under powertrain warranty. Do not delay — continued driving multiplies damage.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (5)
- Lincoln Customer Satisfaction Program 24B23 — Certain 2024 Nautilus Full Hybrid High Pressure Fuel Injector Replacementtsb
- Lincoln Customer Satisfaction Program 24B23 Supplement #1 (December 11, 2024)tsb
- 2024 Hybrid Nautilus (Engine Problems) — Lincoln Forumsforum
- 24 Nautilus hybrid owners - new Campaign 24B23 fuel injector Replacement CSPforum
- 2024 Nautilus hybrid injector/recall issues — Lincoln Forumsforum
Second-generation MKZ models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo engine can develop an internal coolant leak where coolant seeps from the cooling jacket into a combustion chamber, commonly cylinder 2. This is attributed to a cylinder head/block design and sealing defect. Burned coolant causes misfires, white exhaust smoke, chronically low coolant with no external leak, and in severe cases overheating and complete engine failure. The defect is the subject of a Ford EcoBoost coolant-intrusion class action.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with misfire code
- Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
- White smoke from exhaust
- Rough idle / hesitation
- Engine overheating
- Sweet coolant smell
How to Fix
Mild cases may be addressed with a head gasket or cylinder head replacement, but many vehicles require a long block or full engine replacement (commonly $5,000-$15,000). Affected owners should check for any applicable Ford coolant-intrusion warranty extension/class-action reimbursement and document low-coolant and misfire history.
Sources for this issue (4)
- Newer Ford, Lincoln Vehicles Plagued by Ecoboost Engine Defect Linked to Coolant Leaks, Class Action Says - ClassAction.orgarticle
- Ford 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Issue And Fix Detailed By Tech - Ford Authorityarticle
- 2.0 EcoBoost Lawsuit - Lincoln MKZ Forumforum
- 2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine Problems - CarComplaints.comarticle
Certain 2021-2022 Lincoln Aviators with 3.0-liter Nano EcoBoost engines are included in Ford recall 24S55/NHTSA 24V635. Intake valves produced outside the intended hardness specification can fracture while driving, causing engine failure and loss of drive power. Ford's later customer-satisfaction program identifies Aviator engine/build ranges from June through October 2021 and provides additional long-block coverage after the recall inspection. Inclusion is VIN-specific, and on the Aviator the recall covers only the 3.0-liter engine.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of drive power if an intake valve fractures
- Engine failure
- Severe rough running or misfire if the failure occurs
How to Fix
Check the VIN and have a Ford/Lincoln dealer complete recall 24S55. The free recall remedy is an engine-cycle inspection test; the dealer replaces the engine only when the procedure determines replacement is necessary. Vehicles that completed the inspection process may qualify for the no-cost, one-time long-block program under CSP 24N12 for 10 years or 150,000 miles from warranty start, subject to its terms. Do not buy a long block or internal-engine parts for this recall. If the engine loses power or develops a severe running problem, move out of traffic safely and contact Lincoln for service guidance.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningThis is a free VIN-specific recall inspection. Do not order an engine or internal parts from a generic 24S55 listing.
- TipAsk the dealer to document completion of the 24S55 inspection because CSP 24N12 coverage depends on that inspection process and its program terms.
Sources for this issue (4)
The 1998-up 4.6L 2V V8 uses eight individual coil-on-plug ignition coils whose boots and towers crack with age and heat, allowing spark to track to ground and causing single- or multi-cylinder misfires, rough idle, and stumbling under load. Failures are accelerated when the plastic intake manifold used on 1996-2001 4.6L engines leaks coolant into the spark plug wells and shorts the coils. It is one of the most common drivability complaints on the platform, well documented across owner forums and diagnostic guides.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light, sometimes flashing, with misfire codes
- Rough or shaking idle
- Stumble or jerking under acceleration or load
- Reduced power and fuel economy
- Misfire worse in damp weather
How to Fix
Diagnose by swapping the suspect coil to another cylinder and confirming the misfire code follows; replace failed coils and boots, and replace high-mileage spark plugs at the same time. If coolant is found in a plug well, fix the intake manifold leak first or the new coil will fail too.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Motorcraft DG-508 ignition coil, singleOEMMotorcraft DG-508
Replace one coil confirmed failed on the 1998-2011 4.6L Town Car branch Fitment/availability: Live direct page identifies Motorcraft DG508, Town Car fitment and Add to Cart. Quantity is one per confirmed failed cylinder; confirm the vehi…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
- Lincoln Town Car P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire (Causes + How to Fix) — Drivetrain Resourcearticle
- How To Test The Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils (1998-2011 4.6L Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis) — identical Panther 4.6L powertrain as Town Cararticle
- Ford DG508 Ignition Coil Failure: Misfires in 4.6L & 5.4L V8s (names Crown Victoria, Town Car, Grand Marquis) — Go-Partsarticle
- Cracking Intake Settlement (96M91/97M91 + class action, 1996-2001 4.6L incl. Town Car) — TCCoA Forumsforum
P0300 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0300 mean on a Lincoln?
P0300 stands for "Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected." P0300 means the engine computer detected misfires occurring randomly or across multiple cylinders rather than in one specific cylinder. A misfire is when a cylinder fails to ignite its fuel-air mixture properly, which the computer senses through small fluctuations in crankshaft speed. Because it's not isolated to one cylinder, the cause is usually something that affects the whole engine — like fuel, air, or ignition system problems — rather than a single coil or plug. Persistent or heavy misfiring wastes fuel, runs rough, and can damage the catalytic converter, which is why a flashing check engine light should be taken seriously. On Lincoln it is documented across 5 models: Nautilus, MKZ, Aviator, Town Car, Navigator.
What are the most common causes of P0300?
The most common causes of P0300 are: Worn or fouled spark plugs (across cylinders), Vacuum or intake air leak, Weak fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or low fuel pressure, Failing ignition coils or worn spark plug wires, Dirty or faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor, Clogged or dirty fuel injectors, Faulty crankshaft/camshaft position sensor, Low compression or EGR/PCV system faults. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0300 on a Lincoln?
Published repair estimates on Lincoln range from $100 to $15,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.