P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
177 vehicles · 33 makes · $20-$25,000 repair
Most Reported On
P0301 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning “Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected.” Misfires detected specifically in cylinder 1. Unlike P0300, a single-cylinder code narrows the problem to that cylinder's ignition, fuel, or compression. This code is most commonly reported on 2004-2012 Mazda RX-8, 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata (Base, GL, GLS, LX, Limited, SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Sport), and 2008-2021 Volkswagen Golf (GTI, GTI Autobahn, GTI S, GTI SE, Golf R, R, R32), plus 174 other vehicles, with repair costs ranging from $20 to $25,000.
Common Causes
Typical Repair Cost
Based on 220 documented vehicle-specific issues. Actual cost depends on root cause and vehicle.
Diagnostic Tools
To diagnose P0301, you'll need an OBD-II scanner. Here are our recommendations at every price point.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
by ANCEL
A simple, affordable code reader that reads and clears check engine codes. Great for quick diagnostics on any OBD-II vehicle (1996+).
- Read & clear engine codes
- View freeze frame data
- I/M readiness status
- No batteries or app needed
BlueDriver Pro Bluetooth Scanner
by BlueDriver
Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with a free companion app. Provides enhanced diagnostics, smog readiness, and repair reports sourced from a database of verified fixes.
- Enhanced diagnostics (ABS, SRS, transmission)
- Repair Reports with verified fixes
- Smog check readiness
- Free app (iOS & Android)
LAUNCH CRP123X OBD-II Scanner
by LAUNCH
A professional-grade handheld scanner that reads all four major systems (engine, transmission, ABS, SRS) with live data streaming and graphing.
- Engine, transmission, ABS, SRS diagnostics
- Live data stream & graphing
- AutoVIN for vehicle identification
- Free lifetime updates via Wi-Fi
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S Diagnostic Tool
by Autel
Shop-level diagnostic tablet with bi-directional control, active tests, and full system coverage. Ideal for serious DIYers and small shops.
- All-system diagnostics (25+ modules)
- Bi-directional control & active tests
- Oil reset, EPB, BMS, TPMS, injector coding
- 7-inch touchscreen with Android OS
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Vehicles Affected (177)
Oil Consumption and Fouled Spark Plugs on 3.7L V6
Distributor internal shaft seal fails, oil leaks into cap and causes misfires + stalling
Distributor shaft seal leaks oil into cap, causes misfires (P0300-P0304) on 3.5L C35A
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Ignition Coil Failure
4.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
4.0T Carbon Deposit Accumulation
3.0T Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
EA888 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
2.5T Five-Cylinder Carbon Buildup
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup
Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Coolant Leaks
Coil Pack Failure and Ignition Misfires on 1.8T Engines
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
2.7T Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires and Flashing Check Engine Light
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (Intake Valves)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.0 TFSI Direct Injection)
4.2L V8 Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.9T Twin-Turbo V6)
4.2L V8 Carbon Buildup and High-Rev Issues
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.0T V8)
Turbo Wastegate Rattle and Carbon Buildup
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.0T Twin-Turbo V8)
Severe Carbon Buildup Causing Valve Damage (3.0T TFSI)
Water Pump Failure (60k Mile Lifespan)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (3.0T)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Pre-Dual Injection EA888 Gen 3)
4.0T Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (4.2 V8 FSI and 5.2 V10 FSI)
Severe Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (2.5T 5-Cylinder)
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
High-Pressure Fuel Injector Issues
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
G80 S58 Engine Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
S58 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Fuel Injector Failure - 428i/430i/435i/440i F32/F33/F36
S63/S63TU Valve Stem Seal Failure & Oil Consumption
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfires and Check Engine Light on M52TU/M54 Engines
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection Engines)
Direct Fuel Injector Failure (S55)
N54 High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure (135i / 1M)
N54 Spark Plug & Ignition Coil Failure (135i / 1M)
S55 High-Pressure Fuel Injector Failure - F82/F83 M4
S63/S63TU Ignition Coil Premature Failure
N54 High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure - E89 Z4 sDrive35i/35is
LT4 Supercharged V8 Premature Engine Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (ATS V6 models)
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch - SRX
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure - V8 Cylinder Deactivation System
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
Northstar 4.6L V8 Head Bolt/Head Gasket Failure
5.3L Vortec AFM Active Fuel Management Oil Consumption and Lifter Failure
Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption (2.5L Ecotec LCV/LKW)
Injector Wiring Harness Chafing (Duramax)
Cylinder Head Valve Seat Failure and Misfire on 3.5L/3.7L Inline-Five
L99 AFM Lifter Failure and Camshaft Damage on 6.2L Automatic Cars
2.2L OHV Head Gasket Failure
AFM/DFM Lifter Failure (5.3L/6.2L V8)
3.1L V6 Distributor Gear Wear Causing Timing Issues
HEMI 5.7L MDS Lifter and Camshaft Failure
Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure
Chronic Overheating - Multiple Causes
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
Head Gasket Failure (Especially Turbo Models)
Turbocharger Failure (GT/Turbo Models)
3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure
3.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure and Overheating
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Tick and Camshaft Failure
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
HEMI MDS Lifter Tick
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
HEMI Lifter/MDS Tick
5.9L Magnum Plenum Gasket Failure
Pentastar V6 Rocker Arm/Lifter Tick
Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)
Engine Overheating - Thermostat Housing Debris
2.4L Electronic Throttle Body Failure
Head Gasket Failure
Gen 1 V10 Head Gasket Failure
Rod Bearing Failure from Oil Starvation (Track Use)
2.3L EcoBoost Head Gasket Failure and Coolant Intrusion
1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders - Engine Block Porosity
2.0L Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Fuel Injector Failure and Rough Running (EcoBlue Diesel)
2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion - Open-Deck Block Failure
1.6L EcoBoost Engine Overheating and Coolant Loss - Recall 14S11
1.5L EcoBoost 3-Cylinder Coolant Loss and Engine Failure
Triton 2-Valve Spark Plug Blow-Out from Cylinder Head
EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires (2.5L/1.6L)
Ignition Coil Pack Failure
4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage
5.4L 2-Valve Spark Plug Blow-Out From Cylinder Head
2.3L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion and Misfire from Cracked Cylinder Head/Head Gasket Area
2.0L SPI Head Gasket Failure
LML Duramax EGR Cooler and EGR Valve Failure
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6)
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure and Tick
1.5T Earth Dreams Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Fuel Injector Debris Causing Misfires and Catalyst Codes
11th Gen 2.0T Direct Injection Carbon Buildup and Idle Vibration
VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires
Ignition Coil Failure
Idle and Stalling Problems
Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage
VCM System Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
EGR System Clogging (Lean Burn Engine)
Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leaks Causing Misfires
Timing Belt and Water Pump Neglect Leading to 3.2L V6 Engine Damage
Distributor Internal Coil and Igniter Failure (4th Gen)
Theta II Engine Seizure/Failure
Theta II Engine Seizure Due to Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption - 2.4L GDI Engine
Nu Engine Bearing Failure and Seizure
GDI Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Fuel Injector Failure Causing Misfire, Rough Running, and Check Engine Light
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks Onto Spark Plug Wells and Exhaust Manifold
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI Engines)
Fuel Injector Failure and Engine Stalling
SmartStream G2.5 GDI Engine Piston Ring/Oil Consumption Issue
5.0L Tau V8 Timing Chain and GDI Injector Issues
Timing Belt Neglect Leading to Bent Valves and Sudden No-Start on 1.6L Engines
Ignition Coil and Plug Wire Failure Causing Misfire, Hesitation, and Check Engine Light
Ignition Coil Pack Failure Causing Misfire
Apex Seal Failure / Compression Loss
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure (NB)
Carbon Buildup on Direct Injection Intake Valves
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Skyactiv)
Ignition Coil Failure and Misfires
Distributor Internal Coil and Hall Effect Sensor Failure
Skyactiv 2.0L Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
N14/N18 Turbo Engine Timing Chain Catastrophic Failure
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
N12/N16 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup from Direct Injection
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves (Direct Injection) Causing Misfires/Power Loss
N14/N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure and Chain Stretch
VVEL Solenoid Failure (VK56VD Engine)
VQ35DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
2.5L Pre-Catalyst Breakdown Causing Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Ignition Coil Failure
Excessive Oil Consumption (QR25DE)
Ignition Coil Failure (VQ35DE)
Cylinder Bore Scoring (Nikasil Wear)
Cylinder Bore Scoring
Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Cylinder Bore Scoring
Direct Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues
HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure
MDS Lifter Failure and Hemi Tick (5.7L)
5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Failure
Head Gasket Failure
EJ253 Head Gasket Failure (External Leak)
EJ25 Head Gasket Failure
EJ25 Head Gasket Failure
Spun Rod Bearing Failure (EJ257)
Head Gasket Issues
FA20 Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stalling Risk
EZ36 Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
EZ30 3.0L H6 Head Gasket Leak
Valve Spring Recall - Engine Stall Risk
EGR Valve and Intake Manifold Carbon Buildup
Water Pump Leak and Failure (2GR-FE)
1NZ-FXE Head Gasket Failure and EGR Cooler Issues
G16E-GTS Head Gasket Seepage Under Hard Use
1.5L 1NZ-FE Valve Cover Gasket and Oil Filler Cap Leak
1GR-FE V6 Head Gasket Failure with External Coolant Leak at Rear of Cylinder Head
Intake Manifold Gasket Vacuum Leak Causing Cold-Start Rough Idle and Lean Codes
Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leak
2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption From Piston/Ring Wear
2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston/Ring Wear
Excessive Oil Consumption from 1ZZ-FE Piston Ring Wear
2.4L 2AZ-FE Head Gasket and Head Bolt Thread Failure
FA20 Valve Spring Recall (Campaign E0G/17V-587)
Valve Spring Recall (Early Production)
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
Ignition Coil Failure
2.5L 5-Cylinder Ignition Coil Pack Failure
EA211 1.5T Engine Ticking and Fuel Injector Noise
EA888 Gen 3 Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (GDI)
Ignition Coil Pack Failure (1.8T/2.0)
2.0L Ignition Coil Pack Failure
PCV Valve/Diaphragm Failure
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Ignition Coil Pack Cracking and Misfires
Ignition System and Distributor Failure
FAQ
What does P0301 mean?
P0301 stands for "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected." Misfires detected specifically in cylinder 1. Unlike P0300, a single-cylinder code narrows the problem to that cylinder's ignition, fuel, or compression.
What are the most common causes of P0301?
The most common causes of P0301 are: Failed ignition coil on cylinder 1, Worn spark plug, Clogged or leaking fuel injector, Low compression (worn rings or valve issue), Vacuum leak near cylinder 1. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0301?
Repair costs for P0301 range from $20 to $25,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0301?
Au7o has documented P0301 across 177 vehicle models from 33 manufacturers: Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, MINI, Mazda, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, RAM, Renault, SEAT, Saab, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.
Sources (12)
- RecallNHTSA Recall 17V-224
- ForumMG-Rover: Land Rover Freelander V6 head gasket failure
- manufacturerFreelander Specialist: Freelander 2.5 Petrol K V6 Head Gasket Replacement
- ForumLandyZone: KV6 engine reliability after re-design
- ForumLandyZone: Freelander 1 KV6 Head Gasket failure
- ForumLand Rovers Only: 2003 Freelander KV6 2.5 blown head gasket repair
- ForumLandyZone: 2001 Freelander 2.5KV6 troubles?
- ForumHead Gasket Failure in 2.2 liter models - Subaru Outback Forums
- mediaSubaru Head Gasket Problems Explained - All Wheel Drive Auto
- ForumEj25 sohc 2000 ob head gasket - Ultimate Subaru
- mediaSubaru Head Gasket Problems Crucial Years - Automotive Body Care
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.