P0300 on FORD ESCAPE — Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0300 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0300 indicates: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 26 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0300 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 26 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System,Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0300 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 26 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0300?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0300 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0300 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

26 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2017-2024. Most reports come from the 2017, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (80.8% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Coolant Intrusion: A design flaw in the open-deck engine block allows coolant to leak into the combustion chambers, leading to misfires, white smoke, and severe engine damage. Affected Vehicles: Primarily 2017-2019 Escapes and 2014-2019 Fusions with the 1."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 12/22/2025

"My check engine light came on and my mechanic found codes P0300 and P0316 for engine misfires."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 07/25/2025

"low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM)."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 05/20/2024

"Low coolant levels, running in rough condition with P0300, P0302 codes stored in the PCM. Confirmed presence of coolant intrusion into cylinder bores."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 03/28/2025

"UNKOWN Was Driving my sons car to dealership, because there was an oil leak and transmission fluid leak. I checked the levels before i left and made sure everything was up to the required levels."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/27/2024

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

16

'17

5

'18

3

'19

2

'24

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 80.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 3.8%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 3.8%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3.8%

POWER TRAIN 3.8%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0300 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0300 indicates: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 26 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0300 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 26 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Electrical System,Engine, Unknown Or Other,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0300 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 26 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD ESCAPE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD ESCAPE shows P0300? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.