P0301 on CHEVROLET CRUZE — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0301 mean on a CHEVROLET CRUZE?"

"P0301 indicates: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 CHEVROLET CRUZE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0301 on CHEVROLET CRUZE?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Service Brakes,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0301 serious on my CHEVROLET CRUZE?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET CRUZE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my CHEVROLET CRUZE shows P0301?"

"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 P0301 Means on Your CHEVROLET CRUZE

P0301 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 1 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.

2 CHEVROLET CRUZE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2016-2017. Most reports come from the 2016, 2017 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (50.0% of reports).

Real CHEVROLET CRUZE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"P0301 code; stabilitrak light flashes intermittently; after taking it to a mechanic for diagnostics the mechanic stated that compression on cylinders 2-4 was 120psi; cylinder 1 is at 15 psi; after further testing found issue with piston. vehicle will shake when running on idle, slow to start."

— 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE owner · ENGINE · Filed 03/17/2020

"Cylinder 1 experienced cracking due to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI, commonly referred to as “Knock”) just after exiting the highway in a 70 mph zone and produced a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) code of P0301."

— 2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE owner · POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE · Filed 06/27/2021

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on CHEVROLET CRUZE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 50%

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 50%

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 P0301 mean on a CHEVROLET CRUZE? ▾

P0301 indicates: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 CHEVROLET CRUZE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0301 on CHEVROLET CRUZE? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Service Brakes,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0301 serious on my CHEVROLET CRUZE? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET CRUZE, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET CRUZE shows P0301? ▾

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.