P0301 on CHEVROLET MALIBU — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

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

"P0301 indicates: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 3 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA."

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

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Vehicle Speed Control,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine, Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

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

"Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, 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 MALIBU 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 MALIBU

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.

3 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2010-2017. Most reports come from the 2010, 2016 model years.

Real CHEVROLET MALIBU Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"My 2010 chevy malibu lt 2.4 l began misfiring on cylinder 1 giving me th codes p0201 and p0301. after getting those readings i began driving home and the car began to jerk and lose power followed by the service traction and service esc warning lights flashing along with the engine light."

— 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) · Filed 04/12/2016

"Around 50,000 miles sensor on throttle pedal went out and caused my car to stop accelerating with my kid in the car in the middle of the road driving. next at 74,000 my 2016 chevy malibu lt 1.5l turbo has a cracked piston. i believe recall 17019 stochastic pre egnition should be linked to my vin."

— 2016 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 09/01/2018

"P0301 Error - Cylinder 1 Misfire. First the Check Engine light and Service Stabilitrack light turn on."

— 2017 CHEVROLET MALIBU owner · ENGINE · Filed 03/27/2024

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'10

1

'16

1

'17

Common Causes on CHEVROLET MALIBU

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 33.3%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 33.3%

ENGINE 33.3%

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 MALIBU? ▾

P0301 indicates: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 3 CHEVROLET MALIBU owners have reported this to NHTSA.

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

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Vehicle Speed Control,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine, Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0301 serious on my CHEVROLET MALIBU? ▾

Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on CHEVROLET MALIBU, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my CHEVROLET MALIBU 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.