P0301 on FORD MUSTANG — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0301 mean on a FORD MUSTANG?"

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

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0301 on FORD MUSTANG?"

"Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0301 serious on my FORD MUSTANG?"

"Of 3 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD MUSTANG, 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 MUSTANG 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 FORD MUSTANG

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 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2016-2019. Most reports come from the 2016, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (100.0% of reports).

Real FORD MUSTANG Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Component/system: Engine (Coolant intrusion into cylinder 1); Inspection available: Yes; Safety risk: Sudden power loss on road; Reproducibility/Confirmation: Dealer verified coolant in cylinder 1 after engine inspection; Manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others inspections: No; War"

— 2016 FORD MUSTANG owner · ENGINE · Filed 04/01/2025

"My 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost experienced sudden engine failure at 70,915 miles. The dealership documented misfire codes P0300, P0301, and P0316, which match the known 2.3L EcoBoost coolant-intrusion defect."

— 2018 FORD MUSTANG owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/28/2025

"Check engine light on. Code is p0301 for multiple cylinder misfires. At startup I can hear coolant sloshing around and white exhaust. Coolant is leaking into cylinder 1. The Ford dealer says it needs a new engine. 2019 ford mustang ecoboost at 55k miles."

— 2019 FORD MUSTANG owner · ENGINE · Filed 07/28/2025

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'16

1

'18

1

'19

Common Causes on FORD MUSTANG

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 100%

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 FORD MUSTANG? ▾

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

What are the most common causes of P0301 on FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Based on 3 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0301 serious on my FORD MUSTANG? ▾

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

What should I do if my FORD MUSTANG 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.