P0301 on TOYOTA HIGHLANDER — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0301 mean on a TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?"

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

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0301 on TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0301 serious on my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER?"

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

Q: "What should I do if my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 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 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

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 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2011-2015. Most reports come from the 2011, 2015 model years. The most commonly reported component is Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine (50.0% of reports).

Real TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"1. The 3.5L V6 Engine (2GR-FE) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the Oil Cooler Pipe (Rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB T-SB-0201-11 (ZE2 Program)."

— 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER owner · POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 10/08/2025

"I experienced a sudden engine failure while driving my 2015 Toyota Highlander on Interstate 294 outside Chicago. I was driving about 75 mph in the far left lane."

— 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 07/22/2023

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'11

1

'15

Common Causes on TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 50%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER? ▾

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

What are the most common causes of P0301 on TOYOTA HIGHLANDER? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0301 serious on my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER? ▾

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

What should I do if my TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 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.