P0302 on FORD ESCAPE — Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0302 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0302 indicates: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 68 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0302 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 68 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0302 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 68 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 P0302?"

"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 P0302 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0302 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 2 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.

68 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2017-2020. Most reports come from the 2017, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (72.1% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0301, P0302, and P0304 were retrieved for a misfire in cylinder #1, #2, and #4."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE · Filed 12/15/2025

"Check engine light came on and car was idling rough. Took to auto repair shop and was quoted almost $12,000 to fix problem. Code P0316, P2601 and P0302. Misfire in cylinder 2 due to coolant leakage. My entire engine needs to be replaced. I will now need to purchase a new car."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/16/2025

"I bought a used 2017 Ford Escape Titanium in Jan, 2025. The car had no issue at time when bought it. But a few weeks ago, the engine starts to have issue, after the engine starts for a couple minutes, the idle dropped and run rough with the engine check on."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/15/2025

"My vehicle recently generated engine codes p0302 and p0304. Taken to the dealer for a diagnostic which indicated water intrusion into cylinders."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/06/2025

"I am reporting a serious engine and reoccurring defect in my 2017 Ford Escape (1.5L EcoBoost), which poses a safety risk due to recurring cylinder misfire and engine failure."

— 2017 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 07/19/2025

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

34

'17

26

'18

7

'19

1

'20

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 72.1%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING 7.4%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 7.4%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE 2.9%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2.9%

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 P0302 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0302 indicates: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 68 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0302 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 68 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0302 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 68 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 P0302? ▾

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.