P0303 on FORD ESCAPE — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0303 mean on a FORD ESCAPE?"

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 49 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0303 on FORD ESCAPE?"

"Based on 49 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0303 serious on my FORD ESCAPE?"

"Of 49 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 P0303?"

"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 P0303 Means on Your FORD ESCAPE

P0303 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 3 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.

49 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2006-2019. Most reports come from the 2017, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (75.5% of reports).

Real FORD ESCAPE Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Wife was driving her 2003 ford escape 2.3l xls (fwd, 5-spd manual) at 65mph, practically coasting down a hill. 26 minutes after engine start she heard a loud bang and subsequent popping sounds. this was followed immediately by severe power loss from the engine."

— 2006 FORD ESCAPE owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 11/13/2012

"Vehicle check engine light came on while driving in town with no other issues or noticeable change in vehicle performance/operation. had code read at auto parts store and discovered that it was p0303; cylinder #3 misfire detected."

— 2013 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/05/2020

"My 2014 Ford Escape had run into coolant fluid issues such as leaking fluid and a cylinder misfire. Took it to a Ford dealership where they stated the only option for a fix was a replacement of the long block assembly."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/10/2024

"I replaced the spark plugs on 4/25/2021 for my 2014 ford escape se due to an p0303 error indicating a misfire for # 3 cylinder. all the spark plugs were easily changed except cylinder #3, this spark plug seized."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 04/29/2021

"Antifreeze coolant continue to be low, car center replaced a hose on 1/20/20 for 200.00, then a week later low coolant again the center assume air pockets was the reason with no coolant leaks 2/12/20."

— 2014 FORD ESCAPE owner · ENGINE · Filed 01/20/2020

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'06

1

'13

5

'14

1

'16

20

'17

16

'18

5

'19

Common Causes on FORD ESCAPE

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 75.5%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING 6.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 4.1%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 4.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 2%

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 P0303 mean on a FORD ESCAPE? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 49 FORD ESCAPE owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0303 on FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Based on 49 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my FORD ESCAPE? ▾

Of 49 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 P0303? ▾

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.