P0303 on FORD EXPLORER — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

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

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA."

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

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

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

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD EXPLORER, 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 EXPLORER 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 EXPLORER

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.

2 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2017-2018. Most reports come from the 2017, 2018 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (50.0% of reports).

Real FORD EXPLORER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"My 2017 Ford Explorer XLT - eco boost (72,524 miles) vehicle was misfiring (running really rough) at startup the last week or so and the engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle was serviced in July of this year and there was no mention of the problem."

— 2017 FORD EXPLORER owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/10/2023

"The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired."

— 2018 FORD EXPLORER owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN · Filed 04/16/2025

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'17

1

'18

Common Causes on FORD EXPLORER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 50%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN 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 P0303 mean on a FORD EXPLORER? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 2 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA.

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

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling,Power Train. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my FORD EXPLORER? ▾

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

What should I do if my FORD EXPLORER 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.