P0303 on FORD FUSION — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

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

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 20 FORD FUSION owners have reported this to NHTSA."

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

"Based on 20 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

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

"Of 20 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD FUSION, 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 FUSION 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 FUSION

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.

20 FORD FUSION owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2013-2019. Most reports come from the 2015, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (50.0% of reports).

Real FORD FUSION Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"I had coolant leaking in my 2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L causing a misfire in cylinder 3 from diagnostics code P0303."

— 2013 FORD FUSION owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 01/14/2023

"April 2019 while traveling on the highway check engine and dash lights flashed along with vehicle overheating message. had to pull over on the shoulder and call for a tow to the purchasing dealership. water pump was replaced and cooling system checked."

— 2013 FORD FUSION owner · ENGINE · Filed 02/25/2020

"The engine (1.5L EcoBoost) has suffered a failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, which has led to repeated engine misfires. Trouble codes P0303 (misfire cylinder 3) and P0316 (misfire on startup) were found."

— 2015 FORD FUSION owner · ENGINE · Filed 04/08/2025

"Coolant is leaking into cylinder 3 of the engine causing a misfiring and code P0303 to present itself. White exhaust is seen when the vehicle is turned on. Lots of vibrations present and the check engine light stays on."

— 2015 FORD FUSION owner · ENGINE · Filed 05/01/2024

"Check engine light, Code P0303. #3 cylinder misfire. Coolant leaking into cylinders 2 & 3 due to faulty casting of the short block. This was a known defect of 2015 Ford Fusion 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine by Ford Motor Co. No recall was issued. I was not notified of this defect until it happened."

— 2015 FORD FUSION owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 09/12/2024

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

2

'13

6

'15

5

'16

3

'17

2

'18

2

'19

Common Causes on FORD FUSION

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 50%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING 15%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 10%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 10%

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 FUSION? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 20 FORD FUSION owners have reported this to NHTSA.

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

Based on 20 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my FORD FUSION? ▾

Of 20 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD FUSION, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD FUSION 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.