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P0303 on HONDA ACCORD

Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

NHTSA Reports
10
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2018, 2008, 2009
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0303 Means on Your HONDA ACCORD

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.

10 HONDA ACCORD owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2008-2019. Most reports come from the 2018, 2008 model years.

Real HONDA ACCORD Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"For the 2nd time since 2008, i've had to replace the sparkplugs due to pcm issues. the engine light will come on and gives an error code of p0303. unfortunately you can only go to honda to have the computer updated, and they will try to sell additional services."

— 2008 HONDA ACCORD owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 10/01/2013

"While driving at about 55 mph on route i-287 in morristown, nj, the car began to shake badly and the engine made a loud rumbling noise. i got the car to my local service station in morristown, where my mechanic told me that one of my spark plugs had failed to function, having been badly oil fouled."

— 2009 HONDA ACCORD owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 01/30/2017

"Burning oil excessively since i have had the car. i never got a recall notice. having to add a qt or better a week. june 12 it stalled out all the way home from work. that was a sunday. just checked the oil on thursday. oil was okay in thursday. on sunday no oil to show on dipstick."

— 2010 HONDA ACCORD owner · STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER · Filed 06/12/2016

"On 4/5/19, my wife's honda pilot ex experienced severe engine problems on the road in fairview tn resulting in an inability to accelerate, hesitation when the gas pedal was depressed, and a flashing 'check engine' light."

— 2011 HONDA ACCORD owner · ENGINE · Filed 04/05/2019

"While driving, my 2018 Honda Accord suddenly lost power and went into limp mode with no prior overheating or warning signs. The acceleration dropped instantly, and the vehicle nearly caused an accident as it seized up in traffic."

— 2018 HONDA ACCORD owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/03/2025

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1
'08
1
'09
1
'10
1
'11
5
'18
1
'19

Common Causes on HONDA ACCORD

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 30%
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 20%
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN or OTHER 10%

What To Do Next

  1. 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. 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. 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 HONDA ACCORD?
P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 10 HONDA ACCORD owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0303 on HONDA ACCORD?
Based on 10 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Electrical System,Engine, Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0303 serious on my HONDA ACCORD?
Of 10 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA ACCORD, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my HONDA ACCORD 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.

P0303 on Other Vehicles