P0303 on HONDA ODYSSEY — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0303 mean on a HONDA ODYSSEY?"

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 15 HONDA ODYSSEY owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0303 on HONDA ODYSSEY?"

"Based on 15 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Electrical System,Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0303 serious on my HONDA ODYSSEY?"

"Of 15 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA ODYSSEY, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my HONDA ODYSSEY 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 HONDA ODYSSEY

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.

15 HONDA ODYSSEY owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2009-2019. Most reports come from the 2013, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (60.0% of reports).

Real HONDA ODYSSEY Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"On may 12, 2012, i was driving about 50 mph when the van started to sputter. i came to a red light and the car acted as if it were about to cut off. the check engine light started blinking along with the vsa light."

— 2009 HONDA ODYSSEY owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 05/14/2012

"The contact owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH at nighttime, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle."

— 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY owner · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · Filed 12/05/2021

"Vehicle diagnosed with Code P0303 on 8/18/25. Per the dealer (Big Star Honda, Houston TX), "...Examination found the number three cylinder piston rings on cylinder #3 rotated and aligned, which caused spark plug to foul out."

— 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/18/2025

"I’m reporting a repeat engine misfire on my 2013 Honda Odyssey (P0303 – cylinder 3). Honda repaired this issue in 2018 under Service Bulletin 13-081, which followed the Soto v. Honda settlement. Now in 2025, the exact same failure has returned—same code, same cylinder, same symptoms."

— 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY owner · POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 06/25/2025

"Honda Odessey 2013Driving down a highway at 55mph when we heard a loud backfire. Engine light came on, car shook violently. We immediately pulled into a gas station where a mechanic was present. Mechanic scanned for codes and codes p0302 and P0303 came up."

— 2013 HONDA ODYSSEY owner · STRUCTURE,ENGINE · Filed 01/10/2024

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'09

7

'13

2

'14

3

'16

1

'18

1

'19

Common Causes on HONDA ODYSSEY

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 60%

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 13.3%

ENGINE and ENGINE COOLING 6.7%

STRUCTURE,ENGINE 6.7%

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 6.7%

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 HONDA ODYSSEY? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 15 HONDA ODYSSEY owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0303 on HONDA ODYSSEY? ▾

Based on 15 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Power Train,Electrical System,Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my HONDA ODYSSEY? ▾

Of 15 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA ODYSSEY, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my HONDA ODYSSEY 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.