P0303 on HONDA PILOT — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

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

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 7 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA."

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

"Based on 7 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

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

"Of 7 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA PILOT, 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 PILOT 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 PILOT

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.

7 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2013-2016. Most reports come from the 2014, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (71.4% of reports).

Real HONDA PILOT Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"During my commute home from work my vehicle began shaking as if it was going to stall. The orange check engine light began to flash. I used my scanner and it read the code P0303."

— 2013 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 10/13/2022

"2014 Honda pilot Misfire repeatedly happening. Changed spark plugs and coils 3 times continues to happen. I have had the above problem 3 times (check engine light flashing, VTM-4, traction lights all on. Check engine light started flashing, engine was revving weird."

— 2014 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/11/2024

"Last week I turned on my 2014 Pilot and saw the check engine and VTM-4 dash lights on. When I checked the cause I received error code P0303 - Piston #3 Misfire. Upon researching this error I discovered this issue was addressed by Honda for model years through 2013 because of a class action lawsuit."

— 2014 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 10/22/2023

"I have a 2014 Honda Pilot, and while driving on the road, the car started to violently shake, and the engine turned off. The inspection from dealer indicated code P0303- Misfire cylinder due to fouled #3 spark plug caused by worn piston rings. The spark plug was found to be melted."

— 2014 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 09/19/2023

"Pulled up to intersection and check engine light started flashing. Vehicle was approximately 2miles from home. Drove home and parked in driveway. Turned vehicle off. Restarted to see if problem happened again."

— 2016 HONDA PILOT owner · ENGINE · Filed 03/02/2026

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'13

3

'14

3

'16

Common Causes on HONDA PILOT

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 71.4%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 28.6%

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 PILOT? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 7 HONDA PILOT owners have reported this to NHTSA.

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

Based on 7 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my HONDA PILOT? ▾

Of 7 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA PILOT, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my HONDA PILOT 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.