P0328 — Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit High

What Does P0328 Mean?

P0328 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit High. This code relates to the ignition system system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 4 different vehicle models.

Engine misfires are detected by monitoring crankshaft rotational speed variations. Each cylinder's power stroke produces a characteristic acceleration pattern. When a cylinder fails to fire, the crankshaft decelerates during that cylinder's stroke. The ECM identifies which cylinder misfired and how often. P0313-P0399 codes cover extended misfire monitoring including lean misfire detection, knock-related ignition faults, and secondary ignition monitoring. A flashing check engine light during active misfires is an emergency — raw unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter, potentially destroying it.

Symptoms of P0328

⚠️ Check engine light on (may flash during active misfire)
⚠️ Engine misfiring — rough idle, stumbling, shaking
⚠️ Loss of power during acceleration
⚠️ Increased emissions and fuel consumption
⚠️ Catalytic converter damage if ignored
⚠️ Possible engine vibration at idle

Common Causes

🔍 Worn or fouled spark plugs
🔍 Faulty ignition coil
🔍 Vacuum leak causing lean misfire
🔍 Fuel injector issue (clogged, leaking, or electrical)
🔍 Low compression (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
🔍 Incorrect ignition timing

P0328 Reports by Year

2019

2

2025

1

2021

1

2017

1

2022

1

Real Owner Reports

From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.

"warning engine light came on. Emission control system light came on too. Honda Pilot 2016 Milage 70,662. Vehicle operating normally. Had car parts store use OBD electronic scanner and it revealed a code P0328: "Knock Sensor voltage High". Code was deleted after scan. I was told by "
— Honda Pilot owner, 12/16/2025

"Emission problem system keeps lighting up, going to service with Honda 3x times but engine light keeps popping up, replaced knock sensor failure at first, then still pop up, they figured out now it’s 2 bank failure, need to replace engine harness and knock sensors sub harness, p0328, p0333. It wi"
— Honda Pilot owner, 06/02/2021

"I WAS DRIVING AROUND TOWN RUNNING ERRANDS. AS I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT, MY DISPLAY PANEL SHOWED EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID IT'S NOT A BIG CONCERN UNLESS ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND TO BRING IT IN AFTER THE WEEKEND (WAS A FRIDAY AFTERNOON"
— Honda Pilot owner, 01/11/2017

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Most Reported Vehicles for P0328

Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.

#	Vehicle	Reports
1	HONDA PILOT
2	HONDA ACCORD
3	VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
4	VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

P0328 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

HONDA PILOT

3 NHTSA reports · Peak: 2016

Diagnostic Tips

Check misfire counters in Mode 6 data — identifies which cylinder(s) are misfiring most
Swap ignition coil to another cylinder — if misfire follows, coil is bad
Check spark plugs — worn electrode, fouled with oil or carbon, cracked insulator all cause misfires
Perform compression test on affected cylinder(s) — low compression means mechanical issue

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Replacing coils without checking spark plugs — a worn plug will kill a new coil
❌ Ignoring a flashing check engine light — this means severe misfire that's damaging the catalytic converter NOW
❌ Replacing ignition parts when the misfire is caused by a vacuum leak or low compression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a flashing check engine light mean?

A flashing CEL means severe, active misfire that risks catalytic converter damage. Pull over safely and reduce engine load. Do not rev the engine. Drive gently to a repair facility or have it towed. This is the only CEL condition that warrants immediate action.

Can misfires damage my engine?

Misfires themselves don't usually damage the engine, but they can destroy the catalytic converter ($1000-$3000). Severe misfires also dilute engine oil with raw fuel, reducing lubrication. Extended misfires should always be repaired promptly.

Why does my car misfire only when cold?

Cold misfires are often caused by slightly worn spark plugs (gap too wide for cold, dense air-fuel mixture), marginal ignition coils that work fine once warm, or small vacuum leaks that are more noticeable at cold idle RPM.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

🔧 Replace spark plugs
🔧 Replace ignition coil(s)
🔧 Repair vacuum leak
🔧 Clean or replace fuel injector
🔧 Engine mechanical repair (valves, rings, gasket)

1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

P0328: Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor A Circuit High