P0301 Code: Ford Escape (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

No recalls found in NHTSA database

Based on the provided NHTSA data for the Ford Escape (2020–2024), there are no documented P0301 complaints in the dataset. The three owner complaints shown cover P0172, P0455, and P0420. This guide uses general diagnostic knowledge for P0301 and Ford Escape behavior, but note the data does not include Ford-specific patterns for P0301 beyond common misfire concepts.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0301 means: P0301 is a cylinder 1 misfire code. The engine control module (ECM/PCM) detected that cylinder #1 is not firing properly during one or more operating cycles.
• Why it matters: A persistent misfire can cause rough idle, reduced power, poor acceleration, and elevated emissions. If the misfire persists, unburned fuel can enter the exhaust and damage the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs.
• How it behaves on a Ford Escape (2020–2024): Misfires commonly present as a rough idle or lack of smooth power at low throttle. The check engine light will typically illuminate and store P0301 in the powertrain/Emission control fault codes. Because Ford EcoBoost engines are direct-injection variants, carbon buildup and injector-related issues can contribute to misfires in some cases, but the primary symptom is still cylinder 1 not firing consistently.

COMMON CAUSES ON FORD ESCAPE

Note: The dataset provided does not include P0301 instances, so these are general, model-agnostic causes supplemented by typical Ford Escape considerations for 2020–2024 models.

• Ignition system:

  • Faulty spark plug on cylinder 1 (worn, fouled, damaged, incorrect gap).
  • Faulty ignition coil or coil-on-plug for cylinder 1 (bad primary/secondary coil windings, damaged boot).
  • Wiring or connector issue to the coil pack or spark plug.

• Fuel delivery and mixture:

  • Faulty or sticking fuel injector for cylinder 1 (leaning out or flooding the cylinder).
  • Low fuel pressure or inconsistent fuel supply to the cylinder (high-pressure rail pressure issues or pump problems).
  • Vacuum leaks near cylinder 1 (intake manifold gasket, vacuum hose, or PCV passages).

• Air and manifold conditions:

  • Vacuum leaks elsewhere that disproportionately affect cylinder 1 (or a manifold/runner seal issue).
  • Intake valve carbon buildup in direct-injection engines can contribute to misfire symptoms, though this is more common with prolonged neglect.

• Mechanical/compression:

  • Low compression in cylinder 1 due to valve seat/seal issues, piston ring wear, or a head gasket problem (less common but plausible in high-mileage engines).
  • Timing issues (less common, but timing chain/belt slack or cam/crank sensor anomalies can create misfire symptoms).

• Electronics and controls:

  • PCM/ECU miscalibration or intermittent sensor data causing misfire interpretation (rare, typically accompanied by additional codes).
  • Sensor interference (crank/cam sensors) that causes misfire interpretation, though usually other codes accompany this.

SYMPTOMS

• Primary:
  • Rough idle or engine shakes at idle.
  • Noticeable drop in engine power or hesitation under acceleration.
  • Check Engine Light with P0301 stored or pending.
• Secondary:
  • Increased fuel consumption.
  • Occasional misfire-induced road vibrations or feel in the steering column.
  • Possible misfire-related codes for other cylinders if the issue is transient or affects fueling/ignition stability.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

A systematic approach to identify and confirm P0301 in a 2020–2024 Ford Escape:

• Confirm the code and data

  • Use a reliable OBD-II scan tool to confirm P0301 and check for any related codes (P0300 for random/multiple misfires, or P0302–P0304 for other cylinders).
  • Review freeze-frame data to see engine load, rpm, temperature, and fuel trim at the time of the misfire.
  • Check descriptive data: misfire counters for cylinder 1 (some scan tools show live misfire data).

• Inspect ignition components on cylinder 1

  • Remove and inspect the spark plug on cylinder 1 for wear, fouling (oil, fuel), or gap damage. Replace if worn or fouled.
  • Inspect the spark plug boot/coil-on-plug for damage or arcing signs; test coil resistance and insulation as per the service spec. Swap the cylinder 1 coil with another cylinder (cylinder-to-cylinder swap test) to see if the misfire follows the coil.

• Check the fuel delivery for cylinder 1

  • Perform a basic injector test: swap the injector from cylinder 1 to another cylinder and observe if the misfire follows the injector.
  • If affordable, perform a dynamic fuel pressure test to confirm adequate rail pressure under load. Check for any signs of fuel pressure drop or a failing pump.
  • Inspect fuel trim values (Short-Term and Long-Term Fuel Trim) via a scan tool. Persistent leaning or rich trim on cylinder 1 supports injector or fuel delivery issues.

• Inspect for vacuum and intake issues

  • Inspect hoses and gaskets around the intake manifold and PCV system for leaks, especially near cylinder 1.
  • Consider a smoke test if a vacuum leak is suspected.

• Check mechanical condition and compression

  • Perform a compression test on cylinder 1 (and compare to the other cylinders). If compression is low, pursue a leak-down test to localize the issue (valve, piston rings, or head gasket).
  • If compression is normal, focus remains on ignition and fuel delivery.

• Look for related codes or data patterns

  • If P0301 appears with P0300 or P0302–P0304, the issue may be broader (ignition/fuel system stability) and require a broader approach.
  • If no other codes are present, the issue might be intermittent; repeat tests after a cooldown and under different operating conditions (cold start, hot restart).

• Specific vehicle considerations for 2020–2024 Escape

  • If the engine uses direct injection and has higher carbon buildup risk, consider intake valve cleanliness if symptoms persist after ignition and fuel tests.
  • Consider service bulletins or knowledge results from Ford-specific service literature (not provided here); if symptoms persist after basic tests, a professional inspection may be warranted.

RELATED CODES

• P0300: Random/Multiple Misfire Detected
• P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
• P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
• P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
• P0305–P0308: Additional cylinder misfire codes (depending on engine configuration)
• P0171/P0174 (possible but not specific): Fuel trim or mixture issues that can accompany misfires
• P0420/P0430 (emissions-related) can appear if a misfire damages the catalytic converter or if the misfire affects exhaust gas oxygen sensors

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICING)

Prices vary by engine option (1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, etc.), local labor rates, and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. The following are ballpark ranges for common P0301-related repairs on a 2020–2024 Ford Escape (parts + labor). All costs are approximate and represent typical retail pricing as of 2025.

• Spark plug replacement for cylinder 1

  • Parts: $8–$25 (OEM iridium/platinum plugs typically higher)
  • Labor: 0.5–1.0 hour
  • Estimated total: $120–$260

• Ignition coil replacement (cylinder 1)

  • Parts: $40–$120 for a replacement coil (OEM higher)
  • Labor: 0.5–1.0 hour
  • Estimated total: $160–$340

• Fuel injector inspection/repair (cylinder 1)

  • Injector cleaning service: $50–$120
  • Injector replacement (cylinder 1): Parts $60–$180 + labor $60–$180
  • Estimated total: $120–$420

• Fuel system diagnostics and fuel pressure testing

  • Labor/time: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $80–$250
  • If a fuel pump or rail issue is found, costs can rise significantly (see below)

• High-pressure fuel system repair (pump/rail for direct-injection engines)

  • Parts: $300–$900 (pump, rail, regulators, etc.)
  • Labor: 1.5–3.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $600–$2,500

• Vacuum/air intake gasket or hose repair

  • Parts: $10–$100
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $100–$250

• Compression test / leak-down test

  • Labor: 0.5–1.0 hour (often combined with other diagnostics)
  • Estimated total: $60–$180

• Cylinder 1 head gasket or piston/valve repair (rare/extensive)

  • Parts: $200–$1,000+ (depending on engine and extent)
  • Labor: 3.0–8.0+ hours
  • Estimated total: $1,000–$5,000+ (significant repairs)

Notes:

• If multiple cylinders are affected or if misfires persist under load, the total repair cost can increase.
• DIY purchases may reduce labor costs but require proper tools, torque specs, and safety precautions.
• Always confirm the exact engine variant in your Escape (1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost) as that affects parts availability and servicing.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly options (if you have the right tools and mechanical aptitude):
  • Replacing a spark plug on cylinder 1, and swapping a known-good coil to test coil function.
  • Inspecting and swapping cylinder 1 injector if you have injector test equipment and appropriate safety measures.
  • Basic vacuum hose inspections and replacements for leaks.
  • Running a basic compression test with a gauge (and interpreting results).
• More complex or higher-risk tasks (strongly consider a professional):
  • High-pressure fuel system components (fuel pump, rail, regulators) or diagnosing fuel pressure issues.
  • Injectors that require removal with special tools, or cleaning methods beyond simple cleaning.
  • Internal engine repairs (low compression, valve seating, piston rings) or head gasket work.
  • Persistent misfires with intermittent codes or PCM-related concerns.

PREVENTION

• Routine maintenance:
  • Replace spark plugs at the manufacturer-recommended interval for your engine (cold starts and misfires can often be mitigated by fresh plugs).
  • Use high-quality fuel and keep the fuel system clean with occasional injector/fuel system cleaners as recommended by Ford or your mechanic.
  • Maintain the ignition system: replace aging ignition coils as needed and inspect coil boots and wiring.
  • Regularly inspect vacuum lines, PCV system, and intake manifold gaskets for leaks.
• Direct-injection considerations:
  • Direct injection engines can accumulate carbon buildup on intake valves; if you notice declining performance or misfires after long intervals between maintenance, consider a professional intake carbon cleaning if recommended by Ford service bulletins.
• Driving habits:
  • Short trips and frequent cold starts can aggravate misfire symptoms over time; occasional longer drives help burn off deposits and maintain ignition system efficiency.
• Monitoring:
  • If you see repeated P0301 codes, track the pattern (cold vs hot engine, load vs idle) and consult a technician to avoid catalytic converter damage.

Data limitations and transparency

• The provided dataset contains three complaints (P0172, P0455, P0420) and no P0301 cases for the 2020–2024 Ford Escape. There are no recalls in the dataset. This means there is limited model-specific statistical guidance for P0301 in this exact generation. The diagnostic guidance above relies on general P0301 methodology and Ford Escape common-sense checks rather than a documented set of P0301 patterns from this data.

If you’d like, I can tailor the diagnostic steps to your exact Escape engine variant (1.5L vs 2.0L EcoBoost, turbo vs naturally aspirated, and year), and I can provide a simplified flowchart you can print for the shop or for DIY work.