P0302 Code: Ford Escape (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Below is a comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD-II code P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) as it could apply to Ford Escape models from 2020 to 2024. Important context from the provided NHTSA data: there are no recalls listed for this model/year in the data. The owner complaints in the data set reference other codes (P0172, P0420, P0455) and do not include P0302. Therefore, any statistics or “frequency” statements about P0302 are not supported by the data you supplied; this guide is based on general automotive knowledge for P0302 plus a Ford Escape-specific perspective.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What the code means: P0302 is a misfire diagnostic trouble code indicating that the engine control module (ECM/PCM) detected a misfire in cylinder 2.
• Why misfires matter: a cylinder that isn’t firing correctly reduces engine power, can cause rough idle, and can raise Exhaust Gas Recirculation and emissions. If a misfire persists, it can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, and in severe cases can lead to drivability issues or stalling.
• Severity: variable. A single, momentary misfire may be harmless, but repeated or persistent misfires can degrade fuel economy, performance, and emissions, and may require urgent attention if the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) stays on or worsens.

COMMON CAUSES ON FORD ESCAPE (2020–2024)

Note: the list below reflects common misfire causes in modern Ford engines and is presented as a practical guide. The exact parts layout varies by engine variant (for example, 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cyl, 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cyl, or hybrid configurations). The cylinder numbering is specific to the engine in your Escape, so cylinder 2 refers to the second cylinder in that engine family.

• Ignition system
  • Faulty ignition coil on cylinder 2 (coil-on-plug or coil pack issue)
  • Worn or damaged spark plug on cylinder 2
  • Faulty spark plug boot/lead or degraded wiring to the coil
• Fuel system
  • Dirty or restricted fuel injector for cylinder 2
  • Low or unstable fuel pressure (fuel pump or fuel rail issue)
  • Contaminated fuel or a faulty regulator
• Air and vacuum system
  • Vacuum leak near cylinder 2 (vacuum hose, intake manifold gasket, PCV system)
  • Mass Air Flow sensor or intake airflow issue causing overall lean/rich conditions impacting cylinder balance
• Mechanical and internal engine
  • Compression issue in cylinder 2 (worn piston ring, valve, or cylinder wall problem)
  • Timing concerns in extreme cases (rare, but possible on engine with timing chain/belt wear)
• Electrical/engine management
  • Faulty PCM/ECU wiring or a poor connection to cylinder 2 components
  • Intermittent faults in sensor inputs (cam/crank position sensor, oxygen sensors) that destabilize cylinder timing or fueling
• Associated symptoms or secondary codes
  • Often accompanied by P0300 (random/multiple misfires) or P0301, P0303, P0304 (other cylinders misfiring)
  • Possible related coil codes (e.g., P0352 for ignition coil cylinder 2 primary/secondary circuit) if the issue is coil-related

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

• Engine misfire symptoms
  • Rough idle or shaking at idle
  • Decreased engine power or hesitation on acceleration
  • Poor acceleration or stumble when pressing the accelerator
  • Surging or bucking under load
  • Decreased fuel economy
  • MIL illuminated on dash; check engine light on
• Other related signs (not always present)
  • Slight exhaust odor from unburned fuel
  • Popping or coughing sounds from the exhaust
  • Misfire more noticeable at cold start or at specific RPMs

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (step-by-step approach)

Important: Start with a proper scan and then proceed with targeted checks. Use a good OBD-II scanner that can read live data and freeze-frame data.

• Step A: Confirm and gather data

  • Retrieve the DTC P0302 with a scanner and note freeze-frame data (engine RPM, load, temperature, fuel trim, etc.).
  • Check for related codes (P0300, other P030x codes, P0352, fuel trims, misfire-related sensors).
  • Clear codes, run engine, and see if P0302 returns.

• Step B: Visual inspection and quick tests

  • Inspect the spark plug on cylinder 2 for wear, fouling, or damage; check the plug gap and seating.
  • Inspect the ignition coil or COP boot for cracks, arcing, or moisture; check electrical connector for corrosion or loose fit.
  • Inspect vacuum hoses around the intake manifold and PCV system for cracks or leaks.

• Step C: Swap or swap-follow test (misfire follow test)

  • Swap ignition coil from cylinder 2 to another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 3) and run the engine. If the misfire follows the coil (P0303 appears on the new cylinder), the coil is likely at fault. If the misfire remains on cylinder 2 after swap, the coil is likely not the culprit, proceed to further tests.
  • Alternatively, swap spark plug from cylinder 2 with a known good plug from a different cylinder to see if the misfire moves.

• Step D: Fuel delivery and air intake checks

  • Check fuel pressure to ensure it’s within spec for your engine (refer to service manual). Low fuel pressure can cause misfires.
  • If equipped, run an injector balance test or listen to injector operation with a stethoscope to determine if injector 2 is not firing or is weak.
  • Inspect mass airflow sensor and intake air leaks; clean/replace MAF sensor if dirty and recheck.

• Step E: Compression and mechanical checks

  • Perform a compression test on cylinder 2 and compare to the other cylinders. A significant difference indicates mechanical wear or valve/seal issues.
  • If compression is low, perform a leak-down test to identify the source (piston ring, valve, or head gasket).

• Step F: Recheck and validate

  • After any repair, re-scan for codes and re-run the engine to verify the misfire is resolved.
  • Monitor ignition-related data (coil current, spark plug voltage if your scanner supports it) and fuel trims during a road test.

• Step G: Escalation

  • If the misfire persists after all host components (spark plug, coil, injector, fuel pressure, air leaks, compression) have been tested and addressed, consider ECU/PCM software updates, wiring harness issues, or more in-depth diagnostics by a Ford dealer or experienced shop.

RELATED CODES

• P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire
• P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire
• P0303 – Cylinder 3 Misfire
• P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire
• P0352 – Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction (commonly associated with coil faults on cylinder 2 in many vehicles; still vehicle/model dependent)
• If related conditions exist (e.g., lean/rich fuel trim signals, oxygen sensor codes), you may see P0171 / P0174, etc., but those are not guaranteed to appear with P0302.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICE RANGES)

Costs depend on engine variant (3-cylinder 1.5L, 4-cylinder 2.0L, or hybrid) and labor rates in your area. The ranges below assume an independent shop; dealer prices can be higher.

• Diagnostic fees

  • Independent shop: about $80–$150
  • Dealership: about $100–$180

• Spark plug replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Parts: $5–$40 per plug (modern Ford often uses iridium/long-life plugs; price varies)
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Total estimate: $120–$350 (independent); $200–$500 (dealership)

• Ignition coil replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Parts: $40–$180
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Total estimate: $180–$420 (independent); $260–$650 (dealership)
  • Note: If the coil pack is integrated with a wiring harness or if coil packs are modular, price can vary.

• Fuel injector service/replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Cleaning/injector service: $50–$120
  • Replacement injector: $150–$350 plus labor
  • Total estimate: $250–$700 (independent); more if multiple injectors or additional labor is required

• Fuel system and fuel pressure checks

  • Fuel pressure test and diagnosis: $100–$150 (part of diagnostic work)

• Vacuum leak repair

  • Hose/seal/pattern repairs: $50–$200 parts; $50–$150 labor
  • More complex manifold gasket repairs can rise to $250–$600

• Compression/engine mechanical repairs

  • Minor: cylinder head gasket or piston-related issues can be $800–$2,000 depending on scope
  • Major: significant engine work (overhaul or replacement) could exceed $2,500–$5,000

• Catalytic converter concerns (if misfire caused excessive catalyst damage)

  • Catalytic converter replacement: typically $1,000–$2,500 (parts and labor)

Important notes:

• The exact cylinder 2 location and the required parts depend on your Escape’s engine variant. Always verify with your VIN and service manual.
• If damage to the catalytic converter or other major components has occurred due to prolonged misfire, the cost can escalate quickly.
• In many cases, fixing a misfire is a stepwise process: plug/coil first, injector or fuel delivery second, vacuum/air issues third, then mechanical aspects if needed.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly aspects (with precautions)
  • Replacing a single spark plug and its ignition coil on accessible engines is a common DIY job for many enthusiasts.
  • A cylinder-to-cylinder coil swap test is a straightforward diagnostic technique.
  • Visual inspection of spark plugs, coils, and accessible vacuum lines is doable with basic tools.
  • You’ll need proper torque specs for spark plugs and a secure coil connection; use OEM-recommended parts and anti-seize where appropriate (per Ford guidelines).
• DIY considerations and caveats
  • In modern Ford Escapes, some engine designs require more disassembly to access plugs/coils; this can be time-consuming and may damage nearby components if done improperly.
  • Mistakes in ignition wiring or fuel pressure testing can lead to safety concerns or further damage.
• When to go professional
  • If you lack tools or experience with ignition/fuel systems, prefer a professional diagnosis.
  • If misfire persists after replacing plug/coil and you don’t have access to reliable fuel pressure or compression testing equipment, a shop investigation is recommended.
  • Engine mechanical issues (compression loss) require specialized equipment and expertise.
• Insurance of diagnosis
  • Start with a targeted diagnosis (swap test for coil/plug, fuel pressure test, vacuum leak check) before replacing major components to avoid unnecessary parts costs.

PREVENTION

• Routine maintenance and inspection
  • Replace spark plugs at manufacturer-recommended intervals for your engine variant (Ford typically specifies intervals around 100k miles for many 1.5L and 2.0L EcoBoost configurations with long-life plugs; verify for your exact engine).
  • Use OEM-approved spark plugs and ignition coils; avoid mixed-brand parts that don’t meet Ford specs.
  • Replace dirty air filters and keep the intake clean to minimize abnormal air/fuel mixtures.
  • Use high-quality fuel and keep the fuel system clean; consider periodic fuel system cleaning if you drive in conditions that invite deposit buildup.
  • Inspect vacuum hoses and PCV system for cracks or leaks; fix promptly to avoid lean/rich conditions.
  • Regularly scan for codes and monitor fuel trims to catch misfires early.
• Driving habits
  • Avoid extended low-load idle or long periods of rapid acceleration with poor fuel delivery.
  • On turbocharged or direct-injection engines, heat cycling and proper warm-up aid longer component life.
• Documentation
  • If you’ve had intermittent misfires, keep service records, including spark plug part numbers, coil replacement history, and fuel system service history. This helps the next technician diagnose faster.

Final notes and data transparency

• The provided data set shows no P0302 complaints for 2020–2024 Ford Escape in the NHTSA entries you supplied. Therefore, no data-driven frequency or statistically-supported conclusions about P0302 prevalence can be drawn from that data. The guidance above is a practical, general diagnostic guide for P0302 misfires on Ford Escapes and aligns with common automotive experience.
• No recalls found in the NHTSA database for this make/model/year in the supplied data. If you suspect a factory-related issue, verify with an official NHTSA recall search or your dealer service bulletin database.
• This guide is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If in doubt, consult a qualified automotive technician to perform hands-on inspection and testing.

If you’d like, I can tailor the guide to a specific Escape engine variant (for example, 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder vs 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder) by listing part numbers for that engine family, typical torque specs for spark plugs, and a more precise cost estimate based on your exact trim and location.