P0303 Code: Ford Escape (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Here is a comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD2 code P0303 (Cylinder 3 misfire) as it applies to 2020–2024 Ford Escape. The guide combines general misfire knowledge with Ford Escape-specific considerations, and it uses the data you provided from the NHTSA dataset.

Executive note on the data you supplied

• In the provided NHTSA data, P0303 is not listed among the owner complaints for 2020–2024 Ford Escape. The complaints shown involve P0172, P0455, and P0420. No recalls are listed for these model years in the data.
• Because P0303 is not represented in the complaint data, there are no model-year–specific complaint frequency statistics to quote here. The diagnostic steps below reflect standard practices for a cylinder 3 misfire on Ford Escape 2020–2024, plus general misfire considerations.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What it means: P0303 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a misfire in cylinder 3. A misfire happens when the air/fuel mixture in that cylinder fails to ignite properly.
• How severe it can be:
  • Mild/temporary misfire: may cause rough idle or intermittent stumble, especially at low load or cold start.
  • Repeated or long-lasting misfire: can cause rough running, loss of power, reduced fuel economy, and elevated emissions. Unburned fuel entering the exhaust can overheat the catalytic converter if the problem persists.
  • Safety concerns: prolonged misfires can lead to engine damage if clearance intervals are long or if misfire occurs under load (e.g., during acceleration or climbing hills). If the misfire worsens during driving, engine power loss could affect acceleration and vehicle control.
• Related signals: MIL (check engine light) may be on; P0303 may appear alone or alongside other misfire or fuel/air system codes (for example P0300, P0301, P0302, P0304, etc.).

COMMON CAUSES ON FORD ESCAPE

Note: Ford Escape uses various engines in 2020–2024 models (e.g., 1.5L EcoBoost I3, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, hybrid configurations). While exact parts can vary by engine, the cylinder 3 misfire causes listed here cover typical sources across these engines.

• Ignition-related
  • Faulty spark plug in cylinder 3 (worn, fouled, oil-fouled, or damaged)
  • Failed ignition coil or coil boot for cylinder 3 (coil-on-plug designs are common)
  • Wiring harness or connector issue to the coil pack for cylinder 3 (corrosion, damaged wires, loose connectors)
• Fuel-delivery and combustion-related
  • Faulty or sticking fuel injector for cylinder 3 (insufficient spray, injector leak, or electrical issue)
  • Low or unstable fuel pressure affecting cylinder 3 (fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, or fuel filter condition)
  • Intake air issues around cylinder 3 (vacuum leak near the intake runner or gasket, PCV plumbing problems)
• Mechanical and compression-related
  • Low compression in cylinder 3 due to valve seating, piston ring wear, or other mechanical problems
  • Timing or cam/crank sensor concerns causing intermittent ignition timing issues (less common but possible)
• Sensor and control
  • Faulty crankshaft/camshaft position sensor reading that intermittently affects cylinder 3 timing
  • ECM/PCM software or intermittent sensor data causing misfire detection (less common, but possible after software updates)
• Other contributing factors
  • Dirty or degraded engine oil, causing slipping rings or valve train wear over time (less common as a primary cause, but can contribute to misfire symptoms)
  • Combustion chamber deposits or oil contamination in cylinder 3

SYMPTOMS

• Visible/feelable signs
  • Rough idle, especially when cold or at stoplights
  • Engine stumble or hesitation during acceleration
  • Noticeable loss of power or reduced acceleration while driving
  • Vibration or shudder at idle
• Diagnostic indicators
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) on with P0303
  • Possible simultaneous P0300 (random/multiple misfires) or P0301/P0302/P0304 (misfire in neighboring cylinders) if misfire is spreading
  • Possible increased fuel consumption
  • Occasional poor engine performance under load (hills, pulling away, passing maneuvers)

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Use a structured, data-driven approach. If you have a scan tool capable of live data, perform the following steps:

A. Confirm and collect baseline data

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0303 and check for any additional codes (P0300, P0301, P0302, P0304, P017x, P0171/P0172, etc.).
• Review freeze-frame data (engine load, RPM, temperature, fuel trim) at the time of misfire.
• Note misfire counts specific to cylinder 3 (if the scan tool provides this).

B. Inspect and service the cylinder 3 ignition and fuel path

• Spark plug: inspect cylinder 3 spark plug for wear, fouling, gap, or oil contamination. Replace if worn or damaged (use OEM/recommended heat range and torque spec).
• Ignition coil: swap the cylinder 3 coil with a known-good coil from another cylinder (e.g., swap 3 with 2 or 4). If the misfire follows the coil, the coil is the fault; if the misfire stays on cylinder 3, the coil is likely fine and the issue is elsewhere.
• Ignition wiring/connectors: inspect the coil-to-PCM wiring harness and connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Repair/replace as needed.
• Fuel injector: listen for injector operation for cylinder 3 with a mechanic’s stethoscope; if possible, swap the injector with another cylinder to see if the misfire follows the injector. Consider testing injector resistance and injector pulse width with an OBD tool or professional equipment.
• Fuel system baseline: check fuel pressure with a gauge to ensure it meets the engine’s specifications. Low or unstable pressure can cause misfires in one or more cylinders.

C. Check for vacuum and air-path issues

• Inspect all vacuum hoses around the intake manifold, especially near cylinder 3’s intake runner and PCV valve. Look for cracks, leaks, or disconnected hoses.
• Inspect intake plenum and gasket for any signs of leaks or damage around cylinder 3.

D. Assess compression and mechanical integrity

• If ignition and fuel systems check out, perform a compression test on cylinder 3 (and preferably across all cylinders for comparison).
• If compression is low in cylinder 3, investigate mechanical causes (valve seating, piston rings, head gasket) as indicated by the test results. A leak-down test can help localize the issue.

E. Consider sensor/ECM factors

• If all mechanical and fuel-related checks pass, consider sensor-related timing or ECM faults. Check for updated PCM software or known issues with your engine variant, and verify that live data shows consistent RPM and timing signals for cylinder 3.
• Clear codes and re-test after repairs to confirm the misfire returns or resolves.

F. Use environmental checks

• If the vehicle is hybrid or uses special engine controls (e.g., cylinder deactivation in some modes), verify that the mode isn’t intermittently affecting cylinder 3 misfire behavior.

Notes specific to Ford Escape engines (practical tips)

• 1.5L EcoBoost I3 engines (common in 2020–2024 Escapes) use individual ignition components per cylinder (coil-on-plug) and have three cylinders; cylinder 3 misfire tests often center on plug, coil, and injector health for that cylinder.
• 2.0L EcoBoost I4 engines (also used in some trims) have four cylinders with similar coil-on-plug layouts; cylinder 3 misfire testing follows the same principles but applies to that cylinder’s coil and injector.
• Modern Ford engines often share diagnostic procedures across cylinder misfires, but always cross-check the specific engine code (e.g., 1.5L vs 2.0L) for any service bulletins or torque specs.

RELATED CODES

• P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (may appear with P0303 if multiple misfires occur)
• P0301, P0302, P0304, P0305, P0306: Misfire in cylinders 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 (depending on engine; 2020–2024 Escape engines may have up to 4 cylinders or more in hybrid configurations)
• Other related codes that can accompany misfires
  • P0171/P0174: Fuel trim/system too lean or too rich (fuel delivery or vacuum issues can contribute to misfires)
  • P030X with accompanying P0300 or P017x codes

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Prices vary by region, shop, and engine variant. The following are typical ranges for common fixes on a 2020–2024 Ford Escape, in 2025 dollars. Labor rates commonly range from $100–$160 per hour, depending on location.

• Spark plug replacement (cylinder 3)

  • Parts: $5–$15 per plug (OEM or equivalent)
  • Labor: ~0.5–1.0 hours
  • Estimated total: $120–$260

• Ignition coil replacement (cylinder 3)

  • Parts: $60–$120 per coil
  • Labor: ~0.3–0.6 hours
  • Estimated total: $120–$260

• Fuel injector replacement (cylinder 3)

  • Parts: $80–$180
  • Labor: ~0.8–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $200–$450

• Fuel system or fuel pressure issue (pump, regulator, filter)

  • Parts: $100–$350 (depending on part)
  • Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours
  • Estimated total: $150–$800

• Vacuum leak repair (hose, gasket, PCV components)

  • Parts: $10–$60
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $100–$350

• Compression/valve/ piston/sealing issues (mechanical)

  • Parts: highly variable; if a valve or rings need repair
  • Labor: 2.0–6.0+ hours
  • Estimated total: $1,000–$4,000+ (engine-out repair, may require more extensive work)

• PCM/ECM issue

  • Parts: $300–$1,000 (plus programming fee)
  • Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours
  • Estimated total: $350–$1,500

• Diagnostic charge

  • Many shops charge a diagnostic fee if the problem isn’t resolved on first visit
  • Typical range: $80–$150 (some shops waive with repair)

Important notes

• If multiple cylinders are misfiring, or if the misfire persists after one-cylinder repairs, broader engine or fuel system investigations may be required.
• Always verify the exact engine variant in your Escape (1.5L vs 2.0L, hybrid vs non-hybrid) to get precise parts and labor estimates.
• Use OEM or manufacturer-approved parts when possible for reliability and warranty considerations.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly (with caveats):
  • Spark plug replacement for cylinder 3 is often doable for a mechanically inclined person with proper tools.
  • Replacing a single ignition coil and swapping a coil from cylinder to cylinder to diagnose a source is a common DIY approach.
  • Simple fuel-injector tests (like swapping injectors, listening with a stethoscope, or testing resistance) are possible with basic tools.
  • Pros: lower cost, quick diagnostics for simpler cases, satisfying a learning exercise.
  • Cons: risk of mis-diagnosis; some steps (fuel system pressure tests, compression tests, or diagnosing wiring harness issues) require specialized tools and safety precautions.
• Professional considerations:
  • If compression testing reveals a mechanical problem, or fuel system tests indicate inconsistent pressure, or if misfire persists after plug/coil/injector tests, a professional diagnostic is advisable.
  • A shop with Ford-specific experience can check for model-year–specific service bulletins, updated software, and more advanced diagnostics (scope tracing, noid tests, etc.).
• Safety and warranty:
  • Working with the fuel system or high-voltage ignition components requires caution. Follow proper safety procedures, PPE, and disconnect procedures as recommended by Ford service literature and tool manufacturers.
  • If the vehicle is under warranty, check coverage for ignition/fuel system components and ECU programming.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance
  • Replace spark plugs at the manufacturer-recommended interval with the correct heat range and torque.
  • Use recommended fuel grade and maintain clean fuel injectors through periodic cleaners or professional cleaning if recommended by Ford.
  • Replace fuel filters and ensure fuel pump operation remains within spec (especially in vehicles with higher mileage).
  • Keep air filters clean and replace as needed to maintain proper air intake.
• Vacuum and PCV system upkeep
  • Inspect hoses and PCV valves for cracks or leaks and replace as needed.
• Electrical system care
  • Inspect coil packs, wiring harnesses, and connectors for signs of wear or corrosion; replace faulty connectors promptly.
  • If you’re in a region with rough weather, protect electrical connectors from moisture and corrosion.
• Drive habits
  • Regular gentle acceleration and avoiding repeated high-load cycles when the engine is cold can help reduce misfire risk due to deposits or rough timing.
• Monitor and address issues early
  • If the check engine light comes on, read the DTCs promptly and address misfires early to avoid catalyst damage or unburned fuel entering the exhaust.

Recalls

• No recalls found in NHTSA database for the provided Ford Escape model years in the data.

Data limitations and transparency

• The dataset you provided does not include any P0303 complaints for 2020–2024 Ford Escape, so there are no model-year–specific complaint frequency numbers for P0303 in this set.
• The “No recalls found in NHTSA database” note is based on the data you supplied.
• The diagnostic guidance above uses general automotive knowledge and standard diagnostic methods applicable to Ford Escape engines in 2020–2024, not Ford-specific TSBs or recall details (since none were listed in your data).
• If you have access to more detailed, model-year–specific fault data (e.g., labor times for your exact engine, or any Ford TSBs for P0303 on Escape), I can tailor the recommendations more precisely.

If you want, tell me your Escape’s engine variant (1.5L EcoBoost vs 2.0L EcoBoost, hybrid or non-hybrid), whether you’ve seen the misfire at idle or under load, and any recent maintenance or symptoms. I can help prioritize which components to test first and provide a more targeted diagnostic plan and cost estimate for your exact situation.