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P0301 on CHEVROLET CRUZE

Severity
Medium
NHTSA Reports
2
Most Affected
2016, 2017

What P0301 Means on Your CHEVROLET CRUZE

Real CHEVROLET CRUZE Owner Reports (Source: NHTSA Complaints Database)

"P0301 code; stabilitrak light flashes intermittently; after taking it to a mechanic for diagnostics the mechanic stated that compression on cylinders 2-4 was 120psi; cylinder 1 is at 15 psi; after further testing found issue with piston. vehicle will shake when running on idle, slow to start."

— 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE owner • ENGINE • Filed 03/17/2020

"Cylinder 1 experienced cracking due to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI, commonly referred to as “Knock”) just after exiting the highway in a 70 mph zone and produced a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) code of P0301."

— 2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE owner • POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE • Filed 06/27/2021

Data from NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. All reports are filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Common Causes of P0301 on CHEVROLET CRUZE

50%
50%

Percentages based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

Complaint Trend by Year

2016
1
2017
1

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if your vehicle is covered.

  2. 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. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2-3 quotes. Dealer vs independent shop prices often differ 30-50% for the same repair.

P0301 on Other Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (U.S. Department of Transportation) and the SAE J2012 OBD-II standard. Code definitions follow the SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 standard. Owner reports are filed directly with NHTSA by vehicle owners. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional automotive diagnosis. Always consult a qualified mechanic for vehicle repair decisions.

Last updated: March 2026