P0303 on Ford Fusion
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Ford Fusion context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P0303.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What P0303 Means on Your Ford Fusion
P0303 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Ford Fusion Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"I had coolant leaking in my 2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L causing a misfire in cylinder 3 from diagnostics code P0303."
"April 2019 while traveling on the highway check engine and dash lights flashed along with vehicle overheating message. had to pull over on the shoulder and call for a tow to the purchasing dealership. water pump was replaced and cooling system checked."
"The engine (1.5L EcoBoost) has suffered a failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, which has led to repeated engine misfires. Trouble codes P0303 (misfire cylinder 3) and P0316 (misfire on startup) were found."
"Coolant is leaking into cylinder 3 of the engine causing a misfiring and code P0303 to present itself. White exhaust is seen when the vehicle is turned on. Lots of vibrations present and the check engine light stays on."
"Check engine light, Code P0303. #3 cylinder misfire. Coolant leaking into cylinders 2 & 3 due to faulty casting of the short block. This was a known defect of 2015 Ford Fusion 1.5 liter EcoBoost engine by Ford Motor Co. No recall was issued. I was not notified of this defect until it happened."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Ford Fusion
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
-
1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
-
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
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.