P0324 — Knock/Combustion Vibration Control System Error

What Does P0324 Mean?

P0324 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Knock/Combustion Vibration Control System Error. This code relates to the ignition system system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 3 different vehicle models.

Engine misfires are detected by monitoring crankshaft rotational speed variations. Each cylinder's power stroke produces a characteristic acceleration pattern. When a cylinder fails to fire, the crankshaft decelerates during that cylinder's stroke. The ECM identifies which cylinder misfired and how often. P0313-P0399 codes cover extended misfire monitoring including lean misfire detection, knock-related ignition faults, and secondary ignition monitoring. A flashing check engine light during active misfires is an emergency — raw unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter, potentially destroying it.

Symptoms of P0324

⚠️ Check engine light on (may flash during active misfire)
⚠️ Engine misfiring — rough idle, stumbling, shaking
⚠️ Loss of power during acceleration
⚠️ Increased emissions and fuel consumption
⚠️ Catalytic converter damage if ignored
⚠️ Possible engine vibration at idle

Common Causes

🔍 Worn or fouled spark plugs
🔍 Faulty ignition coil
🔍 Vacuum leak causing lean misfire
🔍 Fuel injector issue (clogged, leaking, or electrical)
🔍 Low compression (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
🔍 Incorrect ignition timing

P0324 Reports by Year

2015

2

2025

1

2023

1

Real Owner Reports

From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.

"PURCHASED CAR FROM TOYOTA OF ROCKWALL IN JAN 2015. IN JULY 2015 STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH SHIFT NOT COMING OUT OF PARK, SOMETIMES THE PROBLEM WOULD NOT DUPLICATE, SO I HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE SHOP MULTIPLE TIMES. INITIALLY TOOK CAR TO STONEBRIAR CHEVY (FRISCO, TX), WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY. THE "
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 11/03/2015

"WHILE DRIVING 55MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY. SHORTLY AFTER, A MESSAGE READING "SERVICE STABILI TRAK" APPEARED. THEN, ANOTHER MESSAGE APPEARED "ENGINE POWER REDUCED". MY CAR STARTED SHAKING FIERCELY AND I COULD NOT GO ABOVE 30MPH. I FELT LIKE I WAS SITTING ON A TICKING TIME BO"
— Chevrolet Equinox owner, 01/02/2015

"I have this code p0324 and I replaced the whole knock sensor including the wiring with it and the code still pop up, my car is Chevy Cruze 2014 LTZ 1.4 L4 Turbo. Yesterday I went to dealer to program it and they did program the PCM and later in the evening, the check engine light pop up again with t"
— Chevrolet Cruze owner, 04/28/2025

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Most Reported Vehicles for P0324

Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.

#	Vehicle	Reports
1	CHEVROLET EQUINOX
2	CHEVROLET CRUZE
3	GMC TERRAIN

P0324 Reports by Vehicle

Detailed NHTSA complaint analysis for each vehicle model.

CHEVROLET EQUINOX

2 NHTSA reports · Peak: 2010

Diagnostic Tips

Check misfire counters in Mode 6 data — identifies which cylinder(s) are misfiring most
Swap ignition coil to another cylinder — if misfire follows, coil is bad
Check spark plugs — worn electrode, fouled with oil or carbon, cracked insulator all cause misfires
Perform compression test on affected cylinder(s) — low compression means mechanical issue

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Replacing coils without checking spark plugs — a worn plug will kill a new coil
❌ Ignoring a flashing check engine light — this means severe misfire that's damaging the catalytic converter NOW
❌ Replacing ignition parts when the misfire is caused by a vacuum leak or low compression

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a flashing check engine light mean?

A flashing CEL means severe, active misfire that risks catalytic converter damage. Pull over safely and reduce engine load. Do not rev the engine. Drive gently to a repair facility or have it towed. This is the only CEL condition that warrants immediate action.

Can misfires damage my engine?

Misfires themselves don't usually damage the engine, but they can destroy the catalytic converter ($1000-$3000). Severe misfires also dilute engine oil with raw fuel, reducing lubrication. Extended misfires should always be repaired promptly.

Why does my car misfire only when cold?

Cold misfires are often caused by slightly worn spark plugs (gap too wide for cold, dense air-fuel mixture), marginal ignition coils that work fine once warm, or small vacuum leaks that are more noticeable at cold idle RPM.

What To Do Next

Possible Fixes

🔧 Replace spark plugs
🔧 Replace ignition coil(s)
🔧 Repair vacuum leak
🔧 Clean or replace fuel injector
🔧 Engine mechanical repair (valves, rings, gasket)

1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.

P0324: Knock/Combustion Vibration Control System Error