Ford code
P0300: on a Ford
How much to fix P0300 on a Ford? Typically $85 to $510 for spark plug replacement, the most common fix. This is an estimate, not a quote.
On Fords, random misfires split into two groups: older V8 trucks with spark plug problems, and turbocharged engines where plug gap and condensation matter.
General meaning of P0300: The car computer watches how smoothly the crankshaft spins. It saw brief slowdowns that jump around between cylinders, or that it could not pin on one cylinder. Each slowdown is a cylinder that failed to burn its fuel, which wastes fuel and sends raw gas into the exhaust. See the full P0300 page.
Models to know about
| Model | Years | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | 2004 to 2020 | The 5.4 three-valve and 5.0 and EcoBoost engines all appear. |
| Escape | 2008 to 2019 | Mostly coils or plugs. |
| Explorer | 2011 to 2019 | V6. |
| Focus | 2012 to 2018 | Direct injection and a dual-clutch gearbox on some years. |
Common causes on a Ford
- Spark plugs worn or the wrong gap on a turbo engine.
- Coils that crack and arc.
- Condensation in the charge air cooler on EcoBoost engines, which can cause a misfire on hard acceleration.
- Intake carbon on direct-injection engines.
NHTSA's public complaint file shows how owners describe this kind of trouble: the 2013 Ford Escape has 2,757 complaints on file, and 118 of them use wording like misfire, P0300, rough idle, hesitat. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a cause.
Check this first
- Note if the misfire follows hard acceleration or rain.
- Ask when plugs were last changed; EcoBoosts like them often.
- Check the engine for oil in the plug wells.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $20 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 2.5 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $375 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $85 | $510 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Plugs and coils for Ford are cheap in parts but may need removal of intake pieces on some engines.
Other repairs that may be involved
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $85 to $510 |
| Ignition coil replacement (one coil) | $70 to $320 |
| Throttle body cleaning | $75 to $180 |
Questions to ask the shop
- Is the plug gap set for my engine?
- Did you check for intercooler condensation?
- Is it coils or plugs?
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Wondering if a recall touches this problem? See Ford recalls by model or check a VIN.
P0300 on a Ford: questions
Is P0300 on EcoBoost normal?
Not normal, but it is common on engines with old plugs.
Will a tune fix it?
No.
How much does it cost to fix P0300 on a Ford?
The most common fix, spark plug replacement, has a typical range of $85 to $510 across the US. That is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your model, engine and shop move it.
P0300 on other makes
Sources
Written from public NHTSA data, owner-reported patterns and general repair knowledge, in our own words. Model lists are examples, not a full list, and patterns are not a diagnosis. Prices updated October 2026. Not a repair shop, estimates only.