P0301 on Jeep vehicles
Cylinder 1 Misfire — what it means on a Jeep, whether it's safe to drive, and the fixes by model and year.
P0301 on a Jeep means cylinder 1 misfire. Stop driving and diagnose it before continuing — it can signal an unsafe condition. The most common cause is failed ignition coil on cylinder 1 (typically $80–$450). Pick your Jeep model below for its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
What does P0301 mean on a Jeep?
P0301 is set when the engine control module's misfire monitor detects that combustion is failing specifically in cylinder 1. The ECM identifies the affected cylinder by correlating crankshaft deceleration with camshaft position. The fact that only cylinder 1 is misfiring narrows the cause to parts that are specific to that cylinder — its plug, coil, injector, compression, or in some cases its harness wiring.
P0301 is a standardized OBD-II code, so its definition is the same on every Jeep. What differs by model and engine is which cause is most likely — pick your Jeep model below for a diagnosis tuned to its known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Is it safe to drive a Jeep with P0301?
No. P0301 is a high-severity code — avoid driving your Jeep until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.
What causes P0301 on a Jeep?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed ignition coil on cylinder 1 — On coil-on-plug engines this is the single most likely cause. | Most common | $80–$450 |
| Worn, fouled, or wrong-gap spark plug in cylinder 1 | Most common | $15–$80 |
| Clogged, leaking, or electrically failed injector on cylinder 1 | Common | $150–$800 |
| Burnt exhaust valve or low compression on cylinder 1 | Occasional | $800–$3,500 |
| Damaged or chafed wiring to the cylinder 1 coil or injector | Occasional | $80–$300 |
| Cracked cylinder 1 intake runner or local vacuum leak | Rare | $100–$600 |
Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by Jeep model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.
P0301 by Jeep model
Select your Jeep model and year for a P0301 diagnosis tuned to that vehicle's failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.
Jeep Wrangler
1,477 NHTSA owner complaints · 29 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,339 NHTSA owner complaints · 28 recalls on record across the years covered below.
Complaint and recall counts are NHTSA totals for the model years covered on this site, not counts specific to P0301.
P0301 on other makes
Other codes on Jeep vehicles
P0301 on a Jeep: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0301 mean on a Jeep?
P0301 is set when the engine control module's misfire monitor detects that combustion is failing specifically in cylinder 1. The ECM identifies the affected cylinder by correlating crankshaft deceleration with camshaft position. The fact that only cylinder 1 is misfiring narrows the cause to parts that are specific to that cylinder — its plug, coil, injector, compression, or in some cases its harness wiring. P0301 is a standardized OBD-II code, so the definition is the same on every Jeep — which cause is most likely varies by model and engine.
What are the symptoms of P0301 on a Jeep?
Check Engine Light steady or flashing depending on misfire severity. Distinct rough idle that smooths out at higher RPM. Stumble or hesitation under acceleration. Reduced engine power. Smell of unburned fuel from the exhaust. Faint exhaust pop or backfire on overrun in severe cases
What causes P0301 on a Jeep?
Failed ignition coil on cylinder 1 (most-common). Worn, fouled, or wrong-gap spark plug in cylinder 1 (most-common). Clogged, leaking, or electrically failed injector on cylinder 1 (common). Burnt exhaust valve or low compression on cylinder 1 (occasional). Damaged or chafed wiring to the cylinder 1 coil or injector (occasional). Cracked cylinder 1 intake runner or local vacuum leak (rare)
Is it safe to drive a Jeep with P0301?
No. P0301 is a high-severity code — avoid driving your Jeep until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.