P0301 on a Volvo: Causes, Fixes & Repair Cost

🟠 Moderate severity · drivable

If the check engine light is flashing, stop driving — a severe misfire can damage the catalytic converter. A steady light is usually safe for a short drive to a shop.

What P0301 means on a Volvo

On a Volvo, P0301 means the engine computer has detected that cylinder 1 is not firing properly and is failing to contribute its share of power. Because it is a single-cylinder code, the fault is usually something specific to cylinder 1, like its spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector.

Is P0301 common on Volvos?

P0301 is common on Volvo's 2.0L four-cylinder engines in the XC60, XC90, and S60, where ignition coils and spark plugs are frequent wear items at higher mileage. These turbocharged direct-injection engines can also misfire from a weak injector on one cylinder. Swapping the coil with another cylinder is a quick way to confirm the diagnosis.

Commonly reported on: XC60, XC90, S60, V60.

Symptoms

Check engine light on (flashing if severe)
Rough idle or shaking at a stop
Loss of power or hesitation under acceleration
Poor fuel economy

Common causes

most common: Worn spark plug in cylinder 1
common: Failing ignition coil for cylinder 1
common: Clogged or leaking fuel injector in cylinder 1
less common: Vacuum leak near the intake
less common: Low compression in cylinder 1 from engine wear

How to fix it

Fix	DIY?	Typical cost
Replace the spark plug in cylinder 1	Yes	$40–150
Replace the ignition coil for cylinder 1	Yes	$100–300
Clean or replace the fuel injector in cylinder 1	Mechanic	$200–700
Run a compression test to rule out internal engine wear	Mechanic	$100–200