P0303 on a Volkswagen: Causes, Fixes & Repair Cost

🟠 Moderate severity · drivable

You can usually drive short distances with a steady light, but stop right away if the light flashes — a severe misfire can damage the catalytic converter.

What P0303 means on a Volkswagen

On a Volkswagen, P0303 means the computer has flagged cylinder 3 for misfiring. The fault is local to cylinder 3 — its spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector — rather than a system-wide problem.

Is P0303 common on Volkswagens?

P0303 is common on Volkswagens with higher mileage, especially the Jetta, Golf, and Passat. VW coil-on-plug ignition coils are a well-known weak point and a frequent cause of single-cylinder misfires. Worn spark plugs are the other usual cause.

Commonly reported on: Jetta, Golf, Passat, Tiguan.

Symptoms

Check engine light on (flashing if severe)
Rough, shaky idle
Loss of power or hesitation
Poor fuel economy

Common causes

most common: Failing ignition coil on cylinder 3
common: Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 3
common: Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 3
less common: Low compression in cylinder 3

How to fix it

Fix	DIY?	Typical cost
Swap the cylinder 3 coil and plug with another cylinder to confirm which part is bad	Yes	$0–20
Replace the cylinder 3 ignition coil	Yes	$60–200
Replace the cylinder 3 spark plug	Yes	$20–60
Have cylinder 3 compression-tested	Mechanic	$100–200