P0304 on a Volkswagen: Causes, Fixes & Repair Cost

🟠 Moderate severity · drivable

A steady light usually means you can drive a short distance, but a flashing light means the misfire is severe — pull over and get the Volkswagen towed.

What P0304 means on a Volkswagen

On a Volkswagen, P0304 means the engine computer found that cylinder 4 is misfiring — it is not burning fuel on schedule. Because the code names one cylinder, the fault is almost always cylinder 4's own spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector. VW engines use coil-on-plug ignition, so each cylinder has its own coil.

Is P0304 common on Volkswagens?

P0304 shows up on Volkswagens like the Jetta, Golf, Passat, and Tiguan, most often on the turbocharged 2.0T engines. Failing ignition coils are a well-known issue on these engines and a common cause of single-cylinder misfires. Worn spark plugs are also very common, and a failing fuel injector is less common but possible on direct-injection models.

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

Symptoms

Check engine light on, flashing if the misfire is severe
Rough idle or shaking while stopped
Loss of power or hesitation when accelerating
Worse fuel economy

Common causes

most common: Failing ignition coil for cylinder 4
common: Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 4
less common: Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 4
less common: Vacuum or intake air leak near cylinder 4

How to fix it

Fix	DIY?	Typical cost
Replace the cylinder 4 ignition coil	Yes	$60–180
Replace the spark plugs	Yes	$80–200
Swap the coil with another cylinder to confirm the fault first	Yes	$10–30
Replace the fuel injector on cylinder 4	Mechanic	$300–700

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive my Volkswagen with a P0304 code?

Only if the light is steady and the engine runs okay. A flashing light means a severe misfire, so stop driving to protect the catalytic converter.

What usually causes P0304 on a Volkswagen?

A failing ignition coil is the most common cause on the 2.0T engines. Worn spark plugs are the next most likely, and coil failures are well known on VWs.

How much does it cost to fix P0304 on a Volkswagen?

A single coil runs about $60 to $180 and spark plugs about $80 to $200. An injector replacement costs more, usually $300 to $700.