Chevrolet code
P0300: on a Chevrolet
How much to fix P0300 on a Chevrolet? Typically $85 to $510 for spark plug replacement, the most common fix. This is an estimate, not a quote.
P0300 means the engine misfires on random cylinders. On Chevy trucks and SUVs with cylinder deactivation, the misfire often starts with a lifter that does not lift properly. On the 2.4 four-cylinder cars, it often starts with oil-fouled plugs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Silverado 1500 | 2007 to 2018 | 5.3 and 6.0 V8 with cylinder deactivation. |
| Tahoe | 2007 to 2020 | Same V8 and the same lifter wear pattern. |
| Equinox | 2010 to 2017 | 2.4 four-cylinder that can burn oil and foul plugs. |
| Malibu | 2008 to 2015 | 2.4 four-cylinder. |
Common causes on a Chevrolet
- Collapsed lifter on a deactivation cylinder (V8s). It makes a ticking sound and a rough idle.
- Spark plugs fouled by oil on the 2.4 four-cylinder.
- Ignition coils that fail one at a time as the engine heats up.
- Vacuum leak at the intake manifold.
NHTSA's public complaint file shows how owners describe this kind of trouble: the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has 638 complaints on file, and 24 of them use wording like misfire, P0300, rough idle, ticking; the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has 685 complaints on file, and 277 of them use wording like misfire, P0300, rough idle, ticking. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a cause.
Check this first
- Note whether the misfire is at idle, at load, or only cold.
- Listen for ticking from the valve covers on a V8.
- Check the spark plug condition on the 2.4: black and wet means oil.
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 are inexpensive. A lifter job is major work and should be confirmed before a quote is accepted.
Other repairs that may be involved
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $85 to $510 |
| Ignition coil replacement (one coil) | $70 to $320 |
Questions to ask the shop
- Which cylinder is misfiring most?
- Did you inspect plugs and coils?
- Is the lifter diagnosis proven?
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Wondering if a recall touches this problem? See Chevrolet recalls by model or check a VIN.
P0300 on a Chevrolet: questions
Can I drive with P0300?
Only gently. A flashing light means stop; repeated misfire can destroy the converter.
Do I need to replace all coils?
Not unless tests point there.
How much does it cost to fix P0300 on a Chevrolet?
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
- NHTSA complaints, 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA complaints, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
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.