Many Nissan owners are encountering a frustrating issue: the OBDII code P0300, indicating a random engine misfire. This problem can persist despite dealership visits and standard diagnostic checks. One owner of a 2022 Nissan SL reported experiencing this exact scenario, taking their vehicle to the dealership multiple times only to be told the battery is fine and the code is “residual.” This raises concerns about whether there’s a broader issue affecting Nissan vehicles, potentially warranting a factory service bulletin.
The P0300 code itself is a generic OBDII code, meaning it’s not specific to Nissan but indicates that multiple cylinders are misfiring randomly or intermittently. While a random misfire can stem from various sources, including spark plugs, ignition coils, or vacuum leaks, the user’s experience and online discussions point to fuel quality as a potential culprit, specifically ethanol content in gasoline.
As online sources indicate, ethanol in fuel, particularly at higher concentrations like E85, has been known to cause engine misfires and fuel system issues over time. Even lower ethanol blends like E15 can contribute to problems in some engines. The EPA states E15 is approved for use in 2001 and newer cars, but concerns about its long-term effects remain, especially in relation to misfires, rough idling, and cold start problems. The user in question was advised by a dealership that gasoline with ethanol could be the problem, switching to mid-grade ethanol-free fuel, yet the issue recurred.
This situation highlights the need for Nissan to investigate whether a factory service bulletin addressing the P0300 code and potential fuel-related misfires is necessary. A service bulletin would inform dealerships about a known issue and provide specific diagnostic and repair procedures. For Nissan owners experiencing persistent P0300 codes, especially on newer vehicles, documenting each instance and persistently reporting the issue to dealerships is crucial. This collective reporting can help push manufacturers to acknowledge potential widespread problems and issue necessary service bulletins to ensure customer satisfaction and vehicle reliability. Staying informed and persistent is key to resolving ongoing issues like the Nissan P0300 random misfire code.
