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2021 Audi P0303: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?

P0303 on the 2021 Audi: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.

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What this code means

The PCM has detected a misfire specifically on cylinder 3. Diagnosis follows the same steps as P0301—swap parts to the same position on a known-good cylinder to isolate the fault.

Common causes on the 2021 Audi

  • Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 3
  • Failing ignition coil on cylinder 3
  • Leaking or clogged fuel injector
  • Low compression on cylinder 3

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light, often flashing under load
  • Rough idle or shaking
  • Loss of power, hesitation

Typical fixes

  • Replace spark plug and coil on cylinder 3
  • Test and replace fuel injector
  • Compression test if ignition parts don't resolve it

Repair cost range

For a 2021 Audi, repairs for P0303 typically fall between $150 and $900, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.

Known issues on Audi

Audi 3.0T TFSI supercharged V6 P0303 (rear bank, cylinder 3) often comes from a failed ignition coil or injector. The 3.0T's FSI direct injection causes less carbon than lower-RPM applications. On the 4.2L FSI V8, cylinder 3 coil failures are common past 80k miles.

Most commonly affected models

A6 3.0T TFSI C7 2012–2018Q7 3.0T 2010–2015A8 4.2L FSI D4 2011–2018

Is it safe to keep driving your 2021 Audi with this code?

For driving-safety guidance—how far you can go, when to tow, and what's urgent—see these checklists:

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