2009 Subaru P0306: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?
P0306 on the 2009 Subaru: Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.
What this code means
Misfire on cylinder 6, found on V6 and V8 engines. On transversely-mounted V6 engines the rear bank cylinders (including cylinder 6) often have higher labor costs due to access difficulty.
Common causes on the 2009 Subaru
- Worn spark plug on cylinder 6
- Failed coil-on-plug
- Fuel injector fault
- Low compression
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light, may flash under load
- Rough idle or vibration
- Hesitation and power loss
Typical fixes
- Replace spark plug and COP coil on cylinder 6
- Replace or clean injector on cylinder 6
- Compression and leak-down test if no improvement
Repair cost range
For a 2009 Subaru, repairs for P0306 typically fall between $150 and $1200, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.
Known issues on Subaru
Subaru H6 P0306 on the rear-left cylinder should be evaluated for valve seat recession if accompanied by power loss. EZ30 H6 engines had documented valve seat issues in some markets. Compression test cylinder 6 before assuming an ignition fault.
Most commonly affected models