What does code P0306 mean on a Volkswagen and is it safe to drive?
P0306: Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means on your Volkswagen, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and how safe it is 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 for your Volkswagen
- 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 Volkswagen, repairs for P0306 often fall between $150 and $1200, depending on the cause and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. Labor rates vary by location.
Known issues on Volkswagen
VW VR6 P0306 on the last rear-bank cylinder follows the same diagnosis as P0305. On VR6 engines past 120k miles, inspect the spark plug condition carefully—VR6 plugs run hotter due to the engine's combustion chamber geometry.
Most commonly affected models