Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
This code means the engine computer detected that cylinder 6 is misfiring, so the air-fuel mixture isn't igniting properly on that cylinder. It's most often caused by a worn spark plug, a failing ignition coil, or a faulty fuel injector, with vacuum leaks or low compression as other possibilities. Typical fixes are replacing the spark plug or coil for cylinder 6, and it's usually repairable without major engine work.
$100 – $500
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Only if you have to, and not far. A misfiring cylinder 6 sends raw fuel into the exhaust and can quickly damage the catalytic converter. If the light flashes, stop and tow the car; if it's steady, drive gently straight to a shop.
Usually $100 to $500. Replacing a spark plug or one ignition coil is cheap, while an injector or compression-related fix runs higher. Pinning down the exact cause first saves money on unnecessary parts.
Yes, because misfires can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter, which is costly to replace. Fortunately the underlying cause is often an inexpensive, common part, so prompt repair keeps costs down.
If your plugs are old or high-mileage, replacing the full set at once is often smart since the others are likely near the end of their life too. If they were recently changed, replacing just cylinder 6's plug or coil may be enough.