What is a potential consequence of a clogged fuel injector?

A clogged fuel injector can lead to misfires and poor engine performance due to its critical role in delivering the proper amount of fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. When the injector is blocked or restricted, it cannot spray the fuel correctly, which results in uneven fuel distribution. This imbalance can cause the engine to misfire, as some cylinders may receive less fuel than needed, while others may get an excess. Consequently, this uneven combustion can lead to a rough engine operation, reduced power output, and overall diminished performance.

Other options suggest outcomes that are not associated with a clogged injector. Improved combustion efficiency and smoother idle operation are unlikely because a clogged injector disrupts the precise fuel-air mixture necessary for optimal combustion. Engine overheating is also not a direct consequence of a clogged injector; it can arise from various other issues, but it is not a primary effect of injector blockage. Thus, the significant impact on engine performance is the reason why misfires and poor performance stands out as the correct consequence of a clogged fuel injector.