Posted on 10/31/2025
If your car jerks or bucks during gear changes, something isn’t right. Smooth shifting is one of the signs of a healthy drivetrain, and any unexpected movement could be a sign that a component is wearing out or malfunctioning. Whether the issue is occasional or happens consistently, it’s worth checking out. Many drivers assume a jerking sensation always means transmission trouble. While that’s a possibility, there are several other potential causes that can feel very similar. The key is to catch the problem early before it causes more serious damage or leaves you stuck on the side of the road. Is It the Transmission Itself? Your transmission is responsible for shifting gears and delivering power to the wheels at different speeds. When it starts to fail, it may cause rough or delayed shifting, hesitation when accelerating, or jerking between gears. Common transmission-related issues that cause jerking include: Low or dirty transmission fluid Worn ... read more