Why does my car judder when accelerating?
A judder or shudder when accelerating — especially from a standstill — is often clutch-related (clutch judder) or caused by worn engine or gearbox mounts. On automatic vehicles, transmission shudder during acceleration can indicate low or degraded transmission fluid or a failing torque converter. A sharp, jerky judder on pulling away in cold weather that smooths out when warm often points to a worn engine mount.
Likely causes
Worn or contaminated clutch (clutch judder)
Judder specifically when pulling away from rest — clutch engages unevenly
Worn engine or gearbox mount
Clunk or judder when accelerating from rest — engine rocks on worn rubber mount
CV joint wear
Judder under load during acceleration — worn inner CV joint is common
Automatic transmission shudder
Torque converter or degraded transmission fluid on automatic gearboxes
Repairs you may need
Typical cost range: £100–£700 — Engine/gearbox mount: £150–350. CV joint: £180–400. Clutch: £500–1,100.
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