Why does my car jerk and whine when accelerating around a turn?
Car jerking and whining exclusively during turns while pressing the gas pedal usually points to a drivetrain or differential issue, since the problem disappears when driving in a straight line. This sudden kicking sensation makes driving unpredictable and prevents normal, smooth acceleration from a stop or around corners.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Taking the car to a mechanic to inspect components on a lift and check for error codes
- 2taking the vehicle to a dealership for diagnostics
- 3suspecting motor or transmission mounts
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Today I experienced a strange jerking (kicking) sensation when accelerating from a stop while turning a corner. The car feels almost like it wants to "jump" violently, accompanied by a whining noise.”source ↗
“Now, it happens every time I turn while pressing the gas pedal. This does not happen when driving in a straight line—the car accelerates properly with no RPM fluctuations or unusual noises.”source ↗
“Lexus didn't figure anything out and I need some help (I suspect they only drove it and checked for codes).”source ↗
“When it's parked and idling back and forth awhile between ICE and EV, it jumps pretty violently when the ICE starts back up.”source ↗
“Also, you know how it appears to shift up and down on the highway, it jerks/jumps/hammers when you completely let off the gas at highway speeds and it shifts, or when you give it a bit more gas and it downshifts.”source ↗
“To me it seems like motor mounts or trans mounts but I haven't been able to look, no car work at my apartments.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
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- 2Why does my car go into limp mode after warming up?
- 2Why does my car suddenly slam on the brakes by itself?