What people keep running into with engine issues
Complaints tagged engine issues, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
12 recurring problems · 189 people · 4 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 74Why does my car make a loud rattle when starting the engine?An engine startup rattle indicates a mechanical noise occurring immediately upon ignition. This issue stops the engine from idling smoothly and can cause severe shaking throughout the vehicle cabin.
- 28Why does my car run terribly and stutter after a long drive?Extended driving triggers severe engine sluggishness, unusual valve train noises, and random cylinder misfire codes. These sudden performance drops cause RPM stuttering and electrical warnings that leave drivers stranded and unable to reach a diagnostic scanner.
- 23Why does my car engine cut out after driving for a while?An engine can die after thirty to forty minutes of driving, behaving as though it is out of fuel despite a full tank, and then refuse to restart for an hour or two until it cools down. This sudden loss of power and shutdown leaves drivers stranded and unable to rely on their vehicle for daily use.
- 19Metal flakes in engine oil after buying a used carFinding metal bits or debris in drained engine oil indicates internal engine wear or component failure. This discovery often signals a hidden mechanical problem that requires immediate investigation before the vehicle can be safely driven.
- 19Is it safe to drive with too much engine oil?Putting too much oil in an engine creates uncertainty about whether it can be driven safely or needs to be drained immediately. This leaves drivers anxious about whether they can make it to work or a shop without damaging their vehicle.
- 9Why 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.
- 5Smoke and oil leaking from engine bay after drivingOil leaking from components like the power steering rack and pinion can drip onto hot exhaust parts, causing smoke to billow from the engine bay. This leaves drivers worried and uncertain about what is causing the issue or how to diagnose it safely.
- 3Cylinder misfire and white smoke from exhaustAn engine misfire persisting on the same cylinder despite replacing spark plugs and checking coils, combined with white exhaust smoke, typically indicates coolant entering the combustion chamber. This can foul the spark plug and lead to ongoing misfires and smoke.
- 3Why is there a raw fuel smell and rough idle when stopped?When a warm engine idles for a short period and begins shaking while emitting a strong raw petrol smell from the exhaust, it indicates unburned fuel entering the exhaust system. This leaves drivers unsure of where to start diagnosing the issue or how to prevent potential damage.
- 2Turbo charge hose collapsing on accelerationThe turbo charge pipe collapses inward almost fully under high throttle, which restricts airflow and causes a sudden loss of boost. This issue triggers an amber drivetrain warning and prevents the engine from maintaining power during hard acceleration.
- 2Why is my car blowing oil smoke from the exhaust at startup?Vehicles often blow oil smoke shortly after starting up when they have been sitting for a while, though the smoke typically clears up and stops after about a minute. This momentary surge of smoke points to oil leaking past internal seals or components while parked, which then burns off once the engine runs.
- 2Why does my car keep running after I turn it off?When making multiple short stops back-to-back, the engine continues to turn, shake, or stall out instead of shutting down cleanly. This leaves the vehicle unable to start again a few minutes later, often requiring a jump start.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.