What people keep running into with engine trouble
Complaints tagged engine trouble, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
18 recurring problems · 510 people · 6 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 168Vehicle cranks after fuel pump replacement but won't startA replacement fuel pump can deliver pressure while flooding the engine with excess gas, preventing it from catching. This leaves the vehicle cranking normally but refusing to start or run.
- 94How to figure out what an unfamiliar car engine noise isUnfamiliar engine noises like chattering, squeaking, or sounds that change when you turn the steering wheel make it difficult to figure out what is broken. Without knowing the source, car owners cannot tell if the vehicle is safe to drive or what repairs are needed.
- 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.
- 26Engine misfires and RPM surging when driving uphillPersistent engine misfires under load often happen when a failing ignition component or restricted fuel delivery breaks down under heat and pressure. This prevents smooth acceleration at highway speeds and causes intermittent multiple misfire codes that clear out after the engine cools down.
- 25Why does my car stall when I come to a stop?Vehicles sometimes shut off or shake and drop RPMs when coming to a stop sign, red light, or while reversing early in a drive. This happens even with accessories like the AC and radio turned off, leaving drivers uncertain about mechanical issues while a persistent P0328 code returns.
- 24Why does my car lose power when I step on the gas?The engine accelerates fine under light input but bogs down, bounces revs, or stops gaining speed entirely when the pedal is floored. This prevents the vehicle from speeding up past a certain threshold or responding when full power is demanded to pass or merge.
- 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.
- 10How to fix a coolant leak and sludge in an old carLow coolant levels and sludge buildup typically indicate oil mixing with the coolant, often caused by a failing head gasket or oil cooler. Trying to fix a leak with temporary tape or sealants on an older vehicle will not resolve underlying mechanical failures and can lead to complete engine overheating.
- 7Why does my truck stall and die when shifting into reverse?Vehicles can stall immediately upon shifting into reverse or drive, accompanied by severe jerking and high idling speeds. This persistent issue can happen even with a brand new transmission installed, preventing the vehicle from operating normally when changing gears.
- 6Someone put gel beads in my car gas tankIntentional contamination like gel beads or foreign objects in a gas tank blocks fuel flow and ruins the fuel system if started. Cleaning it requires dropping and flushing the tank completely, preventing the car from being driven safely until all foreign matter is removed.
- 6Why does my engine stall when engaging the clutch?Bringing the clutch to its bite point causes the engine RPM to drop dramatically or die out completely. This sudden loss of power often happens after recent component replacements or a manual transmission conversion, making the vehicle unreliable when shifting into gear.
- 6Oil pressure light came on right after an oil changeAn illuminated oil pressure light shortly after service creates immediate uncertainty over whether it is safe to keep driving or if the vehicle needs to be parked immediately. This leaves drivers anxious about whether they can safely commute or if they risk severe engine damage before getting it to a shop.
- 5Can a temporary head gasket fix last for a few months?Temporary head gasket repairs and sealer treatments leave drivers unsure whether the engine will keep burning coolant, running hot, or leaking fluid into the oil to form a milky mixture. This uncertainty makes it difficult to know if a short-term fix will reliably hold up until they can get a new car or if it will demand ongoing oil changes and fluid monitoring.
- 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.
- 4Manual transmission still making noise after fluid top offTopping off the transmission fluid can quiet most gears, but a specific gear like 6th can continue to wear down and grow noisier if internal components are already damaged. This persistent wear leads to total gear failure, effectively turning a multi-speed transmission into a lower-speed unit.
- 3Car shaking and burning smell while drivingA vehicle shaking and emitting a burning or gas smell at highway speeds points to severe mechanical or fuel system malfunctions. Ignoring these symptoms prevents safe operation and can lead to sudden engine failure or fire hazards.
- 3Why is my car losing oil with no leaks or smoke?Engines can silently consume oil internally through worn piston rings, faulty valve stem seals, or a failing PCV valve that pulls oil directly into the combustion chamber without producing visible blue smoke. This hidden consumption forces drivers to constantly top off fluid levels and risks severe engine damage if the oil drops too low between regular changes.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.