Question: My GMC Terrain keeps jerking suddenly while I’m stopping and I’m now kind of worried that something might be wrong with my car. What would cause my car to jerk forward like this?
Answer: Having your GMC Terrain or any other car jerk forward while you’re slowing to a stop can be scary. There are a few reasons this can happen.
Fuel & ignition troubles
- Spark plugs: If your spark plugs are dirty or failing, your engine might misfire, which can lead the car to jerk forward.
- Ignition coils: The ignition coil sends electricity to the spark plugs, so when they malfunction, it can also lead to misfires.
- Fuel injectors: If your fuel injectors are clogged, your engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to work properly, which can lead to a stuttering feeling at low speeds.
- Fuel filter: Similar to problems with your fuel injectors, a dirty filter can prevent fuel from reaching your engine.
- Oxygen or air flow sensor: If one of these sensors stops working properly, your engine might receive an improper air/fuel mixture, which can lead to misfires and other performance issues.
Transmission issues
Problems with these transmission parts could cause your GMC Terrain to jolt forward when you’re slowing or at a stop.
- Transmission filter: If your transmission filter gets clogged, transmission fluid won’t be able to flow smoothly through the system. This can lead to abrupt jerks when your car changes gears—like when you’re slowing down to stop.
- Torque converter: The torque converter keeps your engine from stalling, so if it fails, your car may stall or shudder when you come to a stop—or jerk forward if your car is in Drive while you’re stopped.
- Shift solenoids: Problems with your shift solenoids can cause your car to shift incorrectly.
- Speed sensor: The speed sensor is connected to the shift solenoids, so a malfunction can cause your car to improperly shift.
Brake problems
If your brakes aren’t working correctly, your GMC Terrain might jerk forward when you attempt to stop.
- Rotors: If your rotors or brake discs are worn unevenly, you might experience shuddering or jolting.
- Calipers: Over time, the calipers that squeeze your brake pads can become rusty or worn. This can cause your tires to stop unevenly, leading to a jolt when you brake.
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS): If your anti-lock brakes malfunction, your car’s computer may send signals that cause jerking or jolting.
Because there are so many different issues that can lead to your GMC Terrain jerking when you’re stopped, it can be hard to diagnose exactly what’s wrong. Try using an OBD-II scanner to see if your engine is sending any trouble codes (you can usually ask an employee at an auto parts store to check your vehicle for codes).
If that doesn’t work, take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic as soon as you can. Engine, transmission, and brake troubles can be serious and aren’t going to resolve themselves. If you put off having the work done, you’re risking further damage to your GMC Terrain.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
