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What causes a car to sputter when accelerating?

I have a used 2016 Toyota Corolla that usually runs great, but lately, I am having some trouble when I hit the gas pedal. What causes a car to sputter when accelerating?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your car sputters when accelerating, there is probably a problem with your fuel system.
Your
Toyota
’s fuel system has three main components that can get corroded, dirty, or clogged. If any of these parts need repair or replacement, that could be why your car sputters when accelerating. The three components are:
  • Fuel filter: Will cost around $130 to replace
  • Fuel pump: Will cost around $500-$1000 to replace
  • Fuel injectors: Will cost around $500-1000 to replace
Because of how these parts work together, your problem will continue to worsen and affect other parts if you don’t take action. However, if you catch the problem early, you can replace your filter and have your fuel system cleaned for a fraction of the cost ($50-$80) of replacing parts.
Pro-Tip: Fuel system cleaning should be part of your car’s
basic maintenance
. Keeping that system clean dramatically decreases the likelihood that you will ever need to replace parts.
Just like basic maintenance can save you money on repairs, having
Jerry
do an insurance check-up can save you money on your
car insurance
. As a result, Jerry customers save on average $800+ per year on car insurance—and all you have to do is download the app and answer a couple of questions.
View full answer 
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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