Weird shudder when slowing, help!
Weird shudder when slowing, help!
I was slowing down for a red light today when the car shuddered for a second. it's happened once before. the car was already running for about 20 mins and the engine temp read normal. it was 45 degrees out and i have no modifications at all. what could be the problem?
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 14
From: Toronto
Did you notice anything weird happening on your tach when it shuddered? Did it suddenly dip into very low rpm range? The shuddering can be from one of your brakes seizing, the engine nearly stalling (low rpm), or any number of things I suppose.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Ga
I had that happen to my car also, the dealer checked it out and couldn't find anything wrong. They recommended to change the place I buy gas as it may be inferior. Let me know if you find anything.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
Have the dealership check it. It sounds like a intake/fuel issue. These cars can hicup from time to time. I remember when I first got mine and I would push to red line and the car would tap the limiter before it shifted. Its happened twice but nothing since then
i did notice the RPM was around 500 but usually this happens when i come to a full stop. the car was still rolling. i filled up with BP gas. i don't remember which type of gas i filled up with the first time it happened. i'm afraid to call the dealership since my car is out of warranty but we'll see.
Trending Topics
I have had family members in the gas delivery business in the past, gas is gas. Mixing stations will not do jack. Arco gas is same as other gas. The chevron gas with techroline is like a huge 60,000 gallon tank and they dump in like a quart of additive. Octane grading can cause this, not brand or station variation.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 254
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
I was slowing down for a red light today when the car shuddered for a second. it's happened once before. the car was already running for about 20 mins and the engine temp read normal. it was 45 degrees out and i have no modifications at all. what could be the problem?
Please clarify what you mean by "shuddered." Did you feel this coming through the brake pedal while you were applying the brakes or was it the engine that "shuddered" while slowing down. If you felt it coming through the brakes, you likely have warped rotors. If it was the engine, my guess is that the tranny did not downshift while the car was slowing down, and this caused the engine rpm's to drop to the point that you felt the shuddering, almost stalling like BinaryJay stated.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 14
From: Toronto
If you can't make it happen consistently then there isn't really one. If you can, then your transmission should still be under warranty no?
luckily it's only happened twice in the 9-10 months i've had the car. it's just that the two times it has happened was just a few days ago and then maybe a month ago. this forum has so many knowledgeable members that i was looking for some insight about if this is a major problem that will get worse over time. i'm just over 71,000 miles on my car so yeah it should be under warranty. thank you everyone for your input!
Rookie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
My car occasionally does the same thing when I'm sitting idle, in reverse, or slowing down. I took it to the dealership and they couldn't find anything wrong. They told me to try and do a fuel injector cleaner. Still no luck. Let me know if anyone finds out anything.
