can an automatic car roll backwards in drive

[LeEmersyn]

Yes, an automatic car can roll backwards while in Drive (D), but this typically only happens in specific situations, primarily on an incline. The reason it doesn't usually happen is due to a fundamental component called a torque converter. This fluid coupling allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission, creating "idle creep"—the slight forward movement you feel when you release the brake on level ground.

However, the force of idle creep is relatively weak. On a sufficiently steep hill, the force of gravity pulling the car backward can overcome this forward torque. The vehicle's electronic systems are not actively applying the brakes to hold it in place unless it is equipped with a specific feature.

Most modern automatic transmissions include a hill start assist (HSA) feature. HSA automatically holds the brake pressure for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal, preventing any rollback and giving you time to press the accelerator. If your car is older or lacks this feature, you will need to use the traditional technique of quickly switching from the brake to the accelerator.

The following table outlines the behavior of different automatic vehicles on an incline:

Vehicle Type / Feature	Likelihood of Rolling Back in Drive	Key Reason
Modern Car with Hill Start Assist	Very Low	System automatically holds brakes.
Modern Car without Hill Start Assist	Possible on steep grades	Idle creep force is less than gravity.
Older Car (Pre-2000s)	Likely on steep grades	Relies solely on idle creep; no electronic aids.
Car with an Automatic Hold Feature	None	Brakes remain engaged until accelerator is pressed.
Conventional Automatic Transmission	Possible	Dependent on engine torque and incline steepness.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)	Possible	Similar behavior to conventional automatics.

To prevent unexpected rollback, know your vehicle's capabilities. When stopping on a hill, keep your foot firmly on the brake. If you feel the car start to roll, applying steady pressure to the accelerator will engage the transmission and move you forward.

[TuckerDella]

From my daily commute in a hilly city, absolutely. My older Honda will roll back a foot if I'm not careful on a steep driveway. You learn to be quick with your feet—brake off, gas on, almost at the same time. It’s not a flaw, it’s just physics. Newer cars with that hill-hold feature are a game-changer; they just sit there until you're ready. For the rest of us, it's a skill you pick up.

[SanAliyah]

Think of it like this: the "Drive" gear is constantly trying to push the car forward, but it's a gentle push, just enough for creeping in traffic. On a steep enough slope, gravity's pull is simply stronger than that gentle push. It doesn't mean anything is broken. It's why features like Hill Start Assist were invented—to temporarily hold the brakes for you and eliminate that rollback entirely. It’s all about which force wins at that moment.

[DeAllie]

I've tested this with many cars. The short answer is yes, especially with older models. The forward force at idle is minimal. On a significant incline, that force is overcome. However, most cars built in the last decade have hill-hold technology. This system uses the ABS sensors to detect an incline and will hold the brake pressure for about two seconds after you release the pedal, effectively preventing any backward movement. It's a standard safety feature now.