Is it normal to feel a jolt when shifting from N to D gear?

[NoraRose]

For automatic transmission vehicles, experiencing a jolt or jerk when shifting between D and N gears is mostly normal, and it is unlikely to be a malfunction if the car is new. When in D gear, the engine disconnects from the transmission. AT/CVT transmissions, which use a torque converter structure (a soft connection), tend to have slightly less noticeable jolts, while DCT/AMT transmissions, which use a clutch for rigid connection and disengagement, may produce more pronounced jolts. Below is some relevant information: 1. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles tend to exhibit more noticeable jerks when shifting to neutral, and you may observe the rear of the vehicle sinking slightly. This occurs because, after shifting from drive to neutral, the transmission's driveshaft and differential undergo a process of releasing force. The sudden interruption of power and the gap created by gear disengagement contribute to this sinking sensation. 2. Even new cars can exhibit these behaviors, and they are not considered malfunctions. Feeling a jolt when shifting from N to D gear while holding the brake is entirely normal—it results from the opposition between braking force and engine power. Some cars may produce a "clunk" sound when releasing the brake, which is simply the vibration from the brake pads separating. This is also normal. 3. Automatic transmissions are designed for convenience, but their fundamental principles of power transfer are no different from manual transmissions. As long as the engine's power needs to be transmitted to the wheels through the transmission, there will inevitably be some opposition of forces. Occasional noises or minor jerks should not be a cause for concern.