What causes sudden loss of power and severe shaking when stepping on the accelerator?

[LaAdriel]

The reasons for sudden loss of power and severe shaking when stepping on the accelerator are: cold start shaking, shock absorber system issues, tire problems, throttle valve issues, and unstable oil pressure. Here is relevant information: Cold start shaking: Incomplete fuel combustion leads to insufficient vehicle power and low ignition energy. Shock absorber system issues: Body shaking is also related to aging shock absorbers. If there are problems with the shock absorbers, these vibrations will be directly transmitted to the steering wheel and the cabin, affecting driving. Tire problems: For tires, a tire balance must be performed when replacing new tires or new rims; otherwise, uneven weight distribution can easily cause the steering wheel to shake. Throttle valve issues: The most common cause of vehicle shaking may be a dirty throttle valve and excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injectors. Unstable oil pressure: Abnormal fuel supply pressure and intake pressure sensors, among others.

[Shelly]

Last time when I was driving my daughter to school, I ran into this awful situation - the car started shaking like a sieve when I stepped on the gas, and the speed just wouldn't go up no matter what. I reckon it's probably an issue with the ignition system. If the spark plug gap is too wide or there's severe carbon buildup, the ignition becomes intermittent. Another possibility is incorrect air-fuel mixture ratio - when the mass airflow sensor malfunctions, improper air intake into the cylinders can make the engine cough and shudder. Low-quality gasoline in the tank is also an accomplice, as water and impurities clogging the fuel injectors lead to uneven fuel spray. If the fuel filter hasn't been changed in two years, it might fail to supply sufficient fuel. The scariest part was suddenly losing power on the road with cars behind honking like crazy. In such situations, you should immediately turn on hazard lights and pull over - calling for roadside assistance is much safer than trying to tough it out.

[TuckerLynn]

I've encountered this issue twice, both during high-speed overtaking when the throttle suddenly became unresponsive like cotton, and the steering wheel started shaking like a muscle spasm. Most likely, it's the fuel system acting up—either the fuel pump is too old to keep up with the RPM, or the fuel filter is clogged solid like overcooked noodles. Electronic throttle bodies are even worse; when carbon buildup jams the valve in a fixed position, pressing the accelerator does nothing. Some have also experienced clutch slippage, especially with manual transmissions—worn friction plates can cause power to vanish midway. The real danger with these sudden failures is rear-end collisions, so remember to move to the emergency lane if your car starts shaking, don't stop in the traffic lane. When checking, prioritize reading fault codes—it's much more efficient than guessing blindly.

[StJosephine]

Back when I was into car modifications, I often encountered similar situations—stepping hard on the gas pedal would make the tachometer jump around like crazy. For manual transmission old cars, it could be the clutch three-piece kit failing, preventing power from reaching the wheels. Turbocharged cars are even worse; a leaking blow-off valve or a cracked intake pipe can cause the turbo to lose pressure. Last time, a friend's car had a cracked ignition coil, and rainwater seeped in during rainy weather, causing three cylinders to misfire. Nowadays, cars use electronic throttle control, and poor contact in the pedal sensor can also lead to sudden fuel cut-off. This kind of issue can't be delayed—prolonged cylinder misfires can damage the catalytic converter, and fixing it could empty your wallet.

[LaEmma]

Novice drivers often panic in such situations. Last time my cousin was waiting at a red light and when starting, the engine suddenly wheezed like it had asthma. The most common causes are either spark plugs or ignition coils failing, especially in cars with aging cylinder wires where cracked rubber leads to electrical leakage. For automatic transmission cars, don't overlook transmission issues—clogged valve bodies or deteriorated fluid can cause severe gear shifting jerks. There's also a small probability event: when the fuel tank is nearly empty, it might suck up sediment impurities, instantly clogging the fuel line. Remember not to stomp on the gas pedal in such cases; pulling over, turning off the engine, and waiting a few minutes might sometimes restore it, but it's best to call a tow truck directly. Also, don't wait for the fuel light to come on before refueling to protect the fuel pump.