2020 Hyundai Palisade: jerking or lurching

Filed May 3, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

I recently purchased this vehicle, and shortly after, it began having serious powertrain issues. When I accelerate, the vehicle intermittently loses power and starts shaking violently. It feels like the engine or transmission is slipping or failing. The RPMs surge and drop rapidly, and the vehicle hesitates, jerks, and sometimes briefly slows down before suddenly accelerating again. This creates an unsafe and unpredictable driving condition, especially when merging or driving in traffic. I’m concerned about a loss of propulsion while the vehicle is in motion. My mechanic indicated the issue may involve the torque converter clutch not engaging properly (possible “stuck off” or circuit performance issue), which would explain the shuddering and inconsistent power transfer. Despite how severe this is, there are no warning lights or check engine light, and no diagnostic codes, which raises concern that the failure is not being detected by the vehicle’s onboard systems. I am also experiencing low and fluctuating engine oil levels even after topping it off and a recent oil change, which may indicate an additional engine-related defect. The vehicle has a clean title and no accident history. - Failed system: Powertrain (engine/transmission), suspected torque converter clutch malfunction. Vehicle is available for inspection. - Safety risk: Intermittent loss of power, hesitation, and surging creates a high risk of collision, especially in traffic or at highway speeds. - Confirmation: My independent mechanic has identified as likely a torque converter related issue. - Inspection status: Not yet inspected by manufacturer or insurance. - Warnings/symptoms: No warning lights or codes. Symptoms began shortly after I purchased and have worsened over time.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Transmission · OH

I own a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The vehicle began jerking while driving, particularly during acceleration and shifting, prior to reaching 100,000 miles. Over time the issue worsened, and the vehicle started failing to accelerate properly when pressing the gas pedal. There have been significant hesitations before the vehicle would move forward. This creates a serious safety concern, especially when merging into traffic or turning at intersections. The condition appears to be related to the transmission. The symptoms began while the vehicle was still under the powertrain warranty period. I am concerned this may represent a broader transmission defect affecting other vehicles of the same model.

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · CA

many palisade owners and I have a same issue that the vehicle shaking when applying the brake the the car slipping jerking forward. that is really unsafe for us. please review this case

Filed Aug 8, 2024 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, and the engine seized. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was almost involved in three crashes due to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · NJ

On February 2024, I took the SUV to Lynn's Hyundai for an issue with A front sensor or the braking system - The problem is when you're driving at times very often in the streets, the vehicle will automatically cause the brake sensor to go off the dashboard with light up and the brakes will engage causing the vehicle to jerk hard and or stop at times and I have a huge concern that this may cause a serious accident. I was told by Hyundai service department, that perhaps were driving to close to other vehicles to cause this, but it happened several times when there are no vehicles or objects present. Apparently they had no interest in resolving this matter, they claim that the system test showed no duplication of said issue, vehicle was taken on a road test and they found no issues, The recall were all fixed, and I was called to pick up vehicle. I drove a few and the braking started again, so I pulled over and started recording to see if happens again and I was able to catch some of this problem on video. This has caused my husband to lose control of the vehicle causing him to hit a cone on the road. Your immediate help with this matter would be greatly appreciate.

Filed Dec 14, 2023 · Engine · MI

The engine is burning oil. I've had it inspected by Huyndai however they stated it would be 18+ months before getting it fixed. At this point it's burning 1qt oil every 3 weeks. I work from home, and drive my daughter to school a few times a week so not warranting that much oil in 3 weeks. I get oil changes every 4000 miles as recommended. My car will all of the sudden sputter, check engine light will go on, it will lurch forward which is a safety hazard to not only those in the car but those behind me in traffic. It has been inspected and reproduced by an independent service and a Hyundai dealer. Looking at the carfax, this has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle judging by the revious owners vehicle maintenance records.

Filed Oct 23, 2023 · Transmission · TN

Have been having transmission shift problems. Whether I am accelerating, slowing down, or coasting, it jerks like it doesn’t know what gear to go in.

Filed Sep 13, 2023 · Driver assistance · IN

In traffic car jerked and swerved, panel lit up with picture of a car and words Emergency Braking. This was the second time. An earlier incident was on interstate and car jerked causing driver to think the rear had been hit. In this case oil light was seen to go on or off.

Filed Jun 20, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · TN

Car began giving us an issue while driving several months ago : driving up hills at a speed of 20 mph or less, the vehicle begins to jerk and pulse. There is also a knocking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. Much of this also happens in parking lots at speeds of less than 10 mph. Driving at a speeds of greater than 60 mph / highway the car will pulse as well. This does not change with driving modes: ECO, Comfort, Sport or SMART mode. The engine is the same throughout modes- jerking and hesitating. When driving from highway to get gas or stop the car will have trouble when pressing on the gas pedal after being stopped then trying to enter the highway. The car is slow to respond to the gas pedal and will not accelerate matching your foot on the pedal. After some time the car will jerk forward and will not slow down when you take your foot off the gas. One incident in the past week I was pulling out into a 3 lane road, the car just stopped for no reason. Gas pedal down.. NOT moving. I was sitting in 3 lanes of oncoming traffic. I have reported this to my Hyundai Dealership. They are unable to locate the problem because NO codes pop up. They are unable to duplicate my problem when test driving. My concern is safety with having 3 children in the car and it just STOPS / lurches forward at a fast rate of speed. This happens on a daily basis. Unknown as to component or system failed or malfunctioned.. Yes available for inspection upon request.