Top 6 Causes of a Car That Won’t Accelerate

Last Updated on March 9, 2021

The symptoms of a car not accelerating like it used to can occur on many high mileage vehicles. A driver might not notice these signs in normal day to day driving but they become abundantly clear when driving up a steep hill or when quickly trying to accelerate into fast moving traffic.

It is in those situations that drivers will come to notice the obvious slow acceleration and the fact that the engine of their vehicle is struggling to keep up.

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Read also: Symptoms of a Faulty Speed Sensor in Your Vehicle

Common Causes of Car That Won’t Properly Accelerate

This is a common problem in high mileage vehicles but there are no serious or immediate concerns regarding major engine problems. Some of the causes are actually minor and should be checked first in order to locate the issue and possibly fix it as well. Here are some of the most common causes:

#1 – Mass Air Flow Sensor Clogged or Malfunctioned

MAF sensor

The mass air flow sensor (or meter) is located and attached to the inlet air cleaner. Since the function of the air flow sensor is to measure air mass that is flowing into air intake, a clogged or bad mass air flow sensor could send the wrong data to the engine ECU for calculating the air fuel mixture.

A very symptom of an air flow meter malfunction is car that won’t accelerate correctly.

#2 – Oxygen Sensor Malfunction

oxygen sensor

An oxygen sensor is device whose function is to monitor the exhaust emissions of the vehicle so that it can analyze the air-fuel ratio going through the engine of that vehicle.

To make a long story short, a car needs a proper amount of fuel in order for the fuel to burn properly in the combustion cylinders so that it may run smoothly and may accelerate as required.

This sensor sends the information about the amount of fuel being used to the computer unit of the engine and if this sensor get damaged, then the engine of that vehicle will have no idea what ratio of air-fuel mixture to use which may result in a fuel rich mixture.

This can cause the slow acceleration of the vehicle even with the accelerator pedal completely pressed making it unreliable when it’s needed.

#3 – Malfunction of TPS

TPS sensor

The basic principle of the throttle position sensor (TPS) is to detect the throttle valve opening angle which is controlled by accelerator pedal. Then the TPS will send this data to the ECU.

If the TPS malfunctions, the engine speed cannot be controlled by the accelerator pedal and engine speed will increase or decrease without any press or depress the pedal.

#4 – Dirty or Clogged Fuel Filter

fuel filter

A dirty or clogged fuel filter is another reason for a car not accelerating like it’s supposed to when required to do so.

With a dirty fuel filter, the engine won’t be getting enough fuel which means that the vehicle won’t be giving the acceleration performance that it should. Replace the fuel filter as soon as possible.

#5 – Clogged or Dirty Air Filters

dirty air filter

Just like a fuel filter provides the engine with the clean fuel, an air filter provides the engine of a vehicle with clean air to be used in the air-fuel mixture which will be sent to the combustion chambers to burn.

If an air filter is clogged, then the engine won’t get the right air-fuel mixture resulting in slow acceleration. Replace the air filter as soon as possible.

#6 – Timing Belt

bad timing belt

This component is as it sounds. The timing belt is something like a VIP in the list key of components of an engine. If this belt is off even by 1 tooth, it may cause some pretty notable acceleration problems.

However the list of causes of poor acceleration does not end here. Other culprits behind slow acceleration may include a slipping clutch, the transmission system itself, or an unexpected or unrelated problem which may surprise even veteran mechanics.

If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting a car that won’t accelerate, I recommend taking the vehicle to a reliable mechanic and let him give it a full checkup. This will allow him to properly diagnose the issue and recommend a suggested fix.

393 thoughts on “Top 6 Causes of a Car That Won’t Accelerate”

  1. I have a 98 ford ranger that occasionally looses power & won’t accelerate. Can happen anytime on freeway or surface streets. It only last a few seconds then it’s ok again. No smells, no warning lights, nothing to indicate a problem. Mechanics can’t find any problem. Replaced battery then fuel filter then idle control motor. Still same problem but only for seconds & can go 200 to 1000 miles before it happens again. Can’t keep fix in stuff it isn’t. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • it so complicated, so the problem comes sometimes and take only for a second?
      i mean when problem occur, it continuous or just a second then comeback normal again?

      Reply
      • I have a 2016 Ford Fiesta that has acceleration issues. Sometimes it will be fine. And there are times it would just lag and there are times it would rev up like a race car. Thr latest thing it’s doing is not accelerating at all. I. Wondering what the problem
        Can be.

        Reply
        • Maybe unrelated but may also help you out. 96 nissan pickup while idling would rev high then drop and continue doing it all on its own. Found a clogged fuel vapor line full of some unknown black material. It turned out that my charcoal canister burst inside clogging the vapor line end to end. Emptied the line along with new canister and smooth idle. Had that problem for years till it grew to where I could no longer ignore it.

        • Check if the nozzle are working well if they are working well check the timing if it’s correct then sent me a message on my email

      • I installed new maf sensor. It still hesitation or jerking when pushed gas. When pushed gas, it idle. After 40mph, it runs smooth

        Reply
    • i had a similar issues with a 94 ranger it randomly happened throughout the summer. i ended up needing my alternator replaced.

      Reply
      • My 2015 Nissan Rogue did this only temporarily (I turned the car off and turned back on and drove fine) but my car would rev high around 4000rpm but barely gain speed (like I was barely pressing the pedal almost) seemed like it wouldn’t switch out of first almost.

        Reply
        • This just happened to me today. Out of nowhere. In a 2015 Nissan Sentra, while in the middle of my commute home on the expressway. I would press the pedal to accelerate and not gain speed at all, but it would rev up to 4000rpm. But if I let go of the gas completely and then pressed the pedal lightly, it would gradually start to gain speed again. I’m not sure what that is. I haven’t tried driving it again since I’ve gotten home, so hopefully turning it back on will reset something. Has anyone offered an explanation yet? I’d just like to know it’s not my transmission going out..

        • This just started happening with my 2017 Nissan Rogue (46k miles). Won’t accelerate at lights and refs at 4000-5000 RMP. Literally started today and has me really nervous. Can’t afford big repairs!

        • Most Nissans today have the CVT transmissions. Those have been problematic since their debut and are not touched by most local shops. I do not believe the engine to be your problem since it is revving strong and responds as soon as you press the pedal. Check transmission oil level if it has a dipstick. Check out the Nissan forums for a better explanation on these variable valve transmissions.

        • I just had this same issue. Pressing down on the accelerator but can’t gain speed even though the car is revving. It’s your clutch. I know it sounds like it wouldn’t be the clutch but what’s happening is when you’re going in gear and then releasing the clutch, the car isn’t registering that the clutch has been let out so you can’t accelerate properly. I just got it fixed for R3000

      • hi i have a problem with peugeot 206cc 2004 when driving i mash the brakes and stop then i mash gas i have no power .i have to put the car in park gear turn off the car and start again and i will get back the power can you help in anyway .

        Reply
        • If it’s a gasoline engine, when was the last time the spark plugs were replaced? You could try pulling the spark plugs to see what they look like. Even if the spark plugs aren’t the root cause, they may tell a story that will help you narrow down the problem.

    • Have to replaced fuel filter and all of that? I would say if yes then I would change where you get your gas some places will sell bad gas or have leaks in their ground holdings that allow water or contaminates in. Sounds like the fuel systems just flushing out something bad every now and then and struggling while processing it through the motor.

      Reply
      • Thank you a lot I am gaining something at first mine wasn’t idling now it is so I wl try some of these thanks guys

        Reply
        • My 98 Honda Civic lost strength wen I put it on gear I step on the gas an it goes but it takes time to move

        • On my 2004 Hyundai Elantra my rpms rev up high and it’s like I’m not accelerating then I start pushing on the gas pedal lightly and eventually it all comes back to normal I notice today was kind of hard going up hill the only thing my check engine light shows its canister purge valve solenoid

      • I have a 97 grand Cherokee v8 that does this when I’m takin off from the light usually I’m gone but I put that sea foam in it now 2 days later it’s doin it I thought transmission was goin out but should one of these be the problem?

        Reply
        • I try to start my car it starts and i give it gas and then when I take my foot off the gas it cuts off?? What does that mean so many people too me many different things

      • I have a 05 toyata camery. And what is happening in my car is when I turn the car on and put it into gear It will act as if it about to get ready and drive off but when I depress the gas pedal It will not accelerate. There fore leaving me idoling.

        Reply
        • I have a 2012 Nissan Altima and It’s not accelerating but the car stays on. Moving only because the engine is on.pressing the pedal and nothing.cranks up fine.

        • Have a 2011 dodge caliber heat that gives a little jerk on acceleration and has new coil packs and air filter .the engine light flashes and goes back off it shifts and idles fine

        • A flashing check engine light is usually a misfire. How long has it been since the spark plugs have been changed? I would start there.

      • Depending on type of car( mine did the same thing) your alternator can cause your car to completely stop at any givon time, jumping it off is no help..car cannot run on battery alone

        Reply
        • 07 expedition- I just had to replace the battery. I replaced all 8 coil packs & 4 spark plugs. Can my alternator be causing it not to accelerate up hill or if passing???

      • How do you diagnose a clutch problem.? It seem to be the answer most guys have given me but I dont understand that if I have no problem shifting gears & my car goes into gear but it moves SLOWLY. So is it still the clutch?

        Reply
        • If your engine speed (RPM) increases rapidly while your ground speed increases slowly (or not at all), it is indicative that the clutch is slipping. This is often most easily verified in 3rd gear at wide open throttle by just punching the gas pedal to the floor, but sometimes shows up in top gear depending on the vehicle.

      • I have Hyundai Getz 1.1 recently my car not picking up the speed especially on hills and takes ages to pick up the speed and doesn’t flow with the traffic. What could be the cause for it ?

        Reply
        • I have an Infiniti JX35 when I put the car in drive press the gas it’s not wanting to run it’s like getting stuck , also I can smell something bad not sure what it is . Any suggestions of what it can be ?? And thank you .

        • I drive hyundai Getz since 2008 ….practically the car lacks pick up, low on mileage and high on maintenance. We hv taken to hill stations only twice,prefer other cars. The reason is it’s kerb weight and less torque power.
          Well check throttle body clean,all belts,fluids,clutch plate wear and tears.
          Still have this car as I am too much attached to it.

      • Should try driving my truck to the shop when the transmission is out..having a new transmission put in…i dont want to pay a $200 toll..

        Reply
    • I have a 2005 Chevy equinox, one day I was turning in my driveway and had the wheel cracked all the way to the right and was accelerating. I felt something (slip??) idk I know I felt/heard something make a weird noise and the problem immediately started… when I turn my car on and try to drive I barley move. I rev in high and it falls again and I can barley get to 40km/hr. When I turn off my car it seems to go away after I driven it for like 1 min. At first I only had to turn it off once but then after a couple days it was twice and now we’re up to like … 6 times. But once it’s gone it drives completely fine until I turn it back off and then go to drive it again another time.

      I hope that made sense. Anyone have any ideas??

      Reply
    • I have a 2003 chevy impala ls 3.8 automatic she dont go over 20 mph and wont shift out of second and only goes to 2-2 1/2 rpms

      Reply
    • Could be a exhaust manifold leak, or any leak on exhaust system. You would hear a ticking sound or even gas engine sounding like a diesel engine. Or it could be fuel pump, or fuel filter. Just get a fuel pressure tester and use it right after the fuel pump and before fuel filter to test fuel pump. Then to test fuel filter put it after fuel filter to test it. This should locate if it’s filter or the pump. Also doesn’t hurt to change engine filter and maybe use a can of seafoam in gas tank to clean injectors.

      Reply
    • Check if your clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder is still okay, maybe the clutch is slipping mine used to be like that also…

      Reply
    • Same with my Ford Fiesta, it happened for the first time a few days ago. I wonder if it is in the fuel system? Quality of gas? Dirty filter? I will have my mechanic check if it happens again.
      No engine light or anything when it happened.

      Reply
    • Hi my nissan NAVARA d40 is doing the same thing I got it scan and the diagnostic tests was good no bad codes does any one has a solution.

      Reply
  2. i have a 99 honda crv. the timing belt jumped which affected the four valves out the sixteen valve, my mechanic worked on the engine by replacing the valves and the gasket but since after the work the car acceleration is not normal again. it is so slow especially at idle speed.when you accelerate it somehow sluggish to pick. what could be the likely problem

    Reply
  3. Possible causes and easiest step you can do:
    check clogged exhaust pipe
    check fuel pump weak
    and please also chcek the compression of each cylinder

    Reply
  4. I have a 2005 Toyota Camry drives normal for a while then just stops, motor is still running but when you push on the gas pedal it does nothing. I can shut the car off and restart it and I will drive fine again for a while.

    Reply
      • Toyota Camry 2002. Fuse went out on alternater. Got replaced. But car wouldn’t start. The second fuse in the box gets taken out it starts but when I push on gas pedal it won’t move. When the second fuse is in there it will start and immediately turn off. Maybe computer system going crazy?

        Reply
      • I have a nissan pathfinder suv that once i press my brake or slows down it drags and does not want to increase its speed. if i accelerate it makes a sound the speedometer does not increase.
        fuel filter has been changed injector and noozle has been cleaned. it did well for 2 days then became sluggish again.

        Reply
    • I have a1990 toyotA desil and I ran out of fuel.i just put more desil in it and it started up but now no acceleration and leaks desil from below hand pump????????

      Reply
    • My 2002 Nissan sentra is refusing to accelerate, everything seems to be fine except this morning, when i start the car and accelerates the engine goes off
      Have tried over and over and still cant pick

      Reply
  5. I have a 2014 Toyota Corolla Axio, where the gas pedal is not accelerating when pressed. When I got it checked out, the mechanic is saying that the ECU is damaged. Could this be the case?

    Reply
  6. When i turn my truck on it just sort of shakes from side to side and it doesnt sound like it has much power and when you accelerate it wont accelerate at all its a 1997 chevy cheyenne 2500 single cab

    Reply
  7. On my car the coil packs were causing it to not accelerate. Had to replace them, more than once. There is something (many things!) wrong with Dodge Darts.

    Reply
    • Which dodge was your issue? I’ve got a 08 grand caravan with this issue and the cool was one of the possible issues we had come up with.

      Reply
  8. I have a 99 Chevrolet P/UP 5.3L , I’m having acceleration problems, the odometer jumping up to 25mph. to 35mph. then down to 0. The break light flashing, and vehicle will not go fast, all you hear is the motor rising. Any words of wisdom ?

    Reply
  9. I have a 2012 Nissan Note and I was driving it one day up a hill/slope and it wasn’t going when I pressed the gas pedal. From that day I was not able to accelerate and my car not driving the same anymore.

    Reply
  10. I have a 2003 Subaru legacy L sedan and when I come to a stop and then press the gas pedal it’s almost non responsive and sluggish. I have changed the fuel pump and I’m going to change the pcv valve but I don’t know if that’s going to fix it please help.

    Reply
  11. I have a 1989 BMW 325i and when i floor it the rpm’s go up but it doesnt accel like a normal car its only got 200xxx miles on it, any help?

    Reply
  12. I have 1999 rx300 Its sluggish in movement especially when going up a hill and when on reverse. It moves sluggishly for some seconds and then accelerate backk. After applying brake to accelerate the car it moves sluggishly. Please what could possibly be the cause

    Reply
  13. i have 2007 mitsubishi grandis 2.0L di-d (volkswagen engine) . it was driving fine then all of a sudden would drop down in speed still with my foot to the floor, then it would gradually build back up . now the car will start after a good bit of persuasion but as soon as i rev it it cuts out . i put a new fuel filter in it and made no difference

    Reply
  14. I have a 2001 Ford Taurus that when I hit the gas it goes slow maybe like 20 mph. It just started last night. I was told to put transmission fluid in it.

    Reply
  15. I have a 06 vauxhall astra petrol 1600twinport it doesn’t accelerate in first gear takes awhile to pick up speed and is a bit jumpy in neutral at 2000revs 98000+miles

    Reply
  16. I have a 92 Toyota Camry, I was driving to work one morning and notice the car was struggling to go over 20 mph and i changed the spark plug wires assuming they were the problem they were misfiring. now when i press on the gas it picks up very slow and sluggish. It has new spark plugs , new gasket just did the oil change, all my fluids are good,

    Reply
  17. 2006 Chrysler Town and Country..has a slow start when accelerating. The rpms go to almost 3 before you feel it change gears.. a few weeks ago I went to.pull out on a hwy and go and it made a grinding noise so I instantly letnoff gas.the noise stopped the second I let up and has not happend again but I have been babying the car. A friend said it’s the water pump…im not to sure

    Reply
  18. I have Mazda6, 2004. It does not accelerate after starting. I have to warm the engine for twenty minutes, then it runs smooth. No acceleration prpblem then. Moreover, overdrive option turns on by itself sometime while driving.

    Reply
  19. i have 2007 Hyundai Matrix 1.8. In the past couple of months my engine check light has been always on and when i checked with a local workshop on the issue, initially it was said to be O2 sensor. Once they had changed the O2 sensor the real problem started, only after a couple of days (1 or 2 days) first the engine check light came on again and later on the car starts to decelerates abruptly to a near stop. I had to stop the car to the side and turn off and on the engine again to get it to running again.
    I had brought my car to the workshop again to be checked and this time they changed the gearbox, the fuel injector and the fuel pump but to no avail. The error on the engine check light showed to be the O2 sensor so the workshop technician could be due to a dirty engine manifold and sent for cleaning. But still the problem exist, even the workshop themselves have given up on what could be the issue.
    My patience has been running thin and the frequency the car stop abruptly has increased. Please help me as i am really clueless to solve this problem. Thanks.

    Reply
    • I had this happen for almost three years in my Hyundai Santa Fe. I brought it every weekend back to the shop to try to figure it out. It wasn’t until maybe another two years later when a different mechanic, non-dealer, figured out that there was a crack in the gas tank. Entire gas tank had to be replaced

      Reply
  20. I have a 2012 Chrysler 200, when the AC is on my car seems to act sluggish and won’t accelerate very well. Any suggestions on what to have checked?

    Reply
  21. i have a 1998 ford puma 1.7
    when i floor the gas pedal the rpm rise but the car doesent accelerate for a second
    what might be the problem?

    Reply
  22. Hi,
    I have a Toyota corolla 2008 , when i press the gas it is very sluggish , and make a noise like a race car, rpm of motor goes to 5000 for 50km/h

    Reply
  23. I have a 02 buick century & when I drive my car wont accelerate I had a street mechanic look at it & he say its my upper ..oxygen senor..all I know is when I drive it takes a long time to pick up speed no matter how hard I press on the peddle & its usually a lot of white smoke to what do you think the problem could be? The oxygen Senor or maybe something else??

    Reply
  24. Lexus V8

    Had an issue with the feul pump … If I hit the gas she would just die and struggle to start again … Dropped the tank … Found the earth wire snapped … Fixed it … Drove Fine for a day … Now she took really long to start up then after she finally did start she had low idle … Extremely slow rev pick up … And If i rev her up to 2000 Rpm and let her come down again she backfires …

    Reply
  25. Hey. I have a 2011 model daihatsu move 660 cc. I had 3 passengers with me yesterday and as we got on the bridge , the car just stopped accelerating. No matter how hard i push the accelerator it won’t go above 30 kmph. Is it possible coz of the plugs? Or is there another fault. My car is automtic

    Reply
    • My Toyota Camry 2010 car struggles to pick speed or even move at all in Park when the AC is on. I noticed that even without the AC, the engine now struggles to pick up speed. It eventually does though but some seconds late. Also, when my head lamps are in full beam, the inner lights kind of shake… Slightly though.
      Please what can I do? I feel my mechanic doesn’t do a good job with my car.

      Reply
  26. I have a 2005 chevy impala and my problem is that when I am at a red light the car will not go forward even though the car is running. There is no rough idle it just doesn’t accelerate. I turn it off and try again it accelerates briefly then loses acceleration. What could be the issue?

    Reply
  27. I have a 2013 Nissan Versa that will be slow when I take off from a light and then shifts to a normal speed. Ive used fuel cleaner, fuel injector cleaner, but I have not had a oil change for about 7000 miles.what do you think the problem can be and about what would it cost.

    Reply
  28. I have a nissan 2011 sentra that isnt aclerating properly or at all i cant go more up that 10per/m after i hit the curve i already changed both of my tires but now im having this problem and its also haveing a rotten egg smell and most of my dashboad lights r on. What could this be???

    Reply
  29. I have Hyundai accent 2002 auto car.some times when accelerated engine is not speedup.try to knocking.( while running)why it happen?

    Reply
  30. hey my accelerater goes to the bottom when I press it without me trying and the fastest it will go is very slow it wont hardly move when I make it go all the way down can u help me. is it because I don’t got an air filter my air filter is piping out the bonnet.

    Reply
  31. Nissan serena 2008 model problem climbing uphill,changed the spark plugs but still nothing has changed on normal road it’s fine and performs ok.

    Reply
  32. 2014 nissan versa. While turning car wouldn’t accelerate. car rocked back and forth with Rpms going up. Car finally accelerated. Took it to the dealership b/c it is still under warranty. dealership can not duplicate the problem.

    Reply
  33. I have a 02 2500HD Silverado it was wrecked and sat for 6 months. When I fixed it ,it started but idles fine but won’t accelerate or when I give it gas it nigga down. I changed the fuel filter runs a little better changed the fuel and added Lucas additive. Could it be a sensor

    Reply
  34. I have Mercedes Benz Ml320 1999. The recent challenge with the car is that it can’t gain sudden acceleration. Like you want to overtake moving trucks.it will suddenly lose power. Also when you drive in slightly muddy surface

    Reply
  35. I have a 2009 Kia Spetra that has over 200K miles on it. I was driving on the surface streets & after I came to a stop at a traffic light, when the light turned green it would not accelerate. The engine was still on, I pushed the gas & the RPM indicator arm would go up but the car wouldn’t move. I tried it in other gears like 3 & 2 & L but nothing. Reverse oddly enough worked fine. A friend of mine that works on cars thinks it might be the transmission but didn’t rule out a fuel pump, front axles, or sensor. Any ideas?

    Reply
  36. I have 2011 Renault duster, the vehicle vibrates when in reverse drive, delay to accelerate when in drive position even if throttle is pressed down, what could be the fault please

    Reply
  37. 1997 honda accord turning on my vehicle placing it in gear D4 I drive the car and the vehicle speed wont pass 20 and slowly decreases and will not pick up speed when I press down on the peddle engine just revs what can it be

    Reply
  38. I have 02 Toyota Camry. For the first time the acceleration of car went down . The more I press the pedal the car won’t move fast , just making noise. What could be the problem and a quick fix to get to my destination. Is it safe and advisable to continue moving the slow moving car.

    Reply
  39. I have a 2012 chevy cruze. It keeps jerking when accelerating I replaced the mass air flow sensor, both o2 sensor,and throttle body. It stopped jerking but sometimes it lacks power when accelerating now.

    Reply
  40. After car was service it’s started if I’m driving and want to accelerate the car will not go and makes a noise like it is smothering and then it kicks in and go

    Reply
  41. Hello I had an isuzu kb 300 lx I had recently change th engine but its only idle but do not had an accelerate when you press the pedal its raffle count cant go up or change the noise of idle

    Reply
  42. I have a 2013 dodge journey about 88,000 miles on it. Was on highway in traffic hit gas to accelerate card made a load whining noise barely moved, i pulled over shut it off and its been ok but im a little nervous. What could make this happen?

    Reply
  43. I have a similar problem, my car is Honda EOD 2003 V6. It won’t accelerate at all or even pick up eventually. Its just dragging and sucking my fuel like no man’s business. Please i need urgent help.

    Reply
  44. I have a 97 Acura 3.0 CL, it’s making clicking noises on the passenger side by the dashboard. It starts, will drive, but at a certain distance it won’t let me accelerate when I press the gas. I can turn it off and wait a few and it would start back up and drive again. What might that be?

    Reply
  45. My car is revving itself and when i press the accelerator it does not respond what might be the problem because the car is travelling at 20km per hour.

    Reply
    • I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima when I push the gas peddle on drive it won’t move just revs up but if I put the car in one or two it will drive then I can put it in drive I have to do this every time I drive it

      Reply

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