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November 25, 2022

Know the Signs of a Sputtering or Misfiring Engine

For you as a driver, engine problems like sputtering or misfiring can be frustrating and even dangerous. This article helps you spot the warning signs and explains why these issues happen. You’ll also learn why it’s important to get your car checked quickly to avoid bigger damage and stay safe on the road. Keep reading to understand what to watch for and what to do next.

Common Symptoms of Your Engine Misfiring

A misfiring or sputtering automobile engine is an annoyance, but it can also lead to serious damage and costly repairs if ignored. Recognizing the early signs of trouble can help you address issues quickly, keep your car safe and extend its life. Below are some of the most common symptoms of engine misfires or sputtering and what they might mean.

1. Engine Shaking or Vibrating

One of the first and most noticeable signs of a misfire is unusual shaking or vibrations from the engine. You might feel the entire car trembling, especially when idling or driving at low speeds. This occurs when one or more cylinders aren’t firing properly, causing the engine to run unevenly.

2. Rough Idling

A healthy engine should idle smoothly and quietly. If your engine feels clunky, jumpy, or sounds uneven while the car is stopped, that’s a strong indicator of a misfire. Rough idling usually points to issues with spark plugs, fuel delivery, or ignition timing.

3. Loss of Power

If your car suddenly feels sluggish or slow to respond — especially when trying to accelerate — it could be misfiring under load. The vehicle engine may struggle to deliver enough power to keep up with your demands, making driving uphill or merging onto highways more difficult and unsafe.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

Misfiring engines waste fuel. Because the engine isn’t running efficiently, it requires more gasoline to maintain performance. If you’re visiting the gas pump more frequently than usual, despite no changes in your driving habits, it’s time to have your engine checked.

5. Check Engine Light On

Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard diagnostics that trigger the check engine light when something goes wrong. A misfire is a common cause for this warning, and a mechanic can use a code reader to pinpoint which cylinder is misfiring and why.

6. Black Smoke from Exhaust

Thick black smoke or soot coming from your tailpipe is a clear sign of incomplete combustion. This usually means too much fuel is being burned inefficiently–or not at all–due to misfiring cylinders. Not only is this a pollution concern, but it can also damage your catalytic converter.

7. Engine Hesitation or Stalling

Misfiring engines may hesitate when you press the gas pedal or even stall altogether while driving or idling. This is especially dangerous in traffic or during maneuvers that require quick acceleration. Prompt inspection is critical in these cases.

8. Unusual Engine Noises

Strange sounds such as popping, coughing, or backfiring are often symptoms of engine misfiring. These noises indicate that fuel is igniting outside the combustion chamber or at the wrong time, which can harm engine components over time.

9. Strong Fuel Smell

If you notice a strong gasoline smell inside or around your vehicle, it could mean unburned fuel is escaping through the exhaust system. This not only indicates inefficiency but also presents a safety hazard due to potential fuel leaks.

10. Difficulty Starting

An engine that sputters or takes multiple tries to start could be experiencing intermittent misfires. Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils or fuel injectors may be preventing the engine from getting the right mixture of fuel and spark.

Answers to Top Questions Asked About Engine Sputtering or Misfiring

Most drivers don’t think about how their ride works until there is a problem. One common problem is when the engine sputters or misfires. Veteran Car Donations has gathered answers to common questions about this issue. Knowing more will help you deal with it better.

1. What does it mean when your engine sputters or misfires?

Your engine needs a healthy combustion chamber for air and fuel to mix right. The ignition system parts and fuel system parts work together to keep this process smooth. When these systems don’t work right, your engine can’t burn fuel fully. This causes sputtering or misfiring. Your mechanic might suggest replacing the faulty parts. Always use parts that your car’s manufacturer recommends.

2. Is this a serious problem?

Yes, it is serious. Sputtering or misfiring lowers your gas mileage and can damage parts inside your engine. This might lead to total engine failure. It can also be dangerous. Your auto might stall or become hard to steer if power steering fails.

3. What does it feel like?

When your engine works well, it makes a smooth purring or humming noise. If it sputters or misfires, you might hear knocking and feel shaking. This can happen when you start the engine or when it’s idling. Your engine may stumble or slow down for a moment.

4. What causes this issue?

The usual causes of sputtering or misfiring are bad spark plugs, dirty fuel injectors, clogged fuel filters, loss of vacuum pressure, exhaust leaks, failing catalytic converters, bad oxygen sensors, failing mass airflow sensors and worn seals or gaskets.

5. How long can I drive a car with a sputtering or misfiring engine?

To avoid engine damage, don’t drive if your car is sputtering or misfiring. If you see signs of trouble, make an appointment with a mechanic you trust.

Put Your Unwanted Car to Good Use This Way

If your car keeps needing repairs and costing you money, it might be time to let it go. You can donate it to Veteran Car Donations. We’ll use your old car to help improve the lives of struggling veterans near you.

We will auction your vehicle and give the money to trusted military and veteran nonprofits we work with. These groups help veterans who are homeless, jobless, disabled, or dealing with serious health issues, including mental health problems.

The charities use the money to give veterans housing, financial help, job opportunities, family support, free health care, therapy and other services. This helps veterans live better and fuller lives.

You will benefit from your donation too. We will pick up your unwanted car fast, on your schedule, at no cost to you. Rest assured that we can collect your donation anywhere in the country.

The donation process is easy and fast. You don’t have to fill out any paperwork.

On top of that, your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Even more than the practical benefits, you will feel good knowing your donation helps veterans in your community who are struggling.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, and we’re not picky when it comes to their ages or conditions.

Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here.

Start Transforming the Lives of Our Heroes Today!

Use your old car to make a difference for the brave men and women who served our country. They risked everything to keep us safe. Show you care by donating your vehicle. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

Donate Now
Or call (877) 594-5822!

 

Last Updated: June 23rd, 2025

Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

Donate Now

Or call (877) 594-5822!