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All Symptoms

Clunk when shifting from park into drive or reverse

Informational, low priority

clunk noise when putting car in gear · thud when shifting gears

Symptom description

A single clunk or thud sound is heard from underneath the car specifically when shifting out of park into drive or reverse.

Common causes

  • Normal drivetrain slack taking up (common and often harmless in some vehicles)
  • Worn engine or transmission mounts allowing excess movement
  • Worn u-joints or CV joints in the driveline

What to check

Note whether the clunk has gotten louder or more frequent over time - a worsening pattern points more toward worn mounts or joints rather than normal drivetrain behavior.

Can you keep driving?

Usually safe to drive, but have worn mounts checked if the clunk is loud or accompanied by vibration, since it can affect how the engine sits under load.

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Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

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