7 Causes of a Car That Won’t Go in Reverse
A car’s transmission is one of the most important components of any car. You simply can’t operate a motor vehicle without the gears functioning as they should be. But sometimes, you may encounter an issue that causes one or more of the gears to malfunction.
The reverse gear in particular, is easy to take for granted. When we want to back out of a driveway or parking space, we simply put the car in “reverse” and go. But what happens when you can’t?
Keep reading to learn the most common causes of a car that won’t go into reverse.
Related: Reverse Lights Not Working? (Here’s Why)
Top 7 Reasons Your Car Won’t Go In Reverse
#1 – Faulty Transmission Position Sensor (Automatic)
Sometimes it’s best to start at the source. When your shift automatic transmission car into reverse using the shift lever, an electronic sensor tells the powertrain control module that the vehicle’s transmission should be shifted into reverse.
If this sensor begins to fail or suffers a malfunction, it may not allow the car to shift in reverse. It may often place the car into limp mode where you won’t be able to shift above 3rd gear.
Look for a check engine light and look for any corresponding trouble codes via a car diagnostic tool to confirm the issue.
Read Also: Common Signs of a Bad Neutral Safety Switch
#2 – Low Transmission Fluid (Manual or Automatic)
If you have a low amount of transmission fluid in your vehicle, you could have problems reversing your vehicle. Low transmission fluid can cause all kinds of problems with the gears, such as gear slippage, shifting problems, and overheated gears.
It’s possible that your reverse gear might have been affected by overheating if your transmission doesn’t have enough fluid in it to lubricate and keep the internal gears and components cool.
If the transmission fluid is low, top off the fluid to see if that fixes the problem and look for signs of a transmission fluid leak.
In cases of having low fluid, you will likely experience shifting problems with other gears as well. So if your car won’t go in reverse but drives fine otherwise, it’s still worth it to check the fluid level but the cause is likely something else.
#3 – Worn Out Valve Body (Automatic)
Every automatic transmission has a valve body. This is large, maze-like component that directs the flow of hydraulic fluid to the valves. This is what allows a car to smoothly shift gears whenever the situation calls for it.
In case of a bad transmission valve body, you may experience delayed shifting into reverse or simply nothing happening after shifting in reverse and stepping on the gas.
#4 – Faulty Shifter Mechanism (Manual)
When your car won’t go in reverse with a manual transmission and is hard to shift, a malfunction within the shifter is usually to blame. Sometimes it may take a lot of effort to put the shifter into reverse or it feels like something is blocking it from going into the reverse slot.
Most often the problem is with the shifter linkage or cables as something is bent or broken. On some cars, the shifter bushings are the culprit and replacing them is a good first (and cheap) step to fixing the issue.
Read Also: Bad Clutch Fork Symptoms and Replacement Cost
#5 – Dirty Transmission Fluid or Filter (Manual or Automatic)
Sometimes the transmission fluid gets contaminated with enough hardened deposits or other gunk that it actually affects a vehicle shifting into reverse or other gears.
While not that common of an issue, changing the transmission fluid and filter (if your car has one) is a cheap course of action.
Check the condition of your transmission fluid (see our color chart) to see if it needs to be replaced. Even if that doesn’t fix the reverse gear issue, you may have prevented future transmission problems.
#6 – Broken Teeth on Reverse Gear (Manual or Automatic)
This most commonly occurs with manual transmission cars due to driver abuse or those learning to drive a stick shift and not properly shifting gears. Often, you will hear clicking noises or a really loud clunk when you try to shift into reverse.
Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this and the transmission has to get pulled and the gear replaced.
Related: Helical vs Straight Cut Gears
#7 – Faulty Lockout Ring (Manual)
The purpose of a lockout ring is to prevent you from accidentally shifting into reverse while the car is moving forward (which would be extremely dangerous and cause serious transmission damage).
If the lockout ring is somehow damaged or misaligned, it can prevent you from shifting into reverse even at a standstill.
See Also: What Does “Park Assist Blocked” Mean?
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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What are the ballpark costs for these types of issues? I have 2009 Escape with 213k miles on it. Struggles to go in reverse or sometimes I step on the gas pedal to go forward and the vehicle feels like it just can’t get into gear. Worth fixing? Or would cost more than the 2k value of the car?
Depends on what the issue is. If it’s something simple like a problem with the shifter linkage, it won’t be too expensive. If it requires a transmission replacement or rebuild, it could easily exceed the $2k value of the vehicle.
I have an issue with 93 buick transmission. Its goes into drive fine. it will reverse on it’s own but not on an incline and pressing gas pedal for reverse has no effect. I am trying to figure out what might be the issue. Seems the issue is only with reverse.
My 2002 Toyota Highlander won’t go into reverse when the engine is cold, but if I throttle the car high enough it reverses. Once the engine I has been running for sometime afterwards it goes in reverse. Sometimes when it goes in reverse successfully, it jerks with a loud noise. Other times it doesn’t. Reverse gear works well afterwards, until I park the car for some time again and the engine goes cold. I think it also affects other gears as I notice delayed shifting sometimes. With this detailed description, what could this be please?
It sounds like maybe a shift solenoid in the valve body of the transmission is getting stuck.
I have my Mazda old model pickup the reverse gear does not engage totally how vacant you advice me.. only the reverse gear I took it to the fund is but tell me to exchange the gearbox it’s a manual car
Check the basics such as clutch fluid level and clutch pedal height. Make sure you’re running the correct gear oil. If that all looks good, it may be an issue internal to the transmission that would require a rebuild or replacement.
In your driveway, you could try playing with the shifter. Try shifting into first and then reverse (or first, second, then reverse). You may be able to find a pattern that’ll get you into reverse until the transmission can be repaired or replaced.
5th and reverse often share the same collar on a 5 speed, so you could also try shifting into 5th then reverse.
Can you get into reverse more easily when the gearbox is warm?
i have a 05 honda accord i just recently replaced the shifter cable bushing and my car will shift in all gears but Reverse. when trying to put it in Reverse its almost as if there is something blocking it to go into the at gear but if i turn the car off and go under the good and Manuel put the car in Reverse by the transmission itself it will go into reverse, any ideas what it could be my car doesn’t have the lockout ring. im temped to get another car but if there is fix i would like to do it so i can keep my car. my clutch fluid shows full, some people told me could be a warp clutch but if that was the case i shouldn’t be able to shift at all right?
Is your vehicle supposed to have a lockout ring? Sounds to me like a problem with the linkage not the transmission. Can you shift into all other gears easily, or does it take some additional effort?
My car drives perfectly fine in drive, but when in reverse, ill give it gas and it wont move, it tries to but won’t, almost picks itself up. it wont push backwards in neutral either, any guess helps.
I know this sounds silly, but make sure the parking brake isn’t engaged. Even if you have the handbrake fully lowered, the brakes may be stuck or the cables may need an adjustment.
Sean, the reason people look stuff up online is to avoid going to a transmission shop or to get a second opinion. So telling them to take it a transmission shop is redundant and unnecessary, lol.
You’re right David, it does seem a bit silly. I know it’s a bit redundant, but I do think it’s necessary; diagnostics over the internet is impossible without sufficient information about the scope of the problem. When someone asks “my car won’t run right, what’s wrong with it?” (which is quite vague, and how a lot of questions sound to me), there’s not much I can do to assist them.
What are the symptoms? How can the problem be replicated? Is the problem intermittent? What steps has the owner taken to troubleshoot the problem? Have they made any assumptions? Who had their hands on the vehicle up to this point, and did they reverse their changes when their work didn’t solve the problem? All this is important background information for effective troubleshooting.
The last thing I want to do is point someone in the wrong direction by thinking I have an understanding of the problem, where in reality I only have a small piece of the puzzle. Diagnostic work is the hardest part of fixing cars. I am always happy to help people come up with ideas and solutions, but my assistance can only be as helpful as the question that was asked.
I have an 2010 VW CC 2.0T that will not go reverse . I have to shut it down then turn it back on inorder for it to reset and go in reverse gear. If I’m lucky if I turn the wheel or if the car is moving back a bit it will grab but its rare.
I read n seen on YouTube that it could be the solenoids or module.
My 2006 Mustang convertible won’t always go in reverse and sometimes skips in other gears what could this be.
Thanks
I’m not sure. You’ll probably have to bring it by a transmission shop for a diagnosis. The low cost of a proper diagnosis is well worth the money.
Hello my 2007 Toyota Camry Se 2GR engine with 22pins isn’t reversing but it drives smooth
I’d take it to a transmission shop so they can figure out why it won’t go into reverse.
My lexius Es350 model 2008 is not moving on revers and also not changing gear how are my going to fix it.
You’re probably going to want to have it towed to a transmission shop to have them fix it.
2003 Volkswagen Jetta sometimes go in reverse but you think was wrong
hi aim Dickson. i have voxy 2006 it developed a problem such that it can move forward but putting it on reverse gear it does not move.i have called technicians for diagnosis but they simply say i replace gearbox.what might be the problem
I’m not sure. Sounds like something internal to the transmission that will require either a transmission rebuild or replacement.
My husband has noticed that his older VW Bug will not go into reverse very easily anymore, and he is trying to figure out the problem. Thanks for mentioning that it could be because the reverse gear is broken, and if that’s the case, the transmission has to be pulled so the gear can be replaced. Since I don’t think either of us knows how to do that, I’ll have to tell him to take it into professionals that can help fix it so he can stop worrying about it.
My brakes went completely out on my automatic 97 Toyota Corolla 1.8L while pulling out of driveway in reverse. E brake didn’t work so I threw it into park. When I finally fixed the brakes I went to put it into gear and it wouldn’t go into reverse or drive. The shifter would move but it wouldn’t catch, just kept running like it was in park.
I’m glad you were able to use the transmission to stop your car when the brakes failed. The transmission may be damaged from that incident. I would have the car inspected by a technician in person to see what the cause is.
I have got a nissan Micra manual transmission sometimes it doesn’t go in reverse sometimes it does. what could be the problem?
If you have a lockout ring, make sure it’s working properly. The clutch may need to be bled.
Can you get into reverse if you shift into second, first, and then reverse? Some vehicles I’ve had are a little picky going into reverse unless you do a little dance with the shifter first.
My ranger will shift into reverse after I shift into 2nd
I have similar problem but my car is automatic. Es350 !! Now the reverse is working pretty well . Without me doing nothing!! Would the problem still come back ?
Not sure, it might. Best to figure out what the issue is if you can.
You’re going to probably have a hard time getting it diagnosed unless you’re able to consistently reproduce the issue. Is there anything you can do that will make you more likely to get locked out of reverse?
hi can any one help
Got bmw e36
Had a leak in gearbox cooler had it replaced so now filled her up but only 3 quarts . Took it for a drive thinking it was full . What a mistake it defo needed more oil now my m8ts friend comes along telling me he worked at bmw and can reset gearbox with pedal test . So he did this next min we went for a drive the car totally wasn’t right really slipping to the point of more a less a stand still on a hill type road .
Had gear light showing up so I pulled over turned off car .started and light went off but car wasn’t moving much just really struggled getting bk home 2 streets away . I got home but realised a really bad burning smell . The car now only moves in reverse perfectly its auto tyranny bmw e36 please can someone help thankyou
It sounds like your buddy may be in a bit over his head. I would consider bringing it to a shop to have them help you sort it out.
i have a 350 turbo trasnmission in my car dont go on revrs go slow sometimes
07 avalanche. No warning no signs. Reverse doesn’t work. Sounds like something is engaging but nothing happens. All other gears work as should.
Did you find the issue I have a 2009 Ford Fusion and it goes into reverse and I hear it go into reverse gear but it will not go back at all. I changed the speed sensor in and out put but nothing
I have a 5 speed 07 Honda accord. I cannot just put it in reverse it doesn’t catch, but if I put it in 5th then reverse it tends to work. What could that be?
I’m not entirely sure. My guess is it could be an issue with the shift fork or collar on that particular gear. Since 5th and reverse typically share a collar on a 5 speed manual, perhaps engaging 5th before reverse lines it up so it can go into reverse smoothly.
Where will I found the transmission fluid in a gulf 2 car to check
Some vehicles have transmission dipsticks you can read like the engine oil.
My car Hyundai sonata 2006 model is having a gear problem, sometimes it won’t enter drive or neutral but it can enter reverse often, please what could be the problem.
Not sure. I would take it to a shop for a diagnosis.
My Nissan Tiida 2008 model does not reverse but it moves forward. Need urgent help on what to do
Unfortunately that’s going to be hard to diagnose without being there in person. I advise you to take it to a nearby shop to have it looked at.
I have a 04 chevy trailblazer and was going down the interstate and it stops pulling and engine revs up so i pull over and now i dont have any gear or reverse what is the problem with my vehicle bc its my only transportation?
Hey Ray, there’s not enough information in the description to really know for sure. I would have the vehicle towed to a mechanic for a diagnosis of the problem.
When push my gear selector to reverse it doesn’t pick for a while and gear 4 and 5 seems not to be selecting, my car is automatic
Check to see if there are any codes related to the transmission control module (TCM). Check the transmission fluid, make sure it is topped off and doesn’t look too dirty or smell burnt.
Reverse was working fine
03 GMC pickup automatic, I was backing up a small incline when a bang like I ran into something so I pulled back down and now my pickup want backup, goes forward and changes gears slower. Make whining noise when in reverse
I would have a mechanic take a look at that transmission.
I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my Mercury Mountaineer I can put it in reverse but in won’t back up but it drives fine it drive what is the cause!
My Toyota sienna 04 model started and when I put it in reverse it dies off and can’t start again. I tried changing the battery, yet it won’t start. I repaired the key starter yet it can’t. I tried pushing it backwards it won’t move but it moves when pushed forward… The engine cant roll manually . checked sparked plugs already. The check engine light was on for 2weeks.
Hi, delete if not appropriate….. I bought a car last Monday 24th Feb, from a second hand car dealer, next day found 3 faults with it and the dealer dragged their heels in wanting to fix it, however managed to get it in today Thursday 4th March, they have now told me they don’t know when they can fix it ( 12 mths warranty)….they have given me a courtesy car it is an 18 yr old VW golf GTI 2.0 engine, that had been re modified with 6 gears and only discovered when i got home that the reverse gear did not work . Should this dealer have given me this car in the first place? not answering phone calls or replying to emails and i want to know where i stand before i confront them.
My Truck Drives But It’s Hesitant & It Won’t Reverse At All. Would That Be A Part On The Transmission Or The Transmission Itself ? I Wanted To Be Sure Before I Replace The Transmission & Didn’t Have To Because I’m On A Budget.
My automatic probox is only going on reverse and it has enough ATF . what could be the problem
Not sure. It could be a failing solenoid or TCM issue. I would have it towed to a mechanic for a diagnosis.
When my automatic gear won’t move well when the gear was in drive unless it’s put in D1.. what’s the problem .?
I have a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 6.0L and I went to go in reverse and the truck does not move. It makes a grinding noise around transfer case area. Other than that it drives fine. Only reverse. Any ideas?
My Tahoe is doin the same thing. Did you find a fix
My Camry 2.2 can’t go on reverse, but can move forward. Any remedy?
Anytime my truck is idling it jumps into reverse. What causes this
hello i drive a volkswagen passat b3 2003 automatic gear box and I have a problem with my car, when I start on reverse without accelerating the car goes back (5-6kmh) after the engine of the car warm up,but if I want to accelerate it, the reverse gear releases. in the ‘D’ position has no problem with speed everything is ok.
Hello i have a problem about mercedez ,at first it cant move when you shift into reverse or drive.. We replace all the clutch linings inside.. After that.. Drive will work properly only reverse cant work.. What the possible problem
Hi. I drive a Mitsubishi outlander 2006 year model automatic.It doesn’t want to take reverse but when I put it on drive there’s no problem
Hi. I drive a 1995 be fox. Couple of days ago it just did not want to engage reverse gear, if I engage reverse gear it actually goes into first gear… What can be the problem? Please any assistance will be appreciated
06 Ford F350 Selector indicator works fine . Truck in park Turn it On And engages In a forward gear. Move shifter to the R Still goes forward. Basically of gears are forward gears No matter where shifter Is moped to. Put it back in park with the foot Brake activated It will go into limp Mode it will not accelerate.
Hey I have 2005 Chrysler 300 touring. I got,in the car this,morning to,leave,for work and my car will go in reverse but when you give it gas to,back put it won’t go. When your driving down the road by car shifts fine
Good day , I have automatic car, Toyota Camry, model 2002. The problem with the car is that when driving the car, it will change from gear 1 to 2 normally but refuses to change from gear 2 to 3. In fact when I apply the accelerator , the car will moving slowly as if I am gear 1. I just changed the transmission fluid three days ago. The mechanic saw some grind particles in the ATF and he said we need change the fibre. I don’t what is really wrong.
Hi , I m using Mazda 5, 2005, there is problem with the gearbox reverse. then I used the treament oil, it’s run smoothly, but after 2 months it’s go back to the same problem. So I bring it to the workshop, they give me 2 options , 1. Get the treament oil, 2. Replace gearbox ( it may cost 1 to 2 thousand ), any advice, thank you . From JC
I have a A727 in a 1985 Dodge Ram w100. It was rebuilt about 200 miles ago but it has been 6 years since the rebuild. The transmission will go into reverse then slam to a halt. In neutral it rolls forward. The other gears work fine. Neutral and reverse have issues. Could this be a valve body failure. The mechanic that rebuilt it said it had a cracked valve body and replaced it. Well it doing it again and of course not in shop warranty. Any ideas?
Thanks
My husband has a 2007 Acura TL. Originally the car would not drive forward only in reverse. We changed the transmission fluid and soon after realized there was a small leak in the transmission. We fixed the leak but now the car is only driving forward and not driving reverse. We changed fluids and filters, along with reprogramming the car…. nothing seems to be helping. Can anyone tell me what the problem could be?
My hunch is an issue with the valve body.
If it’s an issue with the valve body, what would need to be done? And if that’s not what it ends up being, what else could it be?
I have a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta that won’t go in reverse but drives forward. But while driving forward it slips a little bit at times. Please advise what and how to fix this problems or do my car need a transmission replacement? Thanks
It’s difficult to say. How’s the level and condition of your transmission fluid? Any DTC codes from a diagnostic scan?
Thanks for the information provided. I have some questions. I recently changed my faulty rings. After the change, the mechanic discovered the car was not selecting reverse. The car can only drive but can’t reverse. I did not have this reverse challenge before the rings were changed. Could the damage have developed from the ringing done? Is there a connection between ringing the car engine and the gear box? Is it advisable to drive the car when it doesn’t reverse at all? I suspect maybe something was tampered with when the rings in the engine were being changed that probably affected the gear box. The car is a Pontiac.. Thank you for your anticipated response.
I have a Kia Rio 2006 but it doesn’t enter drive but reverse.and if I put on the last gear which is L, it moves but I can’t run with it.
I started my ’06 uplander put it in reverse, back out. Went to shift in to drive from steering column, would not move from reverse to drive. Shut car off, then car would not start….
My automatic toyota wish reverse gear needs me to rev hard before it starts moving, what could be the cause
It could be early signs of transmission failure. I would get it checked out at a transmission shop.
Have a Mazda6 2003 was hit while parked. Hit just before the back tire on drivers side. Tire has gone flat. When put in reverse it backs up couple of feet and then the rear end lifts up and stops. Could you explain whats wrong please?
Something is likely bent. Could be suspension, axle, etc. You’ll need to get it towed to a shop or have a mobile mechanic get under and take a look.
Pathfinder 2004 3.5 SE Reverse gear works only after getting the car heat .
like after 5 minutes from starting in the morning .
I’m not sure what the cause is. It would be best to take the vehicle to a shop to have a diagnosis of the problem.
I think this answers my concern in a way.
my car is Vitz. It does not move when in reverse but forward it goes.
Top up the transmission fluid
am so greatful that I had same of reverse gear problem of my car not moving even after enggeging but after reading this I agree with you. I say thanks in advance n and God bless yu
I have an automatic trans. Sometimes will go in reverse, sometimes won’t. Had fluid and filter changed. Is my transmission going? How much low and high to fix.
Evening .. I have a Odessy 2005 model I put in reverse sometime it goes and sometime it stuck presently now the Drive takes few seconds to drives once I put it in drive .. what happening? I just Brought it out from d mechanic last week’s in which dey change d gear oil and other few component! It was ok for few days and now it as come back to it normal fault again … Is not reversing back again.. what can I do . Am tried and have spent a lot😥😥😥
Thanx. What is the cause of a gearbox driving only forward
Automatic or manual?
What is it when a Nissan won’t go in reverse or in drive
Have you checked your ATF to see if it’s full? If no, top it off immediately. If it is, have you had any work performed recently?
My 08 f-150 with the 4.6 engine made a loud bang while reversing my trailer. ( thought I backed into something)
Shortly after it would try moving back when shifting into reverse but very little power to the wheels
Like a clutch is slipping
Like to have a answer since I thought those transmissions were very strong and dependable
my toyota axio 2007 is going forward when in reverse gear this happened after cleaning the transmission solenoids. What can be the problem?
Hello,
I have a 2006 Ford Expedition and a couple of days ago when I put in reverse does not want to go. The thing is not always sometimes will go back and won’t go. Do you think the problem is a transmission change or something else?
Thanks for reply.
i had the same problem and i spent 400 for nothing but i came to find out that it was the transfer case
It is the transmission gear clutch. Or u can call it fiber.
Thanks my car was only moving in drive but not reversing. After reading through Google I was advised to check transmission fluid. I did and found very low transmission fluid , I had to top up , than it started moving I reverse as well. thanks for your help.
Please what is the curse of my Toyota Camry 2011 4 cylinder automatic not entry reverse only forward
Gear clutch
My gear is not reverse
Can I still drive my truck with no reverse gear?
It’s probably not a good idea.