Why Your Car Might Be Losing Power — Common Causes Explained

6 Oct 2025

There’s nothing worse than feeling your car hesitate or lose power while driving. Whether it’s sluggish acceleration or intermittent power loss, it’s a sign something needs attention.
At Trevor Burgess Volvo, we diagnose and repair these issues every day — here are the most common causes.

1. Blocked Air or Fuel Filter

Over time, filters clog with dirt, dust, and debris, restricting airflow or fuel supply.
The result? Reduced performance, sluggish response, and higher fuel consumption.
Fix: Replace air and fuel filters at regular service intervals.

2. Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils

In petrol engines, failing plugs or coils can cause misfires or uneven power delivery.
Fix: Replace faulty components and ensure correct gap and voltage.

3. Clogged Fuel Injectors

Dirty injectors can disrupt fuel spray patterns, leading to rough running and power loss.
Fix: Professional injector cleaning or replacement.

4. Exhaust or DPF Blockage

If exhaust gases can’t escape freely, the engine struggles to perform.
Diesel vehicles, in particular, may have a clogged DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
Fix: Perform DPF regeneration or clean/replace as required.

5. Turbo or Air Leak Issues

For turbocharged cars, any split hose or air leak will cause a major drop in boost pressure.
Fix: Pressure test the system and replace any cracked or leaking pipes.

6. Sensor or ECU Faults

Modern engines rely on sensors (oxygen, MAF, MAP, throttle) to regulate performance.
A single fault can trigger limp mode or reduce power.
Fix: Run diagnostic scans to pinpoint faulty sensors and reset ECU if needed.

✅ Book a Diagnostic Check

If your car feels underpowered or inconsistent, don’t wait.
Bring it to Trevor Burgess Volvo for a full diagnostic inspection.
We’ll identify the issue quickly and get your vehicle running smoothly again.