Why did car jerk when stepping on gas?

Hi! This is Bo with Car Genius at RepairPal! The sudden jerk when accelerating from a stop after coming to a fast stop could be attributed to a few potential factors. But I can see how it would freak you out! One possibility is that the transmission momentarily struggled to engage properly after the abrupt stop. This could be due to issues such as low transmission fluid level or the transmission slipping. Another possibility is that the engine momentarily hesitated or misfired when you pressed the gas pedal. This could be caused by issues such as spark plug or ignition coil, a vacuum leak, or fuel delivery issue. Since the issue seems to have resolved itself and the car is running fine now, it may not be an immediate cause for concern. But if the check engine light comes on or this symptom becomes more frequent, take it to a shop. If you have any other questions feel free to call us at 877-913-1554! We'll be happy to find you a certified shop in your area!