MG HS jerky gear shifts – is it a DCT problem o r something else?
MG HS jerky gear shifts – is it a DCT problem o r something else?
I own a 2022 MG HS Trophy Edition in Karachi and have started noticing jerky o r hesitant gear shifts, especially when accelerating from a stop. The issue seems worse in heavy traffic o r on slight inclines. Ive heard that the MG HS uses a dual-clutch transmission DCT, and some owners are having similar problems. Is this a design flaw, o r does it need a software update o r clutch calibration? Has anyone in Pakistan gotten this fixed successfully?
1 Answer
91 views |
Talha Kyanii asked on 26 Jul 2025 13:40:38 pm


Jerky gear shifting — especially from 1st to 2nd gear — is another widespread complaint among MG HS owners in Pakistan. It’s mostly due to how the dual-clutch transmission DCT operates and how it was tuned for driving behavior.
Common Causes:
DCT Low-Speed Behavior: DCTs are not as smooth at low speeds as traditional automatics. They tend to hesitate, jerk, o r feel rough when starting from a stop — this is normal to an extent.
Improper Clutch Calibration: Some units have clutch calibration issues, leading to poor gear engagement and jerks, especially when driving uphill o r during slow acceleration.
Engine/Transmission Software Issues: Outdated software o r poor throttle-transmission coordination can cause delayed o r jerky shifts.
Driving Style: MG HS DCTs perform better with smooth, steady throttle inputs. Sudden acceleration from a stop can confuse the system.
Solutions:
Visit MG for a diagnostic scan – ask if your car has the latest transmission software update.
Request a clutch adaptation/reset – this helps re-learn the gear and clutch engagement patterns.
Try changing your driving style slightly — accelerate more gently from a full stop to reduce jerking.
If the jerking becomes too severe, ask the dealership to check the clutch pack wear some early HS models had premature clutch wear.
Important:
This is not always a sign of major failure, but persistent harsh jerking could indicate an underlying clutch o r actuator problem. It’s important to get it checked before it gets worse.
Common Causes:
DCT Low-Speed Behavior: DCTs are not as smooth at low speeds as traditional automatics. They tend to hesitate, jerk, o r feel rough when starting from a stop — this is normal to an extent.
Improper Clutch Calibration: Some units have clutch calibration issues, leading to poor gear engagement and jerks, especially when driving uphill o r during slow acceleration.
Engine/Transmission Software Issues: Outdated software o r poor throttle-transmission coordination can cause delayed o r jerky shifts.
Driving Style: MG HS DCTs perform better with smooth, steady throttle inputs. Sudden acceleration from a stop can confuse the system.
Solutions:
Visit MG for a diagnostic scan – ask if your car has the latest transmission software update.
Request a clutch adaptation/reset – this helps re-learn the gear and clutch engagement patterns.
Try changing your driving style slightly — accelerate more gently from a full stop to reduce jerking.
If the jerking becomes too severe, ask the dealership to check the clutch pack wear some early HS models had premature clutch wear.
Important:
This is not always a sign of major failure, but persistent harsh jerking could indicate an underlying clutch o r actuator problem. It’s important to get it checked before it gets worse.
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