Is it normal for the engine to shake while the car is in limp mode?

Very very likely. The engine is unwell. So a 1.4 TSI PHEV. Why in limp mode. Spark Plugs / Misfires, Injectors or something else. Even the Turbo Disabled or a couple of cylinder even though not an ACT engine...

I got this a couple of weeks ago on a drive down to Cornwall. When I left a filling station after refulling (after 5 hours / 300 miles), and switched into hybrid mode, the dashboard lit up with a whole range of faults and the engine went into limp mode. I limped back round a roundabout to the forecourt again and turned the car off and on again. It was fine again afterwards. I don't know whether it was a one-off glitch, but it has not done it before or since (so far). Given the recent posts about batteries, I was wondering whether the original 12v battery on a 2021 vehicle is getting towards the end of its life?

Depends what you call a limp mode. If just releasing brake and let it crawl slowly, some stuttering or shaking is normal for these gearboxes. I don't have it though, others have a lot.

13 minutes ago, Edela said:

Depends what you call a limp mode. If just releasing brake and let it crawl slowly, some stuttering or shaking is normal for these gearboxes. I don't have it though, others have a lot.

I was in the motorway regenerating the GPF (typically driving in S mode at 4th gear at 3000 rpm / 100 kmh) for 15 minutes or so. Then a message popped up "You have to run the engine for longer", then it have a message that I should visit workshop (the OBD2 says P2084 - Exhaust Has Temperature (EGT) problem. (as it's so cold here that it doesn't warm up the exhaust easily).

Limp mode: Engine became less powerful, when I stopped at the traffic lights, I realized the engine was shaking and barely running. I immediately switched off / then on, it did not repeat. I drove 25 km more and it was normal.

8 hours ago, Octawia said:

I was in the motorway regenerating the GPF (typically driving in S mode at 4th gear at 3000 rpm / 100 kmh) for 15 minutes or so. Then a message popped up "You have to run the engine for longer", then it have a message that I should visit workshop (the OBD2 says P2084 - Exhaust Has Temperature (EGT) problem. (as it's so cold here that it doesn't warm up the exhaust easily).

Limp mode: Engine became less powerful, when I stopped at the traffic lights, I realized the engine was shaking and barely running. I immediately switched off / then on, it did not repeat. I drove 25 km more and it was normal.

Are you aware that the GPF regens on closed-throttle overrun? - not by using similar method as DPF regen.

24 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

Are you aware that the GPF regens on closed-throttle overrun? - not by using similar method as DPF reganuel states that

25 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

Are you aware that the GPF regens on closed-throttle overrun? - not by using similar method as DPF regen.

The manual states that, the transmission should be put into S mode, whilst driving minimum at 80 kmh at 3000-5000 rpm for about 15 minutes, from time to time letting go of the accelerator. I followed it and it worked.

Just now, Octawia said:

The manual states that, the transmission should be put into S mode, whilst driving minimum at 80 kmh at 3000-5000 rpm for about 15 minutes, from time to time letting go of the accelerator. I followed it and it worked.

OK, but you didn't mention closed throttle in your original post.

No idea why the manual says this - bit of a waste of time. Just boot it a few times, and it'll do what needs to be done.

I can tell when my vRS regens. It'll be, as @Warrior193 has said, on a closed throttle overrun. In other words, shortly after I've put my foot down, I'll come off the gas (usually on a slip road or the like) and the car will hold the high revs for a few seconds. That's what the manual is trying to get you to do - high rpm (S mode) and overrun (lifting off).

FWIW, a GPF is totally different to a DPF. A DPF needs the high temperatures of constant driving to remain clear. With the exhaust being hotter and higher velocity, petrol cars don't need to be taken specially for a regen drive. It's just not needed.

Certainly, a GPF has nothing to do with shaking in limp mode (it would also tell you if the limp mode is to do with the emissions system).

On 28/02/2026 at 00:39, OccyVRS said:

No idea why the manual says this - bit of a waste of time. Just boot it a few times, and it'll do what needs to be done.

I can tell when my vRS regens. It'll be, as @Warrior193 has said, on a closed throttle overrun. In other words, shortly after I've put my foot down, I'll come off the gas (usually on a slip road or the like) and the car will hold the high revs for a few seconds. That's what the manual is trying to get you to do - high rpm (S mode) and overrun (lifting off).

FWIW, a GPF is totally different to a DPF. A DPF needs the high temperatures of constant driving to remain clear. With the exhaust being hotter and higher velocity, petrol cars don't need to be taken specially for a regen drive. It's just not needed.

Certainly, a GPF has nothing to do with shaking in limp mode (it would also tell you if the limp mode is to do with the emissions system).

Indeed. I think it went into limp mode whilst I was closed throttling (@Warrior193 thanks for the abbreviation) and OBD2 P2084 error popped up. I'm relating P2084 to the GPF regen as it seems to be related somewhat to the gas temperature sensor. Hence, since the GPF regen has been completed, there's no repetition of P2084 error.

On 27/02/2026 at 10:44, Octawia said:

Is it normal for the engine to shake while the car is in limp mode?

I would be inclined to get it scanned to see what if anything major caused it. It should have stored a code. On my older diesels limp mode seems to just reduce power to engine and limits revs. Engine sounds and runs ok but if you go any higher than 2nd gear it doesnt have the power as they seem to be limited to about 1800rpm. Same in my sons petrol fabia. Too me a long time to get home the last time.

The shaking of the engine could be a number of things so get it scannned.

Alasdair