Common Cursor AI Problems and Solutions: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction to Cursor AI Problems

Cursor AI is a powerful tool that can dramatically improve your development workflow. However, like any complex tool, it can encounter issues. This guide covers the most common Cursor AI problems and their solutions.

Problem 1: AI Doesn't Understand Your Codebase

Symptoms: AI suggests code that doesn't fit your architecture, ignores your coding standards, or doesn't understand project relationships.

Solution: Configure .cursorrules

The most common cause is missing or incomplete .cursorrules files. This file tells Cursor AI about your project structure, coding standards, and preferences.

Step 1: Create .cursorrules File

Create a .cursorrules file in your project root with:

# Project Architecture
- Use Next.js 15 with App Router
- TypeScript for all files
- Tailwind CSS for styling

# Coding Standards
- Use functional components with hooks
- Follow ESLint rules
- Prefer named exports

# File Organization
- Components in /components
- Utils in /lib
- API routes in /app/api

Step 2: Add Project-Specific Rules

Include details about:

• Framework and library preferences
• Architecture patterns
• File naming conventions
• Code style guidelines

Step 3: Document Key Relationships

Explain how different parts of your codebase connect:

# Component Relationships
- Header component uses Logo from /components/Logo
- Footer links to /terms and /privacy pages
- Wizard uses components from /components/wizard

For more detailed help, check our guide on Cursor AI context problems.

Problem 2: Slow or No Suggestions

Symptoms: AI takes too long to respond, suggestions don't appear, or you see timeout errors.

Solution 1: Check Context Window Size

Cursor AI has a limited context window. If you have too many files open or a very large codebase, it can slow down or fail.

• Close unnecessary files: Only keep relevant files open
• Use @ mentions: Reference specific files instead of opening them all
• Break large files: Split very large files into smaller modules

Solution 2: Check Network Connection

Cursor AI requires an internet connection. Check:

• Your internet connection is stable
• No firewall blocking Cursor's API calls
• VPN isn't interfering (if using one)

Solution 3: Restart Cursor

Sometimes a simple restart fixes performance issues:

1. Close Cursor completely
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Reopen Cursor
4. Try your request again

Problem 3: Suggestions Don't Match Your Style

Symptoms: AI suggests code that doesn't match your coding style, uses wrong patterns, or ignores your preferences.

Solution: Enhance .cursorrules with Style Guidelines

Add detailed style guidelines to your .cursorrules file:

# Code Style
- Use arrow functions for components
- Prefer const over let
- Use template literals for strings
- Always use semicolons
- 2-space indentation
- Max line length: 100 characters

# React Patterns
- Use functional components only
- Prefer hooks over class components
- Use TypeScript interfaces for props
- Extract complex logic to custom hooks

Problem 4: Integration Issues

Symptoms: Cursor AI doesn't work with your IDE, extensions conflict, or features don't appear.

Solution 1: Check Extension Compatibility

Some VS Code extensions can conflict with Cursor. Try:

1. Disable other AI coding assistants (GitHub Copilot, etc.)
2. Disable conflicting extensions temporarily
3. Restart Cursor
4. Re-enable extensions one by one to find conflicts

Solution 2: Verify Workspace Settings

Check your workspace settings:

• Cursor AI is enabled in settings
• API key is configured correctly
• Workspace is properly indexed

Problem 5: AI Suggests Outdated Code

Symptoms: AI suggests deprecated patterns, old API versions, or outdated best practices.

Solution: Update .cursorrules with Current Standards

Keep your .cursorrules file updated with current best practices:

# Framework Versions
- Next.js 15 (latest)
- React 18.3+
- TypeScript 5.8+

# Avoid Deprecated Patterns
- Don't use getServerSideProps (use Server Components)
- Don't use pages router (use app router)
- Don't use class components

Problem 6: Context Gets Lost Between Sessions

Symptoms: AI doesn't remember previous conversations or project context when you restart Cursor.

Solution: Use Project Documentation

Since Cursor doesn't persist context between sessions, document important information:

• Create a comprehensive README.md
• Document architecture decisions
• Keep .cursorrules updated
• Use code comments for complex logic

Advanced Troubleshooting

Clear Cursor Cache

If problems persist, try clearing Cursor's cache:

1. Close Cursor
2. Delete cache directory (location varies by OS)
3. Restart Cursor

Check Cursor Logs

Cursor logs can reveal the cause of issues:

• Open Developer Tools (Help → Toggle Developer Tools)
• Check Console for errors
• Review Network tab for failed requests

When to Get Help

If you've tried these solutions and still have problems, consider:

• Booking a Cursor AI coaching session for personalized help
• Checking Cursor's official documentation
• Reaching out to Cursor support

Prevention: Best Practices

Prevent problems before they start:

• Maintain .cursorrules: Keep it updated as your project evolves
• Document your code: Good comments help AI understand context
• Organize your codebase: Clear structure helps AI navigate
• Keep Cursor updated: New versions include bug fixes and improvements

Conclusion

Most Cursor AI problems stem from configuration issues or context management. By properly setting up .cursorrules, managing your context window, and following best practices, you can avoid most issues and maximize your productivity with Cursor AI.

If you're still struggling, our 60-minute Cursor AI coaching sessions can help you set up Cursor properly and resolve any issues you're facing.