Engine Shudder w/ check engine light

Avoid driving, it sounds like the car is dangerous in its current condition.

 

How's the oil level? How's the coolant levels? How many miles on the odometer?

 

I would certainly get a trouble code scan run on it. Some auto parts stores can do the basic codes but you probably need hybrid codes as well. Apparently not starting the gas engine very well would be my first guess. That can be any of your standard gas fuel air ignition issues as well as hv battery discharged or failed. How is the hv battery charge indicator? Very low and staying low? I would probably borrow or rent a car rather than drive this one much with unknown issues. Sometimes a local garage has hybrid knowledge and appropriate scan tools. Call around.

 

You are having a cylinder misfire problem. Could be a bad plug(s), injector(s), coil-on-plug or even a large vacuum leak. Maybe even crappy gas. But certainly, a misfire problem. Be aware that misfires that are significant enough to cause severe shaking and a blinking CEL are potentially putting enough raw fuel into the exhaust that it can damage the catalytic converter.

If you are unable to get codes read, you could probably just buy the cheapest model at Autozone, etc and it would work for you.
If you dont want to buy/borrow a scan tool: If the spark plugs have more than 80k miles on them (assuming they are iridium/oem) and you're feeling mechanical today, I would probably start with those, as it's needed anyway.

I believe even a basic scan tool will provide the answer on this one.

 

I would avoid driving it but as others have mentioned check all critical fluids before taking it for repairs.

 

I believe they mention in the owner's manual, stop driving immediately if the check engine light is flashing