Can I drive with a bad motor mount?

You can technically drive with a bad motor mount for a short distance, but it is unsafe and not recommended. Have the vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Motor mounts secure the engine to the vehicle frame and dampen vibrations. When they fail or wear out, the engine can shift, increasing cabin noise and vibration, and potentially causing damage to hoses, belts, exhaust components, and other under-hood systems. Driving on a compromised mount can accelerate wear on nearby parts and create unpredictable handling in some conditions.

What a motor mount does

Motor mounts serve two primary roles: they physically hold the engine in place and they isolate engine vibrations from the chassis. Most modern cars use a combination of rubber and metal (or hydraulic) mounts to balance rigidity with vibration dampening.

Engine support and vibration control

By anchoring the engine and dampening movement, mounts protect transmission and drivetrain alignment while reducing noise and harshness transmitted into the cabin. Different designs are used depending on the vehicle and engine configuration.

Signs of a failing motor mount

If you notice one or more of these indicators, a professional inspection is warranted.

• Excessive vibrations in the cabin, especially at idle or during acceleration.


• Clunking, banging, or thudding noises when shifting gears, accelerating, braking, or going over bumps.


• Visible wear such as cracks, tears, or deteriorated rubber; loose or damaged mounting brackets.


• Engine movement or misalignment felt under the hood or around engine bay components.


• Increased engine noise or unusual sounds that coincide with load changes.


• Components rubbing or making contact with the engine due to movement.

Even without obvious damage, heat exposure, oil leaks, or age can degrade mounts. A professional check can confirm integrity and rule out related issues.

Risks of driving with a bad motor mount

Continuing to drive with a worn or broken mount can invite further damage and safety concerns.

• Engine and transmission components (belts, hoses, exhaust, and mounts) may experience premature wear from abnormal movement.


• Excessive engine movement can affect alignment and timing-related components, potentially triggering misfires or drivability issues.


• Sudden engine shift during aggressive acceleration or braking could momentarily affect steering or throttle response in sensitive situations.


• In extreme cases, a broken mount can allow the engine to contact a surrounding component, causing more extensive repairs.

Because of these risks, driving with a suspected mount should be limited and scheduled for repair promptly.

What to do if you suspect a bad mount

Take these precautions to minimize risk and arrange for repair accessibly.

1. If you hear loud noises, feel violent engine movement, or smell hot components, stop safely and assess the situation.


2. Avoid driving long distances or under heavy load; arrange towing or roadside assistance to a shop.


3. Have a mechanic inspect the motor mounts and related components (engine/transmission mounts, belts, hoses, exhaust, and mounts’ hardware).


4. If replacement is required, rely on a qualified technician to perform the work to proper specifications.

Addressing a failing motor mount early helps prevent secondary damage and keeps repair costs more predictable.

Costs and replacement options

Costs vary by vehicle and mount type, but here are general ranges to consider when planning a repair.

• Front engine mount: parts typically $40-$150; labor around $150-$300 per mount, depending on accessibility.


• Hydraulic or performance mounts: parts often $80-$300 per mount; labor may be higher due to additional disassembly.


• Replacing all relevant mounts for a single vehicle can range from about $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on vehicle and shop rates.

Ask for a detailed estimate that itemizes parts and labor, and check whether a wheel alignment or drivetrain checks are recommended after replacement.

Summary

Bottom line: driving with a bad motor mount is not ideal and can lead to progressively worse damage and safety concerns. If you notice symptoms such as excessive vibrations, clunking noises, or visible wear, seek a professional inspection and plan for timely repair. Prompt attention protects other components, maintains drive quality, and can prevent higher repair costs down the line.

What happens if I don't fix my motor mount?

If you don't replace motor mounts, you can experience increased vibrations, loud noises, and jerky movements, and it may lead to more severe damage, such as engine or transmission problems, and safety concerns due to the engine's excessive movement. Ignoring bad mounts can cause other components like hoses, wires, and belts to become damaged and lead to more costly repairs down the road. 
Symptoms of bad motor mounts

• Increased vibrations: You may feel more vibration, especially when idling, in drive, or when accelerating. 
• Loud noises: Listen for clunking or thumping sounds, particularly when accelerating or shifting gears. 
• Visible engine movement: The engine may appear to sag, lean, or move excessively when you are accelerating or shifting. 
• Jerking or lurching: The car may lurch when shifting or accelerating. 

Consequences of not replacing motor mounts

• Damage to other components: The excessive movement can cause stress on other parts of the vehicle, such as hoses, wiring, and exhaust systems, leading to premature wear or breakage. 
• Engine or transmission damage: A compromised mount can subject the engine and transmission to excessive stress, potentially causing more significant damage over time. 
• Compromised safety: In extreme cases, excessive engine movement can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, making it less safe to drive, especially during sudden maneuvers. 
• Higher repair costs: The longer you wait to replace bad mounts, the greater the risk of secondary damage, which will likely increase the total repair costs. 

This video shows the symptoms of a bad motor mount: 55sMake It Easy MechanicYouTube · Dec 8, 2023

How urgent are engine mounts?

All engine mounts will wear and fail over time and not replacing engine mountings could lead to the following: Excessive Vibration. Damage or Wear to the engine. Damage or Wear to other components in the engine.

Do motor mounts affect performance?

Yes, motor mounts affect performance by preventing the engine from moving excessively, which can cause vibrations and reduce handling. Replacing worn-out mounts with new ones can improve a vehicle's performance by stabilizing the engine and providing a more connected and responsive feel. Conversely, worn or broken mounts can lead to a rough ride, increased noise, and potential damage to other components due to engine movement.
 
How good motor mounts affect performance

• Improved Handling: New mounts keep the engine stable during acceleration, braking, and cornering, leading to better overall handling and a more planted feel. 
• Reduced Vibration: Properly functioning mounts absorb engine vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. 
• More Responsive Feel: A tighter, more stable engine provides a more direct feel between the engine and the wheels, making the vehicle feel more responsive. 
• Crisp Shifting: Worn mounts can cause hesitation or clunking during gear changes, which is often corrected when they are replaced. 

How bad motor mounts affect performance

• Increased Vibration: Worn mounts fail to absorb vibrations, which are then transmitted to the steering wheel and chassis, making for a rougher ride. 
• Excessive Noise: A bad mount can cause the engine to shift and hit other parts, leading to clunking, rattling, or banging noises, especially when starting up, shutting down, or during hard acceleration. 
• Poor Handling: Excessive engine movement due to failed mounts negatively impacts the vehicle's handling and stability. 
• Potential for Damage: A failing mount can cause other parts to become misaligned or damaged due to the engine's uncontrolled movement. In the worst-case scenario, a complete mount failure can allow the engine to drop. 

How long can you drive with bad motor mounts?

You should avoid driving with bad motor mounts as much as possible, but if you must, it is only safe for short, gentle trips, ideally less than 60 miles, because the damage can worsen and cause more significant, costly issues to the engine, transmission, and other components. The exact timeframe for safe driving depends on how severe the mount is and your driving habits, but it's best to get it repaired as soon as you can. 
Risks of driving with bad motor mounts

• Increased wear and tear: The excessive movement can cause stress and wear on other parts of the engine and vehicle, such as hoses, belts, and wires, leading to more expensive repairs down the line. 
• Potential for more severe damage: A completely broken mount can cause the engine to move violently, potentially putting the transmission and other driveline components at risk. 
• Safety concerns: In a crash, a broken motor mount can affect the engine's deflection, and there could be a risk of the engine manifold hitting you in a severe head-on collision. 

This video explains the risks of driving with bad engine mounts: 59sAuto Repair GuysYouTube · May 18, 2021
How to drive safely in the short term

• Drive gently: Avoid any hard acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. 
• Take short trips: Limit your driving to only what is necessary and for very short distances. 
• Drive carefully: Be mindful of bumps and potholes that could exacerbate the problem. 
• Inspect and secure: A mechanic can make a better recommendation based on the severity of the mount's wear. If you have a DIY approach, you may be able to use a temporary fix like a cable or strap to help secure the engine, but it is best to leave this to the professionals and avoid DIY fixes if possible. 

What to do next

• Get a professional opinion: It is best to have a trusted mechanic inspect the mounts and other components to assess the damage and provide the most accurate recommendation. 
• Get it fixed immediately: Replace the bad motor mount as soon as possible to prevent future damage. 
• Check for other damage: It is recommended to have a mechanic inspect other parts of the vehicle, such as suspension and shock absorber bushes, and any other components that might be affected by the bad motor mount.