Why does my car feel like its vibrating when accelerating?

Vibration during acceleration is usually caused by issues with the engine, drivetrain, or wheels. Common causes include misfires, unbalanced wheels, worn engine mounts, or transmission problems.

To diagnose, consider when the vibration occurs (engine speed, road speed, load on the drivetrain), listen for accompanying noises, and review recent maintenance. The following sections outline the most frequent sources and practical checks, organized by system from tires and wheels to engine and transmission components.

Common causes by system

Tires and wheels

Wheels and tires are the most common and often easiest sources of vibration. Start with these checks.

• Unbalanced wheels or missing wheel weights


• Damaged or bent rims


• Tires out of round, uneven wear, or bald spots


• Improper tire pressure or mismatched tires


• Loose lug nuts or damaged wheel hardware

Vibration from tires and wheels is frequently resolved by balancing, rotating, or replacing tires and rims. If tightening or replacing these parts doesn’t help, continue with engine or drivetrain checks.

Engine and fuel system

Engine-related vibrations during acceleration often come from misfires, fuel delivery issues, or air intake problems. Look for these potential causes.

• Misfiring cylinders due to worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils


• Dirty or failing fuel injectors or clogged fuel filter


• Vacuum leaks around intake hoses or the brake booster


• Dirty or failing mass air flow (MAF) sensor or throttle body


• Faulty throttle position sensor (TPS) or related sensor issues


• Low or inconsistent fuel pressure

Engine-related vibrations can often be diagnosed with a scan tool to look for misfire codes (for example P0300 and related codes). Cleaning or replacing affected components or addressing fuel delivery issues typically resolves the problem. In some cases, a misfire can harm catalytic converters, so address it promptly.

Drivetrain and transmission

Vibration may be transmitted through the drivetrain or originate in the transmission, especially during acceleration or at certain RPMs.

• Worn or broken engine/transmission mounts


• Worn CV joints, axles, or driveshaft issues


• Torque converter shudder in automatic transmissions


• Worn wheel bearings or differential issues

Drivetrain problems often require professional inspection and repair. If you notice accompanying sounds (clunking, grinding) or changes in acceleration behavior, schedule a mechanic visit promptly.

What to do next

Start with the easiest, most common fixes: check tire condition and balance, inspect for obvious issues in the engine bay (spark plugs, visible vacuum leaks), and consider a diagnostic scan for misfires or sensor faults. If the vibration persists after these checks, or if you notice unusual noises, loss of power, or the feel worsens at specific speeds, seek a qualified technician for a thorough inspection. For safety, pull over and stop driving if the vibration is severe or you notice a loss of control.

Summary

Vibration during acceleration typically points to tires and wheels, engine or fuel-system issues, or drivetrain/transmission problems. A methodical approach—start with tire/wheel checks, then inspect engine components and fuel delivery, followed by drivetrain/ transmission inspection—helps pinpoint the source. Use diagnostic codes and professional help as needed to prevent further damage and restore smooth acceleration.

Why do I feel a vibration when I press the gas?

Vibrations felt through the gas pedal often stem from engine misfires, worn motor mounts, or issues with the carburetor. Since the carburetor was recently rebuilt, inspect motor mounts for cracks or looseness that transmit engine vibrations.

Can a bad transmission cause vibrations?

Yes, a bad transmission can cause vibrations, which can be felt while accelerating, shifting gears, or even while idling. Common causes include low or contaminated transmission fluid, worn-out transmission mounts, and internal transmission problems. 
Causes of transmission-related vibration

• Low or contaminated transmission fluid: Insufficient or old, dirty fluid can lead to poor lubrication and cause the transmission to shudder or shift poorly. This can also be a sign of a leak. 
• Worn transmission mounts: These mounts stabilize the transmission and engine. When they wear out, the transmission can move excessively, causing vibrations that you feel in the cabin, pedals, or steering wheel. 
• Internal transmission issues: Problems like slipping gears, a malfunctioning torque converter, or internal damage can all lead to shaking and vibration. A clogged filter can also be a cause. 
• Other signs to look for:
  • Hesitation or slow response when shifting 
  • Burning smell 
  • Grinding or clunking noises 
  • Gear "slipping" (engine revs, but car doesn't accelerate as expected) 
  • A check engine light 

What to do

• Check your transmission fluid level and condition if you are comfortable doing so. A simple way is to drain a few drops onto a white paper towel and inspect it. 
• If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional as soon as possible. 
• Promptly addressing transmission problems can prevent more serious and expensive damage in the long run. 

What would cause vibration when accelerating?

Vibration during acceleration can be caused by problems with tires (like being unbalanced or unevenly worn), engine issues (such as misfires from bad spark plugs), or drivetrain components (like worn CV joints, U-joints, or damaged engine/transmission mounts). Other potential causes include a bent axle, loose lug nuts, or a stuck brake caliper. 
Tire and wheel issues 

• Unbalanced or worn tires: Uneven weight distribution or uneven wear can cause shaking, especially at higher speeds. 
• Loose lug nuts: Loose lug nuts are extremely dangerous as they can lead to a wheel coming off, so they should be checked immediately. 
• Damaged rims or brake rotors: A bent rim or warped brake rotor can also create a vibration. 

Engine and ignition issues 

• Misfiring: Problems with spark plugs, spark plug wires, or other ignition system parts can cause the engine to misfire, leading to a rough acceleration. 
• Engine mounts: Worn or broken engine mounts cannot properly absorb engine vibrations, which can be felt in the car's body. 
• Clogged air filters or vacuum leaks: Restricted airflow can cause uneven engine performance. 

Drivetrain problems

• Damaged CV joints or U-joints: These joints transmit power to the wheels, and if they are worn out, they can cause significant vibration during acceleration. 
• Transmission or driveshaft issues: Problems with the transmission, such as low fluid or internal damage, can lead to shaking. A damaged driveshaft can also be a cause. 
• Bent axle: A bent axle can vibrate when power is applied. 

Other potential causes

• Stuck brake caliper: If a brake caliper is stuck, it can drag on the rotor, causing a vibration. 
• Suspension or alignment problems: Issues with the suspension or a poor alignment can also lead to vibrations. 

Should I be worried if my car is vibrating?

The most prevalent cause of vibration is problems with your wheels or tires. The potential problems include improper wheel and tire balance, uneven tire wear, separated tire tread, out of round tires, damaged wheels and even loose lug nuts.