Why is my car shaking jerking?

Shaking or jerking can be caused by a range of issues—from tires to engine components. The most common origins are tire/wheel problems, engine misfires or fuel delivery faults, and transmission or drivetrain wear. Start with the simplest checks (tires and wheels) and progress to engine and transmission concerns. If the vibration is severe or accompanied by steering difficulties, pull over safely and seek professional help.

Understanding why a car shakes or jerks involves looking at how the vehicle behaves under different conditions: at idle, during acceleration, at cruising speed, or when braking. Some problems are noticeable only at certain speeds or loads, while others occur constantly. This guide outlines the main causes and practical steps to diagnose or address the issue.

Common causes of shaking or jerking

The following categories cover the most frequent sources of vibration or jerking. Review each area for obvious problems and note when the issue occurs (e.g., at highway speeds, while idling, or during full-throttle acceleration).

• Wheels and tires: unbalanced wheels, separated tire beads, damaged rims, uneven tread wear, or loose lug nuts can cause vibration at specific speeds or during acceleration.


• Engine misfire or ignition problems: worn or fouled spark plugs, bad ignition coils, faulty ignition wires, vacuum leaks, or dirty fuel injectors can cause rough idle and jerking under power.


• Fuel delivery and air supply: a clogged fuel filter, weak fuel pump, contaminated fuel, or a dirty mass air flow sensor can lead to hesitation and jerking as the engine loads change.


• Engine mounts: cracked or worn engine mounts can cause the engine to rock and transmit vibration to the cabin, especially at idle or under acceleration.


• Transmission or drivetrain issues: automatic transmissions that slip or harshly shift, worn CV joints, faulty driveshafts, or differential problems can produce jerking or shuddering under load or at certain speeds.


• Suspension and steering components: worn shocks/struts, ball joints, tie rods, or sway bar links can let the chassis flex and amplify vibrations, sometimes felt through the steering wheel or floor.


• Brakes and rotors: warped rotors or grabbing brakes can cause pulsations when braking, and occasional vibration during light braking or deceleration.


• Exhaust and resonance: loose or damaged exhaust components can create rattling or vibration at certain engine speeds, particularly around resonance frequencies.

Not every vibration points to a single problem, and multiple issues can overlap (for example, unbalanced tires amplifying engine misfire vibrations). A mechanic can confirm the root cause with tests and measurements.

How to diagnose the issue

To narrow down the culprit, observe when and how the shaking occurs, and gather baseline information such as the engine speed (RPM), road speed, and whether the vibration changes with braking, acceleration, or turning. Use these steps to guide a safer, methodical check.

1. Check the tires and wheels: inspect tread wear, look for cords showing through, run a finger around the tire beads for separation, and check for bulges or cracks. Verify tire pressure against the manufacturer’s spec and ensure all four tires are migned and balanced.


2. Test wheel balance and alignment: if vibration is noticeable at highway speeds (e.g., 60–70 mph), the issue is often unbalanced wheels or misalignment. Have a shop balance the wheels and assess alignment if indicated.


3. Assess the engine ignition and fuel system: if the idle is rough or the engine hesitates under acceleration, check spark plugs, ignition coils/wires, and look for vacuum leaks. If you can safely access it, scan for fault codes with an OBD-II reader to identify misfire or sensor issues.


4. Evaluate the fuel system and air intake: check for a clogged fuel filter, listen for a weak fuel pump, and confirm clean air intake and proper mass airflow sensor operation. Replace blocked or faulty parts as needed.


5. Inspect the engine mounts: look for visible cracks or excessive engine movement when revving in neutral. A rough idle with noticeable engine rocking often points to worn mounts.


6. Inspect the suspension, steering, and braking: look for leaking shock absorbers, damaged bushings, bent rims, or worn tie rods. If you feel vibration when applying brakes, check rotor surface and brake components for warping or sticking calipers.

Following these diagnostic steps helps you identify the most likely causes. If you’re unsure or the issue persists after basic checks, a professional inspection is recommended to avoid unsafe driving conditions.

When to seek professional help

Seek immediate assistance if the vibration is severe, if the steering feels unstable, if there is a grinding or clunking noise, or if the Check Engine light is on. Sudden loss of power, smoke, or a strong odor can indicate serious problems that require urgent attention.

Preventive maintenance tips

Regular maintenance can reduce the likelihood of shaking or jerking. Maintain proper tire pressure, rotate and balance tires as recommended, replace spark plugs and ignition components at the manufacturer’s intervals, and keep the engine and transmission fluids in good condition. A well-maintained vehicle is less prone to vibration-related issues.

Summary

Car shaking or jerking usually stems from tires, engine misfires, transmission problems, or drivetrain wear. Start with a tire and wheel check, then inspect ignition and fuel delivery, and finally assess the transmission and suspension components. Use diagnostic notes to guide a mechanic if necessary, and prioritize safety—pull over if vibrations worsen or steering becomes unstable. Regular maintenance helps prevent many vibration-related issues from arising.

Why is my car shaking and jerking?

There are a few parts within a vehicle's engine that could cause a car to shake if they malfunction. These include the spark plugs and engine air filter. Check the spark plugs and their connections. As a general rule, spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Why would a car be jerking while driving?

A car jerking while driving is often caused by issues in the engine, transmission, or fuel system, such as a clogged air filter, dirty spark plugs, a failing fuel pump, or problems with the transmission fluid. It can also be caused by faulty sensors, vacuum leaks, or a damaged catalytic converter. 
This video explains several reasons why a car might jerk when accelerating, including a clogged air filter, faulty fuel injectors, and a bad transmission: 51sOBD InsightsYouTube · Mar 15, 2025
Engine and fuel system

• Dirty or faulty spark plugs: Old or worn spark plugs can cause incomplete combustion and misfires, leading to jerking. 
• Clogged fuel filter or dirty fuel injectors: These can restrict fuel flow to the engine, causing it to hesitate. 
• Faulty fuel pump: A failing fuel pump may not supply enough pressure, leading to sputtering and jerking. 
• Clogged air filter: A dirty air filter restricts airflow to the engine, disrupting the air-fuel mixture. 
• Vacuum leaks: Leaks in the vacuum system can cause the air-fuel mixture to be incorrect. 
• Malfunctioning mass airflow (MAF) sensor: This sensor measures the air entering the engine. If it's faulty, it can send incorrect data, causing jerking. 
• Clogged catalytic converter: A blockage in the exhaust system can impede engine performance. 

Transmission

• Low or dirty transmission fluid: The fluid lubricates and cools the transmission. Low levels or contamination can cause poor performance. 
• Worn-out clutch: In manual transmission vehicles, a slipping clutch can cause jerking and loss of power. 
• Internal transmission problems: Issues within the transmission itself can also cause jerking when shifting gears or accelerating. 

Other potential causes

• Faulty ignition coils: These provide the spark to the spark plugs. Weak coils can lead to jerking. 
• Bad sensors: Other sensors in the car can provide incorrect information to the engine control unit, causing performance issues. 
• Damaged mounts: Worn engine or transmission mounts can cause the engine to move excessively, leading to a jerking sensation. 

You can watch this video to learn about other potential causes of jerking, such as transmission problems, vacuum leaks, and faulty oxygen sensors: 1mAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 5, 2025
What to do

1. Check the check engine light: If it's on, get the car scanned for trouble codes, as this can point directly to the problem area. 
2. Perform a visual inspection: Look for obvious issues like a dirty air filter or signs of leaks. 
3. Consult a professional: Because there are many potential causes, a mechanic can properly diagnose the issue through a thorough inspection and testing, especially for internal engine or transmission problems. 

Is it safe to drive a shaking car?

No, it is not always safe to drive when your car is shaking, especially if the shaking is violent, unpredictable, or accompanied by other symptoms like unusual noises. While minor, constant vibrations from something like unbalanced tires might not be immediately dangerous, they can cause further damage and should be addressed soon. If the shaking occurs while braking or at high speeds, it could indicate a critical issue with your brakes or suspension, so it's best to pull over and have the vehicle inspected by a professional. 
When to stop driving immediately

• Violent or unpredictable shaking: If the car shakes violently or unpredictably, you should stop driving immediately. This could indicate a serious problem like a broken engine mount or a severe steering issue. 
• Shaking during braking: This can be a sign of warped brake rotors or other brake problems, which compromise your ability to stop safely. 
• Shaking that affects steering: If you have difficulty controlling the vehicle, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. 
• Shaking accompanied by unusual noises: Loud noises or the car jerking when accelerating can signal engine or transmission problems that need professional attention. 

When to get it checked soon

• Shaking at a specific speed: A vibration that starts at a certain speed (e.g., 55-65 mph) often points to unbalanced wheels. While not a life-threatening emergency, it should be fixed soon to prevent wear on other parts like the suspension. 
• Shaking while idling: This can be caused by loose engine mounts or other engine-related issues. It's not as immediately critical as violent shaking, but still needs to be diagnosed and repaired to prevent further damage. 

What to do if your car is shaking

1. Pull over safely: If the shaking is severe or happens during braking, find a safe place to pull over immediately. 
2. Turn off the engine: This can prevent further damage, especially if the shaking is related to the engine. 
3. Check for visible issues: Look under the hood for anything obviously wrong, but do not attempt complex repairs yourself. 
4. Contact a professional: Schedule an appointment with a mechanic to have the car inspected. Ignoring the problem can lead to more expensive repairs or unsafe driving conditions. 

Can I still drive my car if it's jerking?

If you notice that your car jerks when accelerating at low speeds, this is an issue that you shouldn't ignore. A jerking car is often a sign that your car will develop other problems if you don't address this issue through preventative maintenance care or a timely auto repair service.