Car Shakes When Accelerating: Causes & Easy Fixes

Car Shakes When Accelerating: Causes & Easy Fixes

If your car shakes when you press the gas pedal, it can be both annoying and worrying. Vibration during acceleration almost always points to a mechanical imbalance or misfire. The good news? Most causes are easy to diagnose at home with simple checks.

Below are the most common reasons why your car shakes when accelerating, how dangerous each one is, and what you can do to fix it quickly.

1. Wheel & Tire Problems (Most Common Cause)

Check Engine Light Flashing? Causes, Fixes & How Serious It Really Is

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When the shaking feels strongest at 40–60 mph, the problem usually comes from unbalanced or damaged wheels.

Possible Causes

• Unbalanced tires

• Bent wheel rim

• Uneven tire wear (cupping)

• Low tire pressure

• Broken or missing wheel weights

Symptoms

• Steering wheel shakes

• Vibration increases with speed

• Noise from the front wheels

How to Fix

1. Check tire pressure

2. Spin each wheel and inspect uneven tread

3. Get a wheel balancing service (cheap)

4. Replace damaged rims/tire

📌 Cost: $10–$60 (wheel balance), $80–$150 (new tire)

2. Engine Misfire or Ignition Issues

If the car shakes harder when you press the gas, especially under load, the engine may be misfiring.

Causes

• Bad spark plugs

• Faulty ignition coils

• Dirty fuel injectors

• Weak fuel pump

• Vacuum leak

Symptoms

• Check Engine Light flashing

• Jerking or hesitation

• Rough idle

Fix

• Replace spark plugs

• Clean injectors

• Scan OBD2 for misfire codes (P0300–P0306)

📌 Cost: $20–$150 depending on part.

3. CV Axle or Driveshaft Issues

A damaged axle causes vibration ONLY during acceleration, which disappears when cruising.

Causes

• Torn CV boot

• Worn CV joint

• Bent driveshaft

• Loose axle nut

Symptoms

• Clicking sound when turning

• Strong vibration under load

• Grease splatter inside the wheel

Fix

• Replace CV axle (common fix)

• Tighten axle nut

• Replace damaged driveshaft

📌 Cost: $100–$300 per axle.

4. Worn Engine or Transmission Mounts

If vibration comes from the engine bay when accelerating from 0 to 20 mph, the problem may be bad mounts.

Causes

• Rubber mount separated

• Broken transmission mount

• Engine moving excessively

Symptoms

• Clunk when shifting

• Engine tilts or moves

• Cabin vibration at low speed

Fix

• Inspect mounts visually

• Replace the broken one

📌 Cost: $50–$250 (labor varies)

5. Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor or Throttle Body

If the engine shakes slightly and reacts slowly:

Fix

• Clean MAF sensor

• Clean throttle body

• Replace air filter

📌 Cost: $10–$20 cleaner spray

When It’s Dangerous

Stop driving immediately if:

• Vibration becomes violent

• You hear metallic grinding

• Steering feels loose

• Axle clicks loudly during turns

Quick DIY Checklist

Conclusion

A shaking car during acceleration is usually caused by wheels, ignition, CV axles or engine mounts. Most issues are inexpensive and easy to diagnose at home. If you cannot find the cause, scan the car with an OBD2 tool or visit a mechanic for a detailed inspection.

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