what causes a car to shake when accelerating

[SavannahLynn]

A car shaking during acceleration is most commonly caused by issues with the tires or wheels, such as an imbalance or being out-of-round. However, it can also point to more serious problems within the engine, drivetrain, or suspension. The key to diagnosing the issue is to note when the shaking occurs—whether it's at specific speeds, during acceleration only, or if it's felt in the steering wheel, seats, or throughout the entire vehicle.

Unbalanced or Damaged Tires/Wheels: This is the most frequent culprit. If the shaking starts at a certain speed (typically between 55-70 mph) and is felt primarily in the steering wheel, your wheels are likely out of balance. A bent wheel or a tire with a separated belt (making it "out-of-round") will cause a similar vibration.

Engine-Related Issues: If the shaking is present when you're accelerating but smooths out when you coast, the problem is likely under the hood. Worn spark plugs, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire. This means one or more cylinders aren't firing correctly, creating a jerking, shuddering sensation as the engine struggles for power.

Drivetrain Components: For rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicles, a worn CV joint (Constant Velocity joint) on an axle shaft is a common cause. You might hear a loud clicking noise when turning, accompanied by vibration during acceleration. In front-wheel-drive cars, worn inner CV joints can cause a shudder when pulling away from a stop. A worn universal joint (U-joint) in the driveshaft of a truck or SUV can also create a significant shake, especially when starting to move.

Common Cause	Typical Symptom	Urgency Level	Approximate Repair Cost (USD)
Tire/Wheel Imbalance	Vibration in steering wheel at high speeds	Medium	$15 - $50 per wheel
Bent Wheel	Vibration that doesn't go away; felt in steering	Medium-High	$150 - $400+ for replacement
Engine Misfire	Shaking under load (accelerating), check engine light	High	$100 - $300 per cylinder
Worn CV Joints	Clicking when turning, vibration on acceleration	High	$300 - $800 per axle
Worn Motor Mounts	Clunking noise, vibration at idle and acceleration	Medium	$200 - $600
Driveshaft Issue (RWD/AWD)	Vibration from under vehicle, increases with speed	High	$500 - $1,200+

Ignoring these vibrations can lead to more extensive and expensive damage. A simple tire balance is a quick fix, but a continuing misfire can damage the catalytic converter, and a failing driveshaft can leave you stranded. It's best to have a professional diagnose the issue promptly.

[McArcher]

Check your tires first. Nine times out of ten, it's a balance issue. You'll feel it in the steering wheel most around highway speeds. If you recently hit a pothole, you might have bent a rim. If the shaking is more of a shudder when you step on the gas, especially from a stop, listen for clicking sounds when you turn—that’s a classic sign of a bad CV axle. Don't ignore it; it can break.

[StRose]

From my experience, the source of the shake tells you a lot. A steering wheel shimmy points to front tires or wheels. A vibration you feel in your seat points to the rear tires or a driveshaft issue. A whole-car shudder that gets worse as you accelerate, but not necessarily with speed, often means an engine misfire. Pay attention to any dashboard warning lights. A professional diagnosis is smart, as driving with a severe misfire can damage other components.

[DeCharlotte]

I'm not a mechanic, but I've learned this the hard way. If it shakes when you're speeding up but is fine when you're just cruising, it's probably not a simple tire balance. For me, it was a dirty fuel injector causing a misfire. The car felt like it was stumbling. My brother-in-law, who's a tech, said worn engine mounts can also cause a big shake because the engine itself is moving around too much when you give it gas. It's worth getting it checked to avoid a bigger bill later.

[OHarmony]

Think about when it started. Did you just get new tires? Maybe they weren't balanced correctly. Has it been a while since a tune-up? Old spark plugs are a common cause. The severity matters, too. A slight vibration is different from a violent shake. If it's bad, don't push the car. Get it to a shop. It could be something simple and cheap to fix now, but waiting could turn it into a major repair. Your safety and your wallet will thank you for addressing it early.