Q: Car shaking when started

asked by on March 16, 2016

My car shakes badly when started. It is particularly bad when in park or reverse.

Engine Mount Replacement $132.06 - $1865.27 Get a Quote
Car is shaking or vibrating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The right motor mount bracket is known for the bolts coming loose, sometimes falling out, and causing a vibration in the engine. Check for any broken mounts or any bolts that are loose or missing. I recommend you seek a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to come and inspect why your vehicle is shaking.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Rotational thumping/noise from front left wheel
Hello. You should try to remove the caliper or retract it and then see if you still have wheel binding. If it is binding with the brakes removed, then you have a wheel bearing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-wheel-bearings) or hub problem (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-wheel-hub-assembly). If...
How can I change my oil filter
Hello. The filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter) is in the canister. You need to drain the oil and then unscrew the oil filter housing cap and pull out the filter from housing and replace all the O-rings that come with the filter and...
Car shuts off, the engine runs in park
Hi! You may be experiencing an issue caused by the idle air control (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement), the fuel injector (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-injector-replacement), or EGR valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/exhaust-gas-recirculation-egr-valve-replacement). If the engine runs fine while driving down the road, but won't idle, then thats different than it...
Replaced cv axle with non oem still getting clicking.
Hello. The play where the axle connects to the differential can be a bad bearing in the differential or more commonly the inner joint of the axle. Most of the time when this occurs it is because of a defective...
I have a 2007 Mini Cooper le and recently I have a diminished check engine light. Car runs fine but my turbo no longer seems to work.
Hi there. Usually when a check engine light is on half and the other half is black, that is usually an indication for the gas cap not sealing properly. Check the gas cap (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/gas-cap-replacement) seal and see if it's cracked,...
Battery leaked acid while charging? Is it safe to drive?
If the battery was dead, the question is "why?". If the car sat idle for weeks, that would explain it but otherwise, the fact that the battery was dead means the battery is too old to be reliable, the charging...
New brakes squealing bad new rotors replaced and all lines bled and all shims in place
If you are not using OEM pads, rotors and shims, that can account for the squealing. If you want to attempt to resolve it as is, Permatex Disc Brake Quiet (Part No. 80729) might work. Use that compound sparingly though...
My car wont start; haven't oil change in 6,000 miles. Is that the problem?
Just because you have not had the oil changed it would not cause no start unless you let it run out of oil and seized the motor. You should turn the crankshaft by hand to see if engine turns and...
able to move front passenger tire several degrees when jacked up like i'm turning
If you can move the tire left and right when jacked up without other wheel or steering wheel moving then check the inner tie rod for looseness or the steering rack bushings for wear or bad bushings.

Related articles

What Can Cause a Car to Leak Transmission Fluid?
A A vehicle’s transmission fluid system is closed, which means that the fluid or oil inside can’t escape when things are working properly. Therefore, when vehicles leak transmission fluid, it indicates another problem than just a need to add more...
How Long Does an Ignition Relay Last?
When When trying to crank a car, you will need a few vital components to be working in order for the process to be successful. On most cars, there is an intricate network of relays and switches that allow for...
How to Replace a Transmission Oil Pressure Switch
A transmission oil pressure switch relays measurements from the pump. If the filter is clogged, this switch puts the transmission into limp mode.