Q: Car sputtering and vibrating when idling.

asked by on December 28, 2015

When car is idling it starts to sputter and vibrate.

Hello, if a car is vibrating at idle only, but has normal power with no driveability issues or check engine light on, the most likely failure is collapsed motor mounts. Motor mounts are rubber insulators that are attached between the motor and frame. Their purpose is to isolate the engine vibration from the chassis of the vehicle. When motor mounts collapse or break, the vibrations from the engine will be transmitted through the chassis.

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

How do I change the language of the message center display?
While your message center display provides you with access to a lot of different information, it can be difficult to understand if English isn’t your native language (the default setting is English). You can change it to another option if...
Sunroof stuck open.
You may have a bad relay or faulty switch for the sunroof. If the sunroof doesn't move at all I would have a technician come out and test voltages from the switch and relay and to diagnose the problem. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-moonroof-is-not-opening-inspection)...
Air flow going up and down when gauges go up and down
The electrical system on these vehicles are known to have an issue with fretting corrosion buildup in multiple electrical connectors throughout the vehicle. An affected system would need to have that electrical connection disconnected, cleaned, and a dielectric compound put...
Does this vehicle have an interference engine??
This engine is an interference motor that most likely bent valves when the timing belt broke. An issue like this calls for major engine repair. Whether you decide to fix the engine or get a new car, be sure to...
When I turn on the AC, the malfunction light comes on and the car doesn't accelerate well and starts jerking.
The trouble code stored in the vehicles computer may shed some light on what's going on. Turning on the AC adds an extra load to the engine and the computer picked up some trouble when the data figures changed. Consider...
Service engine soon error message
If the check engine light is on (aka, "service engine soon"), that means that there is a malfunction in the engine, typically involving the engine controls such as ignition, fuel, air induction, emissions and so forth. There are thousands of...
Very slow coolant leak
Hi there. I wouldn't assume that you have a coolant leak based on coolant being present after the vehicle overheated. In most cases, the coolant will boil out of the radiator cap and cause this type of 'spillage'. If you've...
ive replaced maf sensor throttle body sesnor plug wires spark plugs fuel filter thermostat upper radiator hose ignition head gaske
If the transmission is slipping then you would need to have the transmission pressure tested to see if the transmission needs to be overhauled due to bad internal clutches or torque converter.

Related articles

How Long Can I Leave the AC on While My Engine Is Not Running?
You’ve parked your car, and are sitting inside waiting. Maybe you’re early for work and don’t want to head into...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan GT-R
Sporty, Sporty, fast, aggressive – all those words apply to the 2012 Nissan GT-R. This track-inspired car manages to bring racecar-like performance to the street, and it does so in true Nissan style. Key Features It’s tough to choose specific...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ball Joint (Front)
Common signs include clunking noises and excessive vibration from the front, and you may start steering to the right or left unintentionally.