Motoro
Sign Up
All Symptoms

Car vibrates or shakes at idle

Needs attention soon

engine shakes when stopped · vibration in park

Symptom description

The car shakes or vibrates noticeably while stationary with the engine running (in park or neutral), but smooths out once moving.

Common causes

  • A worn or broken engine mount
  • A cylinder misfire (worn spark plug, coil or injector)
  • A dirty or failing idle air control valve

What to check

Check whether the check engine light is on - a misfire almost always triggers it, which narrows the diagnosis significantly.

Can you keep driving?

Usually safe short-term, but a broken engine mount can allow the engine to shift under load, so have it checked within a few weeks.

Ask AI for more specific detail

Describe your situation more precisely (e.g. exactly when it gets worse, how long it lasts) and get an expanded, personalized breakdown.

Don't guess what's wrong with your car

Find a trusted auto repair shop near you and book a diagnostic visit online in minutes.

Find a repair shop

Run a shop? The OBD decoder, fuse box diagrams and parts catalog are built into the Motoro dashboard. See Motoro for workshops

Descriptions are for guidance only and do not replace a workshop inspection. If you are ever unsure whether it is safe to keep driving, pull over in a safe spot.

Related symptoms