Vibration

Car Shakes When Idling

A rough idle that smooths out at speed usually points to spark plugs, engine mounts, or a vacuum leak.

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Quick questions
3Ranked causes
You told us

Only at idle / stop lights

Felt through the whole car

Likely causes: Car Shakes When Idling

ranked by likelihood
1
Worn or fouled spark plugs
58%

Textbook sign of one or two plugs misfiring only under light load.

Safe to drive, fix soon $60–$200
2
Worn or failing engine mounts
41%

Deteriorated mounts let engine vibration transfer into the cabin.

Get it checked soon $150–$450
3
Vacuum leak in an idle-air hose
33%

Destabilizes idle speed specifically.

Safe to drive, fix soon $0–$120

Idle-only vs. all-the-time

If the shake disappears once you start moving, the cause list is short and mostly inexpensive.

Related symptoms

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