The tribological performance and friction-induced vibration of Gd0.2-Ce0.8O1.9 (GDC) reinforced nickel oxide (NiO) metal matrix composites prepared via sintering on the tribological performance, as well as friction induced vibration were investigated. Compared to pure NiO, the composites exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as a relatively high dislocation density, hardness and small grain size. The results show that GDC-reinforced NiO nanocomposites feature improved tribological performance and can suppress the occurrence of friction-induced vibration under variable loading conditions. Furthermore, the generated acceleration can be suppressed by wear particles generated during the friction process, acting as the third body at the contact interface. As a result, the addition of GDC reduces the grain size of the composite, increases hardness, and improves tribological properties through the synergetic effect of the solid lubricating action of NiO and the role of the third body of the wear particle.