Abstract The problem of the stability of the motions of mechanical systems, described by non-linear non-autonomous systems of ordinary differential equations, is considered. Using the logarithmic matrix norm method, and constructing a reference system, the sufficient conditions for the asymptotic and exponential stability of unperturbed motion and for the stabilization of progammed motions of such systems are obtained. The problem of the asymptotic stability of a non-conservative system with two degrees of freedom is solved, taking for parametric disturbances into account. Examples of the solution of the problem of stabilizing programmed motions – for an inverted double pendulum and for a two-link manipulator on a stationary base – are considered.