Jerky Steering

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by [email protected], May 12, 2025.

  1. Racerman15@comcast.net

    [email protected] Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2010
    30
    9
    0
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    2020 Prius, bought it used with 18k miles. The steering seems a little jerky at slow and high speeds. It is just a bit more difficult to keep the car steady than other cars I have, including two previous Prius.

    I had the alignment checked and it is to spec. Tires are good and no unusual wear pattern.
     
    #1 [email protected], May 12, 2025
  2. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

    Joined:
    May 22, 2011
    1,025
    517
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius
    Model:
    Limited
    You might be experiencing a function of the vehicle (if equipped) called Lane Tracing Assistant. Page 307 of my Owners Manual describes this function that watches for lane markings and will slightly operate the steering to keep the vehicle centered between said markings. I use a portion of that system to alert me if I'm drifting out of my lane, but I have the nudging portion of the assist function disabled.
     
    #2 AzWxGuy, May 12, 2025
    BiomedO1 likes this.
  3. Man abroad7777

    Man abroad7777 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2024
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    France
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    J'ai à peu près la même chose sur la mienne (Prius 4 2017) .
    On m'a expliqué que c'est à cause de la hauteur des flancs des pneus 195/65/R15 . Qui procure une direction moins incisive.
    Pour ne pas avoir ce désagrément, mieux vaut opter pour des jantes et pneus de taille supérieure type 215/45 R17
     
    #3 Man abroad7777, May 12, 2025
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    2,675
    1,431
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Yep, I just turned it OFF, don't need a nanny telling me to stay centered in the lane.;)
     
    #4 BiomedO1, May 12, 2025
  5. Racerman15@comcast.net

    [email protected] Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2010
    30
    9
    0
    Location:
    San Francisco
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    Man abroad7777, thank you for the comment about the tires. It makes sense. I have experienced that the steering sensitivity is worse if the tire pressure is low by even just a couple of psi. Sidewall flexibility would make sense, especially considering that the dealer I bought this car from put on some unusual brand, and likely cheap, tires: GeoDrive Touring BW, SKU 2280533 P/N DT00280533GD, Taiwan based Nankang Rubber Tire Co. Never heard of this brand and still have not found anyone who sells them! I hope they wear out soon so I can put on some Michelins.
     
    #5 [email protected], May 15, 2025
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)