Steering problem

For startered, have the tire pressure check by a qualified mechanic/Tech

 

I have yet to take mine in a long road trip so don't know if mine has the same.

But from what I remember reading here in priuschat, the Prius has an almost non existent toe-in of the front tires which normally helps self center the steering wheel when turning and gives rock like stability in the highway. To make it more fuel efficient, Toyota eliminated most of that toe-in and simulated self centering with the electric steering. But at highway speed i'm guessing the lighter weight of this car, its narrower track, and it's slab side would probably make it too easy to blow around.

If it bothers you that much and is willing to trade off some fuel efficiency for stability, have a wheel alignment and ask to have more toe-in put in explaining your dilemma to the tech.

This is assuming everything else in your car is in proper order.

 

D....All of the above.

The G3 is slab-sided, has itty-bitty tires, is fairy light, and it has XBOX-360 steering.

This isn't a problem if you're on impulse power in the city, but if you're on the interstate, in dirty air behind a truck or on windy day then the steering might seem a little unsettled.
The roads may not be level (they often are not, for drainage) your tires might not be properly inflated, and your alignment might be off a little.

Or?
It might just be something between your earlobes.

I've driven Priuses in Tropical Storm force winds and at speeds that are beyond the classification of this thread.
It's not an unstable car, but the combination of the attributes I outlined above may make it seem to be a bit twitchier than it really is.
The only thing that I like about the G4 is that Toyota seems to have addressed this problem from what I've read in the reviews.

1. Check your tire pressures.
2. Reassess the hands-free mode on different roads.
3. Consider a four wheel alignment ONLY if you're sure there is a problem, and at a tire shop---NOT a Toyota dealership.

Good Luck!

 

Agree that you should check tires first. How old are the tires? Look for uneven wear and wheel alignment.

 

Also, how many miles on the car? A 2010 could have worn suspension parts (bushings, etc) that might contribute to wobbly. Our 2013 and 2014 don't exhibit what you describe, and we drive up to 85 mph on freeway every day.

 

Double check the gauge or spend $10 on a regular-old dial type unit.

If you have one of the old pencil-types, then throw it away.
Not only do they tend to be inaccurate, but (worse!) they're inconsistent.

I tend to stay away from the digital units because I like to have things that do not require batteries that might fail out in BFE.
That's why I always carry two flashlights.....one with a wind-up power source.

You may also consider clubbing up to 40/42 on the tire pressures - at least during the summer.
Your call.

Good Luck!

 

You might try swapping front tires, side to side. Google "conicity".

We test drove a 15" model before settling on a 17" we bought, I noticed the 17" steering felt more planted, fwiw.

 

Run the rear tires two pounds lower then the front tires, might want to have the alignment checked, a rear lower sway bar from TRD will tighten things up a bit, many install shims in the rear(wheels) for exact alignment issues, search the subject.

 

Installing a set of these braces will help add rigidity to your frame, and help with the jittery feeling at speed.

Chasis braces.

 

I have the same year, same problem. I took it to the dealer for a wheel alignment and still at highway speeds I have to keep moving the wheel to keep straight, and for some reason when I go straight, the steering wheel feels off centered.

 

Just got a 2010 a couple months ago with only 50,000 miles on it. First time I took it on
highway I was so disappointed. Can't hold a straight line without a lot of effort. The dealer
I got it from had put on new tires and they were one size over stock. Went to my favorite
tire shop and explained the problem and ended up getting a new set of Michelins in the
correct size. No improvement and not happy. $100 all wheel alignment next. Told them
I want more toe within spec. Done, was surprised it had some toe in the way it felt. They
show me the readout and all looks good except right rear. Very slightly toe out, red. So
I ask is that OK and he says yes because the total toe is within spec. What I don't like is
they charge a lot for a 4 wheel alignment and don't do any adjusting to rear if it needs it.
I put in a shim to correct it myself and put a new hub on also. Way better, but still not
totally happy. Unplanted is the best way to describe. I also drive a RAM promaster 2500
tall, and it drives better on the highway than the Prius.

 

Sorry about your Prius...I wonder if the first owner had this problem and could it have been in an accident of some sort...did the carfax report show anything? I owned a Honda Civic with almost the same problem had to order a camber kit to fix it.....