Steering feels sloppy

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by cool_prius, Oct 20, 2025.

  1. cool_prius

    cool_prius Member

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    At 10k miles my steering started feeling sloppy. Does anyone know what could be the cause? I've had a handful of old shitboxes before which makes me feel pretty confident it's not an alignment or a tire issue. I plan on going to Toyota to ask for a tech or advisor to come with me on a highway road test, but I'd like to figure something better to tell them first.
     
  2. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    Does it have the same feeling in sport mode? I find the steering in the regular mode a bit too light/loose feeling for my taste. Otherwise I would be looking at tire pressures, wear, alignment, and for any slop in the suspension. Take it in and let them look it over.
     
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  3. cool_prius

    cool_prius Member

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    I got an alignment hoping I wrong about that being the issue but it only made the problem more obvious to me. I think that the steering randomly goes back and fourth between being really light and really stiff which makes the corrections to stay straight on the road a pain.
     
  4. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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  5. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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  6. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Member

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  7. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    That sounds like an issue with the electric power steering. Take it to the dealer and have them check it.
     
  8. KMO

    KMO Senior Member

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    Could possibly be the Proactive Driving Assist's Steering Assist function kicking on and off. That would be indicated by a green steering wheel icon - when active, it basically resists more against moves that would diverge from the lane.
     
  9. cool_prius

    cool_prius Member

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    Well the stiff/light steering is also noticeable when not moving