I bought a new 2009 IS350 about two months ago. The steering is driving me nuts!

Example: Going straight on freeway. The freeway veers right. I turn the steering wheel to the right. No problem. Then the freeway straightens out. The car keeps going right! It will not track the freeway at all.

But it gets worse. Simply tugging the steering wheel to the left isn't enough to correct the car's direction (to make it go straight again). I have to grab the steering wheel and (basically) force it to go back to center.

I knew the IS had issues with on-center feel, but this is crazy. I have to constantly control the steering wheel and point it exactly where I want it to go. I've driven over 60 cars, and none of them have had this kind of steering.

Is this normal?

Wheels: The standard 18" Lexus wheels. Bridgestone tires.

Thanks for your help.

I've had similar issues in the past. Although my car tends to overreact when traveling at high speeds and going over bumps and divets. I think its partially an alignment issue coupled with my OEM 18" wheels and speed.

Doesn't sound normal, probably alignment is off. My IS350 does not do this.

Yeah, my IS250 does not do this at all.

I would suggest going to the dealership and explaining this issue with them, if its an alignment issue (most likely), then they should fix it free of charge.

iam not an expert, but the is x50 have an electronic type of steering, at higher speeds the steering power is lower so you don't over steer and wreck, imo take it to the dealer something could be out of adjustment!

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses. I appreciate it. This has really been bothering me. I chose the IS over a 328i w/ sport tuned suspension, even though the BMW was slightly cheaper. I'm hoping I made the right choice; this issue has made me regret it, big time. Based on your feedback/help, I'm calling the dealer now and getting this checked out.

I have the same problem the stealership claims everything is fine and that I am crazy.

I think what you're experiencing is called "tramlining". Common with wide, low profile tires on certain road surfaces (like cement freeways with lines going along the length of the road (not across). It's not helped by the IS electronic power steering.

BMWs don't do this as bad but the current ones are butt ugly!

Zinda: I am afraid that's the same response I'll get. It's worth a shot, though. Bummer.

sktn77a: Thanks for the information. I'll do some more reading on tramlining. The particular freeway I take doesn't have the "lines," but it might have some grooves or irregularities in it that I haven't noticed. That would probably have the same effect.

The electronic steering definitely accentuates the problem; I can feel it freaking out when this problem happens.

the problem you're describing is the same problem I had after getting the steering rack recall done on my car ('06 IS 350). Ended up being a bad rack that was put in during the recall. Now my car steers back to normal.

However, after getting the car back the first time and taking it back to them, they said all was "normal", but then after a few choice words to them, they kept the car and realized it was not. I'd share the choice words that worked to get them to realize there's a problem, however I may get banned from CL if I use them here!

Welcome to CL

I agree with the suggestions you already have. One additional thought popped in my head so I'll share. I'm sure you've done this but you might want to recheck your tire pressure. Although I've not had anything as bad as you've described, when do I feel a touch of wander adj pressure has always cured it.

Let us know how you make out.

Thanks, all. I set up the appointment. I also bought the F-Sport Intake today, but they are back ordered, so it will be a couple of weeks before I can get it installed. That'll give me time to get/not get my steering fixed and make sure I want to keep the car long term.

alignment or psi on your tires may make it better... but i dont think itl correct it 100%. I understand what you are saying though

i know when on uneven pav the steering veers to the lower pav like really fast... thats why you should always hold on the the steering