Originally Posted by atomicva

2022 IS300 AWD. I will occasionally feel a little non-smooth feeling in the steering wheel, but it's nothing alarming. Can't call it notch even. Just a microsecond of less smooth transition. Never anything even remotely dangerous (so far). AND, I swear if I do feel it, it is when I've adjusted the electronic steering wheel tilt or telescope function.

Originally Posted by arentz07

Interesting. I haven't experienced it since I visited the dealership and the tech had moved the steering wheel. There must be some relationship.

Originally Posted by PrimeDave

I wonder what the sweet spot is? Steering wheel tilt to a certain driveable usable position for the driver. Then poof! The notchy issue goes away?!

P.S. I have also noticed this same issue, very very minor though, on my 19 IS.. Not nearly as severe as some have described with theirs on this thread.

Originally Posted by kj07xk

Guess I'll jump in here too, 2014 IS 350 AWD, with the same symptoms. Long straight stretch of highway, usually doing 80+ MPH, when highway takes a slight bend, the car doesn't want to turn. Takes more than the normal fingertip pressure to get the steering wheel to budge, definitely a 'stuck in a notch' feeling.
Once 'freed', it doesn't reoccur for awhile. Maybe happens 1-2 times per 2 hour highway drive. After the first occurrence, I find myself giving the wheel a periodic jiggle, just to see if it is still free. Then I forget about it until I find it 'stuck' again.
Often wonder if its a 'heat transfer' thing. The heat from the engine and wheels is transferring to some other component, maybe the steering rack, and causing lubrication to flow out of some area, causing it to 'stick' when movement is attempted. Once it does move, that area again gets lubricated, and so it doesn't stick again, until allowed to be motionless on another long straight stretch.
Symptom doesn't occur in city driving, as more turns occur, keeping that 'thing' lubricated.
Might be interesting to sit with the car in 'P', run the engine at 2-2.5K RPM for 15-20 minutes, and then see if the steering wheel feels 'stuck', just to see if engine heat affects it.
If not, putting the car on a lift, and do the same thing in 'D', although the suspension components are now unweighted, unlike real world driving.
The first time this occurred, was more than a bit unnerving.
I don't recall this happening before I installed the FIGS LCAs, but I also now drive faster since installing them, as fast deceleration on the OEM LCAs was just scary, as the car was squirrelly and wanted to wander all over when braking from 90 to 60, when some idiot pulls out in front of you.

Originally Posted by Daniyal

Im currently having this issue, went to 3 dealers multiple times and they all say nothings wrong. I’ve got the RCF/GSF bushings.

Someone please help, just need the steering to be smooth and a pleasant driving experience before I decide to get rid of this thing.

Originally Posted by s3v3n

The last words you said is the only solution

Originally Posted by PrimeDave

It just hit me.... Is it possible that this steering notchy feeling described throughout the thread is because of the LCA bushings being switched out to RCF/GSF, or Fig, or RR lca bushings? Could that indeed be why this is happening? Considering how the lca bushings being switched out, now helps the car handle better and decelerate/brake without getting all squirley, and keeps the car strait... Well is it possible its causing this steering notchy feeling when on long highway swooping turns to the left or right?

Originally Posted by arentz07

Possible for some, but I still haven't upgraded the bushings and have observed the issue.

Originally Posted by PrimeDave

It just hit me.... Is it possible that this steering notchy feeling described throughout the thread is because of the LCA bushings being switched out to RCF/GSF, or Fig, or RR lca bushings? Could that indeed be why this is happening? Considering how the lca bushings being switched out, now helps the car handle better and decelerate/brake without getting all squirley, and keeps the car strait... Well is it possible its causing this steering notchy feeling when on long highway swooping turns to the left or right?

Originally Posted by spineman

Well, this issue has been happening to me starting this year in 13 GS 450h. It first started when really cold outside. Then the "catching" as ya'll describe above. Most recently I starting getting a scraping sound at steering wheel. I figured it was the clock spring or SRS reel as many people have posted. Finally took it to Lexus and...of course....it needs a new steering rack. $2500 installed. Ouch! I asked if they could rebuild it and of course they can only replace. Still awaiting the part and driving a ES 300h loaner. That car makes me miss the GS big time.