Potential steering issue on a brand new vehicle

[kuribojim]

Hey folks, I've noticed something recently that I wanted to ask about - I'm unsure if it's a known issue or if you have any tips/advice.

For context, I took delivery of my MY24.5 Mustang GT convertible a couple of weeks ago. It's just clocked over 1,000KMs, so still very fresh.

But I've recently noticed something odd, and I'm a little unsure if it's just my imagination - but I don't think so. I notice that when the steering wheel is right on centre, the car seems to track ever so slightly to the right. So when I'm driving straight, I need to keep the wheel very slightly tilted left (maybe by less than 5 degrees).

I acknowledge that there's a bit of wobbliness right on centre, but the more I pay attention, the more I'm noticing this slight issue. It's not causing any serious problems but it's annoying me.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on this? I'm booked in for a first service in May (I think it's supposed to be a brief 45 minute check-in appointment). I'm planning to raise this issue. I'm wondering if it might be an alignment problem or something. Any thoughts?

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[GrabThatBlue]

It's very normal for a brand new car not going straight as a line. Had different brands and all have a very slight "steering defect". All of them went a little bit more to the right. Nothing to worry about.

Also, roads are not straight as well.

 

[abz]

I would have the dealer look into it as soon as I can.

My GM truck bought new in 2023 had a similar issue: need to tilt steering wheel to keep going straight. The front alignment was off, the dealer fixed it when I brought it back.

 

[MegaMan]

Hey folks, I've noticed something recently that I wanted to ask about - I'm unsure if it's a known issue or if you have any tips/advice.

For context, I took delivery of my MY24.5 Mustang GT convertible a couple of weeks ago. It's just clocked over 1,000KMs, so still very fresh.

But I've recently noticed something odd, and I'm a little unsure if it's just my imagination - but I don't think so. I notice that when the steering wheel is right on centre, the car seems to track ever so slightly to the right. So when I'm driving straight, I need to keep the wheel very slightly tilted left (maybe by less than 5 degrees).

I acknowledge that there's a bit of wobbliness right on centre, but the more I pay attention, the more I'm noticing this slight issue. It's not causing any serious problems but it's annoying me.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on this? I'm booked in for a first service in May (I think it's supposed to be a brief 45 minute check-in appointment). I'm planning to raise this issue. I'm wondering if it might be an alignment problem or something. Any thoughts?

I had the same exact problem. It’s an alignment issue that’s common from the factory. Take it to the dealer and they’ll realign it. I did that and perfect ever since.

 

[kuribojim]

I had the same exact problem. It’s an alignment issue that’s common from the factory. Take it to the dealer and they’ll realign it. I did that and perfect ever since.

Oh that's a big relief - thanks so much for your reply! I really appreciate it.

 

[MegaMan]

Oh that's a big relief - thanks so much for your reply! I really appreciate it.

No problem! I literally thought I was imagining it and was being too anal or something but after 300 miles or so I was like no way lol.

 

[kuribojim]

No problem! I literally thought I was imagining it and was being too anal or something but after 300 miles or so I was like no way lol.

Exactly. I was thinking at first "wait, maybe it's just me, I'm being hyper sensitive because I've noticed a few other little issues with the car". But after focusing on it and testing it out a bit while driving...it's definitely off by a few degrees.

My other issue is that I suspect the seat cooling on the driver's side might not be working exactly right. I'm literally planning to sit in both seats to compare it before I raise it with the service department, haha.

Edit: Well, glad I asked here about this. I've been in touch with my Ford dealership and they are going to bring forward my service booking to correct the issue.

 

[Sofa King]

The factory alignment leaves much to be desired. They are usually out of spec in at least one parameter... luckily Ford will cover alignment within the first 12 months...

 

[gtstang462002]

The factory alignment leaves much to be desired. They are usually out of spec in at least one parameter... luckily Ford will cover alignment within the first 12 months...

Or 12000 miles whichever comes first. My DH tracks straight, but the steering wheel sits about 3-4° off to the left. Drives me bonkers. Waiting until I put the stock tires back on in a couple of weeks for the warmer weather before I take it in though.

 

[IFFV68]

Hey folks, I've noticed something recently that I wanted to ask about - I'm unsure if it's a known issue or if you have any tips/advice.

For context, I took delivery of my MY24.5 Mustang GT convertible a couple of weeks ago. It's just clocked over 1,000KMs, so still very fresh.

But I've recently noticed something odd, and I'm a little unsure if it's just my imagination - but I don't think so. I notice that when the steering wheel is right on centre, the car seems to track ever so slightly to the right. So when I'm driving straight, I need to keep the wheel very slightly tilted left (maybe by less than 5 degrees).

I acknowledge that there's a bit of wobbliness right on centre, but the more I pay attention, the more I'm noticing this slight issue. It's not causing any serious problems but it's annoying me.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on this? I'm booked in for a first service in May (I think it's supposed to be a brief 45 minute check-in appointment). I'm planning to raise this issue. I'm wondering if it might be an alignment problem or something. Any thoughts?

I would take it to your dealer and have the front end alignment checked.
My 2024 GT Mustang if the pavement is smooth and level, I can take my hands off the steering wheel It’ll go straight down the highway.
Unfortunately, here in Colorado, most roads need to be repaired.
Also, on all Ford automobiles and trucks if you sit straight behind the steering wheel, you noticed that the steering wheel is over to the Left and not centered directly in the center of the Seat.
Just a Ford thing I guess.

 

[gtstang462002]

I would take it to your dealer and have the front end alignment checked.
My 2024 GT Mustang if the pavement is smooth and level, I can take my hands off the steering wheel It’ll go straight down the highway.
Unfortunately, here in Colorado, most roads need to be repaired.
Also, on all Ford automobiles and trucks if you sit straight behind the steering wheel, you noticed that the steering wheel is over to the Right and not centered directly.
Just a Ford thing I guess.

I guess I am the odd one out. Mine is sitting to the left. But a good alignment tech should be able to get it straight.

 

[kuribojim]

I would take it to your dealer and have the front end alignment checked.
My 2024 GT Mustang if the pavement is smooth and level, I can take my hands off the steering wheel It’ll go straight down the highway.
Unfortunately, here in Colorado, most roads need to be repaired.
Also, on all Ford automobiles and trucks if you sit straight behind the steering wheel, you noticed that the steering wheel is over to the Right and not centered directly.
Just a Ford thing I guess.

I find that I have to tilt the wheel very slightly to the left to keep it straight - maybe less than 5 degrees. It doesn't feel right. Hopefully they can sort it out. The dealership has already acknowledged the issue and said they'll correct it, so fingers crossed. It's a minor thing, but I also think it's not super acceptable either - the car should track straight when the wheel is straight, haha. That seems pretty fundamental to me.

 

[GrabberB]

Hey folks, I've noticed something recently that I wanted to ask about - I'm unsure if it's a known issue or if you have any tips/advice.

For context, I took delivery of my MY24.5 Mustang GT convertible a couple of weeks ago. It's just clocked over 1,000KMs, so still very fresh.

But I've recently noticed something odd, and I'm a little unsure if it's just my imagination - but I don't think so. I notice that when the steering wheel is right on centre, the car seems to track ever so slightly to the right. So when I'm driving straight, I need to keep the wheel very slightly tilted left (maybe by less than 5 degrees).

I acknowledge that there's a bit of wobbliness right on centre, but the more I pay attention, the more I'm noticing this slight issue. It's not causing any serious problems but it's annoying me.

I'm wondering if you have any thoughts on this? I'm booked in for a first service in May (I think it's supposed to be a brief 45 minute check-in appointment). I'm planning to raise this issue. I'm wondering if it might be an alignment problem or something. Any thoughts?

Have you checked this in different lanes? Like left lane vs. right etc. Different roads etc. Most roads have prominent crowns and or banking for water drainage. Banking or road slopes are rarely less than 4%. There are very few level "in plane L to R" roads that make alignment by feel accurate enough to diagnose minor alignment issues. Major alignment issues are very easy to detect while driving.

I would be sure to check this on multiple roads prior to an alignment request or check i.e., left of and then right of crown.

A paid (non-warranty) alignment check always returns an out of spec. diagnosis. Since this is a warranty claim you may get an honest answer if everything is in spec. and alignment is not needed. This is the world we live in now.

 

[kuribojim]

I would be sure to check this on multiple roads prior to an alignment request or check i.e., left of and then right of crown.

Yep, I've done that (mostly because I didn't trust my initial intuition about it). I tested on a variety of roads just to be sure. It's definitely an issue.

 

[Pierre]

I had the same issue when I received my vehicle, the steering was off to left but tracked straight.
When I brought in the dealer told me that the steering angle sensor needed to be reset. All good now. I always thought they adjusted the steering with tie rod adjustments. It is bothersome though.

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