2017~2025 CX-5 Steering issues

[Aeroshyam]

Dear mates,
Mine is a 2024 CX-5 sports plus AWD. My steering used to be a bit heavy and had a super sportier feeling since the day one. I really liked the firm grip on the road and handling the vehicle. Recently started to feel the steering is a bit loose and free to rotate without much resistance. I have to put some effort to keep it straight on roads. I feel occasional jerks while turning. Not something I expect on a new car.

What could be the reason? I suspect the problem started when I'm trying to park inside the garage with some sharp turns. Appreciate the responses.

 

[TheMAN]

hard to say what it is... tire wear, suspension component wear, alignment issues, wrong tire pressures etc... any or combination of those

if you've kept up with your tire rotations, and confirmed the tire pressures are to spec... since your car is only a year old, I'm going to presume it doesn't even have 36k miles yet... so take it back to the dealer and let them figure it out under warranty

 

[GFrosty]

hard to say what it is... tire wear, suspension component wear, alignment issues, wrong tire pressures etc... any or combination of those

^ My thought, as well.

If some harder "knock" against the roadway (pothole, edge of the road, a parking 'berm', etc) resulted in a change in the toe on the alignment, then it could easily begin to turn-in more easily.

Even if a 2024 model, it could be that some joint or bushing is beginning to loosen up (ie, tie rods or ends). Doesn't seem likely, but occasionally a newer vehicle can have a 'bad' installed part have a dramatically reduced service life.

I don't imagine basic tire wear of 1yr duration is going to dramatically ease up the steering effort. Though, I've had the occasional tire (over the years) where brand new tread took a smidge more effort to steer with but I'd notice it got a little bit easier as the tires wore. Can't say that that's occurred on all tire sets I've had, on various vehicles, but it has a couple of times. Not enough to match the degree of reduction of effort the OP is describing, though.

I'm assuming the power steering fluid is still good and at the proper level, after ~1yr, and that the power steering pump/mechanism is still in near-new condition. Though doubtful, it's not impossible one or the other is having issues.

I'd probably suggest having the various suspension bits checked, as well as the alignment. Might have a mechanic raise it up on the lift, then check each of the suspension components and bushings. An alignment might seem a bit early, at this mileage, but it might well be all it is and it's easily enough done.

 

[TheMAN]

^ My thought, as well.

If some harder "knock" against the roadway (pothole, edge of the road, a parking 'berm', etc) resulted in a change in the toe on the alignment, then it could easily begin to turn-in more easily.

Even if a 2024 model, it could be that some joint or bushing is beginning to loosen up (ie, tie rods or ends). Doesn't seem likely, but occasionally a newer vehicle can have a 'bad' installed part have a dramatically reduced service life.

I don't imagine basic tire wear of 1yr duration is going to dramatically ease up the steering effort. Though, I've had the occasional tire (over the years) where brand new tread took a smidge more effort to steer with but I'd notice it got a little bit easier as the tires wore. Can't say that that's occurred on all tire sets I've had, on various vehicles, but it has a couple of times. Not enough to match the degree of reduction of effort the OP is describing, though.

I'm assuming the power steering fluid is still good and at the proper level, after ~1yr, and that the power steering pump/mechanism is still in near-new condition. Though doubtful, it's not impossible one or the other is having issues.

I'd probably suggest having the various suspension bits checked, as well as the alignment. Might have a mechanic raise it up on the lift, then check each of the suspension components and bushings. An alignment might seem a bit early, at this mileage, but it might well be all it is and it's easily enough done.

these cars have fully electric power steering... like almost all other mazdas in the past 10 years

 

[Aeroshyam]

these cars have fully electric power steering... like almost all other mazdas in the past 10 years

Yeah, thanks for adding that about EPS. Insightful and helpful comments from both of you. Appreciate it. Tire pressure check and basic visual check of the steering linkages were okay. What I suspect is more of a problem with the steering input. Torque motor or the related parts because as you both described, the hard mech components are relatively new and didn't clock much mileage. In any of these cases, do I need to check immediately or I can take some time? Because I drive in Dubai, where the roads are quite risky.

 

[GFrosty]

these cars have fully electric power steering... like almost all other mazdas in the past 10 years

Ach. Wasn't aware of that. (Just checked the workshop manual, and my 2016 does as well.)

 

[ADS-B]

Speaking about electric power steering, make sure you keep the car's battery leads and terminals clean, good contact with the battery. On my first gen CX-5 I had problems with the steering wheel, freezing up, dashboard illuminating like crazy. Only to find out it was the negative lead, not making a good contact.