Stiff steering on a 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum

[Stiffsteering]

I got a used 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum a few months ago and noticed that sometimes the steering can get pretty stiff. It's consistently somewhat stiff but sometimes gets difficult to turn the wheel when I turn it at sharper angles. The dealership looked at it and said it was normal, although the other Ford Explorer they let me test drive felt easier to turn. I've also asked a different mechanic to check the battery and he said it was in good condition and he didn't find any problems with the power steering. Is this an issue anyone else has or is this normal and I'm just not used to it coming from a Volkswagen Tiguan? Thank you.

 

[Dale5403]

Do you have the lane centering on or off? That does make a difference.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I got a used 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum a few months ago and noticed that sometimes the steering can get pretty stiff. It's consistently somewhat stiff but sometimes gets difficult to turn the wheel when I turn it at sharper angles. The dealership looked at it and said it was normal, although the other Ford Explorer they let me test drive felt easier to turn. I've also asked a different mechanic to check the battery and he said it was in good condition and he didn't find any problems with the power steering. Is this an issue anyone else has or is this normal and I'm just not used to it coming from a Volkswagen Tiguan? Thank you.

What speed does this occur?

 

[Rick]

I got a used 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum a few months ago and noticed that sometimes the steering can get pretty stiff. It's consistently somewhat stiff but sometimes gets difficult to turn the wheel when I turn it at sharper angles. The dealership looked at it and said it was normal, although the other Ford Explorer they let me test drive felt easier to turn. I've also asked a different mechanic to check the battery and he said it was in good condition and he didn't find any problems with the power steering. Is this an issue anyone else has or is this normal and I'm just not used to it coming from a Volkswagen Tiguan? Thank you.

Did you compare it to an Explorer ST or a regular Explorer? The ST has stiffer steering than the lower models.

 

[Stiffsteering]

Do you have the lane centering on or off? That does make a difference.

I'm not sure, I'll check it tomorrow.

What speed does this occur?

I feel like I notice it more when I'm backing out of the driveway or driving slowly through a parking lot.

Did you compare it to an Explorer ST or a regular Explorer? The ST has stiffer steering than the lower models.

I believe it was a trim lower than Platinum.

 

[Rick]

I believe it was a trim lower than Platinum.

I haven't driven a Platinum, but if one went from an XLT to an ST they would say the steering is stiffer.The lower models have sofa on wheels steering. To me it feels disconnected. I personally like the stiffer feel.

 

[Pedro504]

The steering on my '21 Platinum is not stiff when backing out of a parking spot or turning at slow speeds in a parking lot.
There is no difference in effort at any speed and I would not consider it stiff or hard to turn.
I do keep the tire pressure at 33 lbs and recently added a few pounds when the temperatures got into the 40s.

 

[Stiffsteering]

Do you have the lane centering on or off? That does make a difference.

I checked and it was on. I turned it off and drove for a few hours and it felt pretty much the same.

 

[Tbrd2004]

I got a used 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum a few months ago and noticed that sometimes the steering can get pretty stiff. It's consistently somewhat stiff but sometimes gets difficult to turn the wheel when I turn it at sharper angles. The dealership looked at it and said it was normal, although the other Ford Explorer they let me test drive felt easier to turn. I've also asked a different mechanic to check the battery and he said it was in good condition and he didn't find any problems with the power steering. Is this an issue anyone else has or is this normal and I'm just not used to it coming from a Volkswagen Tiguan? Thank you.

I also have a 2021 Ford Explorer Platinum and have experienced stiff steering occasionally. I owned a 2014 Explorer previously and the steering was much smoother. Don't know exactly what the issues (if there is one), but I've gotten used to it now.

 

[peterk9]

Do you have the lane centering on or off? That does make a difference.

jiofi.local.html tplinklogin​

See post #8.