Maverick Steering at Interstate Speeds

[44donald]

My 2022 XL hybrid has been a good purchase. My only complaints are the battery saver mode coming on frequently & until recently mediocre tracking at highway speeds needing constant micro steering corrections. It got nerve wracking on long rides. I recently found out that engaging Sport Mode tightens the steering markedly. It’s now a pleasure driving on limited access highways.

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[Dad]

Gotta wonder how much that Sport Mode bites into your mileage. I do love the Sport Mode when I get that James Dean feelin'. Rare, but gets the blood flowing. First time using it I was surprised at how quick the Maverick became. I'll have to pay more attention to see how much difference it makes in the steering issue you mentioned.

 

[44donald]

Gotta wonder how much that Sport Mode bites into your mileage. I do love the Sport Mode when I get that James Dean feelin'. Rare, but gets the blood flowing. First time using it I was surprised at how quick the Maverick became. I'll have to pay more attention to see how much difference it makes in the steering issue you mentioned.

The mileage at 65 to 75 mph is little changed because the ICE is in almost constant use. Probably suffers somewhat in merging accelerations. But I can modulate that with my right foot. I’m almost 82 & the squirrelly standard mode highway tracking was unpleasant & exhausting.

 

[Joester]

My '22 is approaching 70K miles and made many trips up and down the east coast. Never had an issue with the front feeling loose or squirrely.

 

[Cherokee]

Most likely is a tire issue.
A bit under or over inflated will cause a wander.
Check your tread depth across all water channels.

Continual use of sport mode in my eco Lariat dropped my mpg’s just one. But I’m not in city traffic.
The Ecoboost runs better overall in sport mode. I love the tighter downshifts.
Felt like it had more soul.
Old school sportiness.
Outstanding!

My 2024 AWD Eco Lariat did best at 85 mph on flat interstate giving 31-32 mpg’s. Drive mode was irrelevant.
65-70 mph did at best 29 mpg.

It’s a Turbo thing I suspect.

Anybody remember the term, ‘On Pipe’ ?

When my Turbo is spinning up fast and my
FAKE engine growl sounds are poring out of my B&O Sound system,
It makes me Horney
:’P

 

[Gamma500]

Both versions of the Maverick use electric steering. This includes variable assist which is supposed to adjust steering feel based on speed. This gives you a light feeling when backing out of the driveway and a heavier feel at highway speeds.

Works great on MY22EB. On even pavement I can take my hand off the wheel at 30mph or 75mph and it tracks straight in both scenarios regardless of mode.

If anything I find myself unnecessarily over steering on the highway. My bad.
I would explore tire/suspension issues. Could be as simple as tire pressure like Cherokee mentioned.

 

[Cherokee]

My 2024 AwD Lariat and now my
2026 Tremor both steer effortlessly, efficiently and precisely at 85 mph.

My 2024 Lariat Eco was Rock solid at 103 mph.
I’ll not try that in my Tremor.
Due to the tire difference.

 

[44donald]

Also I switch to standard mode on local
roads. You can switch while moving.

Most likely is a tire issue.
A bit under or over inflated will cause a wander.
Check your tread depth across all water channels.

Continual use of sport mode in my eco Lariat dropped my mpg’s just one. But I’m not in city traffic.
The Ecoboost runs better overall in sport mode. I love the tighter downshifts.
Felt like it had more soul.
Old school sportiness.
Outstanding!

My 2024 AWD Eco Lariat did best at 85 mph on flat interstate giving 31-32 mpg’s. Drive mode was irrelevant.
65-70 mph did at best 29 mpg.

It’s a Turbo thing I suspect.

Anybody remember the term, ‘On Pipe’ ?

When my Turbo is spinning up fast and my
FAKE engine growl sounds are poring out of my B&O Sound system,
It makes me Horney
:’P

It’s not a tire issue. It was fixed immediately by using Sport mode. My Maverick had less than optimum limited access highway tracking from the get go. As I got older it bothered me more. Driving my ex wife’s CRV on over the same route was so much easier. I could tell it was in the power steering. Not a fan of power steering in a vehicle of the Maverick’s size & weight. My Maverick has very low mileage. Tires are like new & I constantly check psi. My brother said it must be your tires & I insisted it was in the power steering. He mm asked Claude AI about it & Claude said tires or loose steering which some have reported as being helped by using sport mode. Bingo, sport mode tightened it right up. Previously I had used sport mode occasionally around town but at lower speeds where loose steering wasn’t an issue. I liked the fuel economy of the default mode. Sport mode & standard mode barely differ in gas mileage at 65+ MPH. I gotta make sure I turn off sport mode when I pull into my tight garage or I might drive through the back wall. Sport mode will engage the ICE even at creeping speeds.

 

[DWV]

No one mentioned alignment; I'd check that too.
My 2024 XL is steady as can be.

 

[44donald]

I have to point out that if it was a tire issue it would still be an issue in sport mode. It is GONE in sport mode.

 

[Carlitos_92]

I have to point out that if it was a tire issue it would still be an issue in sport mode. It is GONE in sport mode.

Then it's a personal preference issue. I've had two different styles/sizes of tires on my truck and have not had any issue with steering in any driving mode.

In any case, it is entirely possible there is an actual mechanical issue with your truck that sport mode covers up to your satisfaction.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

My 2022 XL hybrid has been a good purchase. My only complaints are the battery saver mode coming on frequently & until recently mediocre tracking at highway speeds needing constant micro steering corrections. It got nerve wracking on long rides. I recently found out that engaging Sport Mode tightens the steering markedly. It’s now a pleasure driving on limited access highways.

You have me curious enough to try it.
Sport is my least used mode.

Like 2 miles out of the past 70,000.

I have no steering complaints. But,
I'll give it a try for giggles.

 

[Ecorydr]

Sometimes driving on heavy Semi truck route used highways, I have noticed that since I like to keep in the center of the lane Im driving in, I will have to make more minor adjustments in steering more often due to the Semi ruts in the highway. This happens whether Im driving my F250 or the '26 Mav.

Actually have seen these ruts so bad that they actually will pool some water during heavy downpours. Its funny that my 30' RV isnt affected by them as much as my vehicles are, probably due to the RV axles being wider than SRW truck axles.. Wonder if the OP maybe experiencing some of this as well. Some info:

"Semi ruts, or road rutting, are longitudinal surface depressions in asphalt wheel paths caused by heavy truck loads, high temperatures, and weak subgrade soils. They create severe safety hazards like hydroplaning during rain and steering control loss, and are repaired via milling and resurfacing.

Causes of Rutting
Heavy Loads: Repeated high-weight axle loads from large commercial trucks compress and deform flexible pavement layers over time.

Weak Subgrade: Inadequate support or moisture in the deep underlying soil layers allows the entire road structure to sink under traffic.

High Temperatures: Hot summer weather softens the asphalt binder, making the mix prone to lateral shifting and permanent displacement.

Poor Compaction: Insufficient air-void control or improper mix design during initial road construction leads to continuing densification under traffic.

Safety Hazards
Hydroplaning: Depressions collect standing rainwater, causing tires to lose contact with the road surface at speed.

Steering Pull: Deep grooves trap vehicle tires, forcing drivers to fight the steering wheel when changing lanes or maintaining a straight trajectory."

 

[Badknee]

Sometimes driving on heavy Semi truck route used highways, I have noticed that since I like to keep in the center of the lane Im driving in, I will have to make more minor adjustments in steering more often due to the Semi ruts in the highway. This happens whether Im driving my F250 or the '26 Mav.

Actually have seen these ruts so bad that they actually will pool some water during heavy downpours. Its funny that my 30' RV isnt affected by them as much as my vehicles are, probably due to the RV axles being wider than SRW truck axles.. Wonder if the OP maybe experiencing some of this as well. Some info:

"Semi ruts, or road rutting, are longitudinal surface depressions in asphalt wheel paths caused by heavy truck loads, high temperatures, and weak subgrade soils. They create severe safety hazards like hydroplaning during rain and steering control loss, and are repaired via milling and resurfacing.

Causes of Rutting
Heavy Loads: Repeated high-weight axle loads from large commercial trucks compress and deform flexible pavement layers over time.

Weak Subgrade: Inadequate support or moisture in the deep underlying soil layers allows the entire road structure to sink under traffic.

High Temperatures: Hot summer weather softens the asphalt binder, making the mix prone to lateral shifting and permanent displacement.

Poor Compaction: Insufficient air-void control or improper mix design during initial road construction leads to continuing densification under traffic.

Safety Hazards
Hydroplaning: Depressions collect standing rainwater, causing tires to lose contact with the road surface at speed.

Steering Pull: Deep grooves trap vehicle tires, forcing drivers to fight the steering wheel when changing lanes or maintaining a straight trajectory."

My dad was the funeral director and ambulance driver when I was young… even to 1975 or so. We worked several wrecks where cars hydroplaned when hitting those ruts, which were filled with water. Two or more died in wrecks like this.

In 1968… when I was 18… I was driving on such a road. I hydroplaned and did a complete 360… and kept on going. Now, I ALWAYS slow down when the roads are wet/slippery. I was blessed.

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