I've searched for an answer to my question but can't seem to find one. I notice that if the steering wheel isn't centered when I'm parked, when I start the car the wheel twitches for a second or so. The first time I noticed that I was like WTF, but then I remembered we have EPS. So is that steering wheel twitch on startup just a normal, EPS thing, or is it an indicator of a problem?,

 

that's not normal.

 

By the steering wheel not centered, I mean parked with the front wheels turned somewhat left or right, not pointed straight ahead. A little twitch on engine start with them pointed left or right, but no twitch when pointed straight ahead.

 

does it twitch left and right? or does it twitch to one direction? if it twitches to the opposite direction from which it's turned... then yes, that's normal. the pump is engaging the rack on start up so pressure to one side will move the steering wheel slightly.
it shouldn't twitch side to side though. try moving the steering wheel while the car is off, but without locking it... it should want to move back where you had it as soon as you let go of it.

and that can explain why it doesn't twitch when straight. no pressure on suspension on one side. I would freak out if it did it while straight.

 

Mine moves when I start it.....slightly to right-left really quickly.......If you have locked the wheel it will also unlock it when start up.

Not sure if this is what you meant.....

 

Mine does that too, kind of like in another car where the wheel has to be turned ever so slightly to actually turn on the ignition.

 

Yeah, slightly left to right really quickly. I don't think I've actually locked the wheel yet after parking so I haven't noticed the unlocking.

Yes, as you say, kind of like how you might wiggle the wheel of another car a little to unlock it, but faster.

Since you all see similar behavior I'm satisfied there's not a malfunction.

 

how else would you drive the car otherwise?!?!