Steering Problems of Honda Civic - part 1

On 9/9/2026 and one other occasion within the past few months, the vehicle was started normally using the keyless ignition. The driver then disengaged the parking brake and shifted into reverse. The vehicle began backing out a driveway when it was discovered that the steering remained locked despite the vehicle being in motion. The steering wheel could not be turned, indicating that the steering column lock mechanism failed to release after startup. It is believed that one or more dashboard indicators may have illuminated but no details are available. The driver immediately stopped the vehicle, shifted to park, and powered the vehicle off. After restarting, the steering lock disengaged normally and the vehicle operated as expected.

Mostly during warm weather and driving over 45mph the steering gets sticky. When attempting to use a little pressure to make a slight correction to keep the care centered in the lane the steering "jumps" and over steers requiring to re-correct to stay centered in the lane. I'm having to keep correcting the steering which causes me difficulty and concerned about the safety especially driving on the highway.

See all problems of the 2016 Honda Civic 🔎.

When the Honda Civic has been driven long enough for the steering to get warm, at highway speeds, the steering wheel will stick in position instead of centering itself. Manual adjustment has to be done to straighten the car.

After contact the Honda corporation of this problem, they suggested that I file a complaint with your organization. I have reported a problem to Honda concerning the steering on my 2017 Honda Civic lx. The steering wheel is having a sticky, notchy effect when I am above 4o miles per hour. I am on the PA turnpike atleast once a week and really notice the problem then. What happens is that the car will slightly drift to one side and when I go to correct it, it is not a smooth transition, the steering has a sticky notchy effect which when I do correct the steering to be in the center, even the passager can feel this effect. I did take it to our Honda dealer where we purchased the car new and they said they did a computer diagnostic test and found nothing and could not take the car out for a certain amount of time to experience what I have been experiencing. We recently had all new tires and a four wheel alignment done on the car, but it is still doing the same thing. Honda corp stated that their is a recall for this problem with 2017 Honda Civic, but that my VIN number does not fall in that category. This is a safety issue and I feel that Honda should take responsibility in the matter since it is already a problem with other 2017 Honda's. Does someone have to get seriously hurt or killed before they look at this problem. I hope that someone is able to help with this situation as soon as possible. If you need addtional information, my number is [xxx]. Hope to hear from you in a proper time matter. This is the only car we have and the situation is a little nerve racking. Thank you, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Honda Civic 🔎.

Sticky steerinng on highway feels tight and difficult to make small adjustments car then over corrects has been happening for a while several years.

The vehicle is experiencing an ongoing issue with the steering box. There appears to be a problem with the steering mechanism where a magnet gets stuck while driving, causing the steering to bind and requiring constant left-and-right steering input to keep the vehicle properly aligned. The issue is especially noticeable and concerning at highway speeds, where the steering becomes difficult to control and requires frequent corrections. This appears to be the same recurring steering problem and should be thoroughly inspected and repaired for safety. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the steering issue causes the vehicle to require constant left-and-right corrections while driving. The problem is especially severe at highway speeds, when the steering can bind or feel as though it is getting stuck, making it difficult to maintain consistent control and stay safely within the lane. This creates a serious risk of losing control, drifting into another lane, or being unable to react quickly to traffic or road conditions, potentially putting myself, passengers, and other drivers at risk.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda Civic 🔎.

1. Component failed & inspection availability:the electronic power steering (eps) gearbox and rack assembly malfunctioned and failed. The component is currently installed on the vehicle and is fully available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety risks:the steering wheel physically binds, catches, and sticks when traveling at highway speeds (between 45–70 mph). Controlling the vehicle requires increased steering effort to break through the physical stickiness, causing the vehicle to suddenly jerk. This poses an immediate crash hazard as it makes maintaining a straight line or making minor lane corrections incredibly dangerous for myself and other drivers on the road. 3. Dealer/independent confirmation:the vehicle was previously taken to an authorized Honda dealership for NHTSA campaign 24v-744. The dealership performed a temporary grease/spring intervention and marked the recall as "completed" or removed on my VIN. The mechanical failure has now returned and worsened at 76,000 miles. A secondary local dealership has verbally confirmed the steering rack requires full replacement but is refusing to formally diagnose or inspect the failed safety component without an out-of-pocket $210 diagnostic fee. 4. Entity inspection:the component was previously inspected and serviced only by an authorized Honda dealership during the initial recall rollout. It has not been inspected by police or insurance. 5. Warning lamps & prior symptoms:there are currently intermittent "steering system problem" and "lane keeping assist / adas failure" warning messages appearing on the dashboard. The primary symptom is a distinct "sticky" or "notchy" resistance when turning the wheel. These symptoms first appeared gradually over the last several thousand miles following the failure of the initial dealership recall remedy.

See all problems of the 2024 Honda Civic 🔎.

My Honda Civic is experiencing multiple serious system warnings, including check vsa system, check power steering system, check brake system, and check abs system. This appears to be a recurring issue reported by Honda Civic owners in different places, and I believe Honda needs to investigate the problem and take responsibility for properly addressing it because these systems directly affect vehicle safety and driver control.

See all problems of the 2013 Honda Civic 🔎.

There is a recall on the power steering box, Honda attempted repairing, but the issue was not resolved. Honda is now requesting I purchase a new power steering rack and will not replace the faulty one on recall.

See all problems of the 2022 Honda Civic 🔎.

Binding and sticking in the steering rack rack and pinion rack needs to be replaced.

2018 Honda Civic is having the same issue as Honda noted on a safety notice below: [xxx] my steering wheel clicks when turning, often sticks, and can be heard if standing outside the vehicle. The dealer ship which sold me this car is dick brooks Honda in greer, SC. I went to them about the issue and they refuse to help. I had 2 private mechanics look at the car and both mechanics agree it is the same issue as the one listing in this media release. I am more than happy to have a member of NHTSA see, drive, and observe the vehicle. This is dangerous and Honda nor their dealership are doing anything about it. One of the mechanics I took the car to called Honda and they did nothing to address the issue. Dealership offered to fix it for $5873. This is a safety issue that I guess affects more than just my care and I would like some help please in getting this recalled and fixed. Thank you so much! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Civic 🔎.

When driving the vehicle at high speed, the steering wheel feels sticky or stiff.

While I was driving my 2019 Honda Civic sport in active traffic, I suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The car starting jerking violently left to reach right and in a circle , causing me to be pulled and swayed across the freeway. The steering wheel became extremely loose and was spinning freely, and I was unable to control the direction the vehicle was traveling. The vehicle eventually swayed and carried me into the right lane gutter lane I was blessed to put the vehicle in park and come to a stop. This was extremely dangerous because I was surrounded by moving traffic and could not steer the vehicle to avoid other cars. I genuinely believed I could be seriously injured or killed. I am extremely fortunate that another vehicle did not strike me and my coworker who was in the passenger seat while my vehicle was moving uncontrollablly. This also happened to me in 2023 and I immediately swayed to right lane. The interaction was quicker because I was able to park into safety fast. Honda said nothing was wrong and never believed me. I can't drive this car. It will cause death.

When driving at faster speeds on the highway, the steering gets kind of sticky - it sticks, then when you slightly move it - it jerks to over correct. I have talked to a few people, and they think it's a mechanical issue with the electronic power steering, eps, rack. The people I mentioned said its a widely documented defect, and Honda should do a recall to fix the issue - but I ran the search and saw nothing, so I wanted to reach out. I have a 2018 Honda Civic ex-t, and have about 70,000 miles. This has happened for about a year now, and my wife keeps telling me to report it as it's not safe.

Vehicle: 2018 Honda Civic ex sedan VIN: [xxx] mileage: approximately 150,000 miles component: steering / electric power steering (eps) I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety issue with my 2018 Honda Civic ex sedan. The steering wheel has developed a sticky/notchy feeling when turning to the right. When making a right-hand turn, the steering does not feel smooth and at times feels as though something is holding or resisting the steering wheel while it is turned. The steering feels normal when turning left. The problem occurs at both low and high speeds, but it becomes significantly more noticeable at higher speeds. It is especially noticeable when taking highway exit ramps or other longer right-hand curves where I have to maintain the steering wheel in a right-turn position. During these situations, the steering can feel like it is resisting my steering input rather than moving smoothly. Normal right-hand turns at lower speeds also exhibit the problem, although it is less noticeable. The left side does not exhibit the same behavior. This is concerning because the steering behavior is inconsistent between left and right turns and becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. A steering system that sticks or resists steering input during a highway curve could cause the driver to make an unexpected additional steering input or overcorrect, potentially increasing the risk of losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I have checked the vehicle’s VIN for open recalls and there are currently no unrepaired recalls associated with the VIN. I am reporting this issue because I believe the steering behavior may represent a safety defect, particularly given that the problem occurs during normal driving and becomes more pronounced at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA review this complaint for possible similar steering/eps issues affecting other 2018 Honda Civic vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(.

Component: electric power steering (eps) rack and pinion assembly. What happened: the steering on my 2019 Civic ex binds and catches. Returning the wheel toward center after a left turn, the steering does not return smoothly — it hangs up, then releases suddenly, with an audible clicking noise. The condition is worse after the vehicle has been driven and has warmed up. It occurs at parking lot speeds and at highway speeds during small lane-keeping corrections. It is also reproducible with the vehicle stationary and the engine running. Safety risk: when the steering binds, more force is required to move the wheel. When it releases, the wheel moves further than intended, causing overcorrection that must then be corrected back. On the highway this makes it difficult to hold a consistent lane position. There has been no warning lamp and no diagnostic trouble code at any point. Confirmed by dealer: an authorized Honda dealer reproduced the condition. Their technician documented that with the engine running and the wheel turned to full left lock, the wheel binds and will not return until physically touched. A master technician at the same dealer confirmed the binding and the clicking noise and identified the power steering rack as the failing component. The dealer noted that this condition is discussed on Honda's internal technical line under the description of Civic steering feeling sticky and pulling in either direction. Their inspection found no other damage or worn suspension or steering components. Quoted repair: the dealer quoted approximately $5,068 to replace the steering rack assembly. The vehicle is out of warranty. Additional note: Honda has issued a recall for the same sticky steering condition on 2022-2025 model year vehicles, attributed to excessive friction from the worm wheel inside the steering gearbox. No equivalent action covers 2016-2021 vehicles, which use a comparable eps design and generate similar owner complaints. The component is available.

My 2016 Honda Civic has developed a steering problem in which the steering feels sticky or notchy while driving. The steering wheel does not move smoothly when making small corrections and can feel like it catches or resists movement before releasing. This is especially noticeable while driving at higher speeds and makes it more difficult to make normal, smooth steering corrections and maintain the vehicle’s position in the lane. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for evaluation. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the steering rack and advised that the steering rack needs to be replaced. I am reporting this to NHTSA because this is a steering-related safety concern. The vehicle has approximately 95,000 miles, and I am concerned that this steering failure could result in loss of proper steering control or increase the risk of a crash.

Steering will feel notchy or sticky while driving, especially on the highway while trying to stay in a lane. This will cause excessive force to "unstick" the steering while will then require another steering correction. This has happening with the car since purchase (used) in 2020.

2018 Honda Civics have a steering defect. This was recalled in 202q2 to 2023 in NHTSA campaign number 23v704. This is the exact problem I experience in my vehicle. The steering wheel gets sticky at freeway speeds, and it feels unsafe. As of now no recall exists. Drivers experience a momentary "sticky", "notchy", or catching feel in the steering wheel. This requires unexpected extra force to overcome and can lead to jerky or delayed steering corrections.

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started sticking and was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering wheel had almost seized. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 24v744000 (steering); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the springs in the steering mechanism. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with steering rack assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,900.

See all problems of the 2025 Honda Civic 🔎.

While driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph), the electronic power steering (eps) physically binds and sticks when held in a straight line. Making minor lane corrections requires a sudden, deliberate application of extra physical force to 'break' the wheel free from the center position. This causes the vehicle to momentarily overcorrect, posing a severe crash hazard due to unexpected lane drifting. An example is my wife hates riding in my car because she feels as if she is being tossed back and forth in the passenger seat. This is the exact mechanical eps worm gear/preload spring manufacturing defect covered under NHTSA recall campaign 24v-744 for 2022–2025 models, but it is actively manifesting on my 2016 model without any dashboard warning lights or fault codes.

Steering wheel sticks and is jerky. Requires constant adjustments to drive straight, especially at highway speeds. Seems like grease is no longer effective and pinion gear sticks in spots. Very dangerous in my opinion. Unsafe. Honda should offer to service this by simply injecting new oem grease.

At highway speeds (more than 40-50 mph) the steering wheel feels "stiff" when driving straight and requires effort to move to the left or right. This causes a jerky motion to either left or right which then requires effort to correct, which then may cause a jerky motion in the opposite direction. Reading forums and other complaints on this website, it seems like this is a known Honda issue and must be corrected via a safety recall.

Steering catches and sticks while driving and you have to tug to get it to release to get control back. This has happened several times that has caused me to almost wreck numerous times. I do not feel safe driving it but it is my only vehicle. Dealership said it is more than likely the epf system, or the electrical steering system that is faulty.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact experienced an intermittent failure, and the steering wheel became very firm and became difficult to turn. During the failure, the power steering became inoperable, causing several malfunctions, and several warning lights were simultaneously illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, and the technician diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electronic power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Civic 🔎.

Steering sticks when driving in straight line for extended time. Requires extra effort to make small adjustments also becomes jerky when making adjustments.

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact turned the steering wheel; however, the steering wheel was abnormally difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Vehicle: 2021 Honda Civic hatchback current mileage: ~24,400 miles component: steering / electronic power steering (eps) gearbox / steering rack summary of issue: vehicle is experiencing severe "sticky steering" (mechanical binding) in the electronic power steering (eps) assembly while driving, most noticeably at highway speeds. The steering wheel feels stuck when trying to make minor lane adjustments, requiring noticeable extra force to break free, which causes the vehicle to over-correct and weave. This is an active safety hazard that interferes with normal vehicle control. The vehicle has only ~24,400 miles. A Honda dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering rack/gearbox requiring full replacement at a quoted cost of $5,000. This behavior matches the known defect detailed in NHTSA campaign 24v-744 (gearbox worm gear binding/sticky steering) affecting millions of Honda vehicles sharing this same eps architecture for 2022-2025 models. Requesting an investigation to expand coverage to 2021 models.

Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem. The dealer states the electric steering box is at fault. We are having the electric steering box replaced by the dealer.

On the freeway steering wheel feels like it’s getting stuck.

I own a 2018 Honda Civic sedan lx and am experiencing a steering problem where the steering wheel feels sticky and notchy instead of turning smoothly. The problem affects the steering and creates a potential safety concern because it can make the vehicle more difficult to steer smoothly and predictably. I took the vehicle to dch kay Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and stated that the internals of the electric steering motor are binding, which is causing the sticky/notchy steering feel. The dealer provided a repair estimate of $4,133. 54. Honda previously issued recall 18-102 for a steering-related problem affecting certain 2018 Honda Civics. Honda has confirmed that my VIN is not included in that recall. However, my vehicle has now been diagnosed by a Honda dealer with a steering gearbox problem involving binding in the electric steering motor. Honda customer service reviewed the dealership's findings and offered goodwill assistance, but Honda has not included my vehicle in the recall or any other applicable safety campaign. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this steering problem and determine whether the same or a related steering defect may be affecting 2018 Honda Civics outside the VIN range currently covered by recall 18-102. I am concerned that a steering component binding while the vehicle is being driven could create a serious safety risk.

I just purchased a 2017 Honda Civic yesterday that seems to be experiencing issues similar to the electric power steering (eps) malfunction involved in Honda’s eps gearbox recall, even though my VIN is not included. The steering becomes stiff and jerky when trying to turn the wheel, particularly at higher speeds (especially on the highway) and when trying to slightly move the wheel to remain in the lanes. The condition occurs consistently and has made it difficult to maintain proper control of the vehicle, which is super concerning for me. This creates a safety risk because the steering does not respond smoothly or predictably. I purchased this car yesterday at around 75k miles, and I noticed it immediately once I hit the highway. After doing some research I see that many others are experiencing the same issue, as well as it already being a widely known issue with Honda hence their initial recall. I believe this defect should be investigated and expanded to my VIN because myself and other owners are experiencing the same problem outside the current recall population.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? engine, steering. Purchased the car from a certified dealership in January 2026. After 3 months of driving, the car began exhibiting performance issues. During a normal acceleration pattern, the car would go into a ‘limp mode’ where all dashboard lights would turn on and the car’s performance became severely limited. Acceleration is barely possible when this happens and the car must be turned off and restarted in order to get the car out of ‘limp mode,’ which is a major safety concern communicated to Honda. It is also of major concern that every time there is a performance issue, every light illuminates, not allowing the driver to diagnose and safely operate the vehicle without Honda assistance with diagnosis. Honda scans revealed p3004 engines misfire code- recommendations included replacing a spark plug. I replaced all four spark plugs and performance returned to normal. Steering recall (recall campaign sjs- 2022-25 Civic eps grbx safe ) was also repaired on 6/24/2026- the car was exhibiting steering tightness and locking behaviors which were resolved after this repair. On 7/9, the car was traveling at 70mph when all dashboard lights came on once again. The car did not exhibit performance degradation at this time and was immediately taken for additional engine scan, which provided new code p0299 turbocharger underboost problem. Honda reported this code was not present during the scans on 6/24/2026. Dashboard warning lights disappeared on 6/25/2026. On 7/16/2026, the car began exhibiting major steering wheel locking and tightness, much worse than before the steering recall was fixed. I am unsure if it is related to the turboboost issue. The car also began exhibiting engine performance issues again, rendering the car unsafe to operate until taken back to Honda for further diagnostics.

See all problems of the 2008 Honda Civic 🔎.

Steering wheel sticks with minor adjustments makes it dangerous when driving . Research shows it's already a recall on other years of the same model.

Steering wheel at speeds usually above 25mph causes the steering wheel to feel stuck. This is a big safety issue as this causes over correction, leading me to steer into other lanes. No warnings, ect. I just purchased the vehicle last weekend so I have not had a chance to get it into the shop just yet but after researching this seems to be a common problem. This is a road hazard that can absolutely cause accidents. From my understanding there has been a recall issued on newer models but not on the 10th gen Civics. This needs addressed and a recall absolutely should be issued.