general problems of the 2018 Honda CR-V - part 1

The steering wheel is getting stuck in position on straight road driving and you have to force the steering wheel back and forth. It started as a gentle problem, most notably at highway speeds. Now it is getting progressively worse and is starting to make a clicking sound. I see Honda recalled models from 2022-2025 but I am having the same problem with the steering box/gears or clock spring or magnet. Whatever is causing the problem, on my 2018 year model. I feel Honda should be held responsible for this repair and corrective action. I don't know how long I can keep driving my car under this condition, and I do not have the money for an expensive repair caused by Honda.

Steering "sticky". Intermittently steering feels stuck, resistant to during turns requiring extra force on steering wheel to break free both in low speed maneuvering and at highway speeds. Sticky steering associated by a soft clicking noise. Jim coleman Honda of clarksville MD checked the vehicle and confirmed the sticky steering and associated clicking noise. Their remedy to the sticky steering diagnosis was replacement of the eps steering rack and gearbox at a cost of $6,000. 00 they noted that this issue was the subject of a limited 2017-2018 recall 18v663 and more recently under 2022-2025 24v744. As result of stickiness the lka system no longer works properly.

May 15, 2026 - after driving highway speeds for 2 hours on a road trip, the steering wheel started to stick when trying to make small adjustments driving straight. It seemed like it could only move in notches, not glide smoothly. May 17, 2026 - after driving highway speeds for 1 hour, the same thing started happening again and continued for the remaining 2 hours of the trip. May 29, 2026 - after driving highway speeds for 2. 5 hours, the steering wheel started to stick again but this time I could also hear a little clicking noise every time I made a small adjustment to the wheel that moved it into a "notched" position created by the stickiness. The clunky movements of the steering wheel made me nervous driving on narrow curvy roads. I drove 5 hours one way where it started doing this halfway into the trip and 5 hours back home the same day with it sticking & clicking the entire time as I made minor movements of the wheel. It was not isolated to fast speeds; it continued at slow speeds. June 2, 2026 - the rear tires had been replaced 6 months earlier, so we decided to replace the front tires now to see if that would help resolve the issue. June 4, 2026 - after driving highway speeds at 2 hours, the steering wheel started sticking and clicking again. New tires did not fix the problem. Our destination was 2. 5 hours from home. We returned home later the same day with the sticking & clicking starting after about an hour and continuing the rest of the way home. There have been no warning lights or messages related to this problem. June 9, 2026 - we've seen online that there have been recalls on newer model Cr-vs for the eps gear box. We called our mechanic and described what we're experiencing. He agreed that it sounded like an eps issue and recommended we report it to NHTSA. Because the issue doesn't surface until at least an hour of driving highway speeds, it's hard to reproduce on demand.

The steering has a catch in it which makes for jerky driving. When driving to avoid drift and correct travel path the steering has a hard spot which makes it easy to over correct causing safety issues with nearby vehicles and driving on slick roads. I had heard that some crv’s had a recall for this issue but none shows up for this vehicle. This happens frequently when driving and has happened on many trips.

Experiencing steering wheel binding at highway speeds - steering gearbox on my leased car, 2018 crv was issued a safety recall by the NHTSA on September 28, 2018. I leased my car in July of 2018, but never received a safety recall from Honda. Document [xxx] . The issue is described as "sticky steering". I've contacted 2 Honda service locations, and they can't find any recall information for my 2018 vehicle. There are newer more recent models/years that do have this recall, but none for mine. However, the NHTSA issued one that nobody can find. I found it, but apparently it doesn't exist and I'm not finding anyone at the Honda service centers that are helpful. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel became loose and grabbed. The vehicle felt like it was traveling into another lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 18v663000 (steering). While her husband was driving, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who provided a front-end alignment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly gearbox needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall coverage. The manufacturer mentioned goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,018.

I am having a terrible problem with the steering wheel, keeping it in the lane along with hearing a loud noise when turning the steering wheel left to right. I only have 63,000 miles on this car. Took it to a dealership and they said it is the electric power assist system. I am finding out there is a recall with this very thing but that my car was not on the list. It should be. I am having this very problem. It is to dangerous to drive. Honda has a reputation for being a great safety car. This one is not. They said the charge would be $4500. This is not right. I am a [xxx] and [xxx]. I don't believe the manufacturer has been honest about this safety issue. . . They claim only 54 cars were affected. Please check into it for me please. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering wheel has begun to "stick" in place, extra force required to move the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel is rarely a smooth effort. Can also hear a clicking noise from under neath the car while driving. Recently found a small oil/grease stain from underneath the vehicle in my garage. Took my vehicle to a Honda dealer, they determined that the rack and pinion steering needs to be replaced. Cost to replace steering rack = $6222. 70. Car has 140k miles. Dealer would not cover an of the cost due to age/mileage of car.

Sticky steering. . . Steering get's slightly stuck then it takes a little more effort to turn the wheel causing the wheel to turn too much sometimes to get it back on course. . . Same problem that has been recalled on other models but for some reason not a recall on my 2018 with only 67000 miles.

To start model Honda crv 2018 did indeed have a recall in 11/2018 but only for 56 or 57 autos which mine was not one. My SUV with only 55k miles has started to have sticking in the steering wheel mechanism/hydraulics/or electrical systems relating to steering for the last 7 - 9 months. I was told by the service person in 04/26 that they would investigate the issue for $250+ bucks and if they needed to repair it the cost would be around $3. 5k. I am a senior citizen and I think is exorbitant. Im afraid the steering wheel jerking with eventually cause the SUV to veer out of its own lane into another. The SUV has not been inspected by anyone. There have been no indication lights or other system problems prior to this happening.

My 2018 Honda Cr-v lx (approx. 40,920 miles) has an electric power steering (eps) rack that sticks and catches at highway speeds, typically above 35 mph. The steering wheel requires extra force to turn, then suddenly releases, creating a snap/lurch effect. This behavior poses a significant overcorrection risk during highway lane changes and gradual curves. There were no warning lights or messages prior to or during the problem. The issue presented gradually and has been consistent above the noted speed threshold. A Honda dealership diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed the fault. Their process included a test drive to reproduce the sticking, reproduction while stationary, and further confirmation with the vehicle lifted — turning the steering wheel by hand with the wheels off the ground. In that condition, the technician heard and identified clicking and popping from inside the rack, isolating the fault to the eps rack assembly itself. The dealer's written recommendation is replacement of the eps rack at a cost of $3,917. 31 plus tax. The component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or the manufacturer beyond the dealership visit described above. I am aware that NHTSA has previously investigated eps gearbox faults on related Honda platforms involving worm gear/worm wheel defects, and that TSB 23-037 was issued for 2022–23 civics describing an identical symptom. I believe my 2018 Cr-v is affected by the same underlying defect. No repair has been performed at this time.

Hello. We purchased this 2018 Honda Cr-v new in 2018 from the local Honda dealer, Honda of lake jackson, TX. In the spring of 2025 the a/c stopped working. We took it to a local shop and they had to replaced the following: blower motor replaced, blower motor replaced, a/c evaporator replaced, a/c expansion/orifice valve replaced, heater core replaced. This was around a $3,000 repair. A month or so later in may of 2025 we took the car to the Honda dealer because of steering instability issues. We were advised that the entire steering column would need to replaced due to known safety issues (drive shaft can fail completely at highway speeds). The following was repaired at this time: --rack and pinion replaced, steering gear replaced, valve cover gasket replaced vehicle was at 61,984 miles at this time. This was a $5,000+ repair. It cost so much that we actually had to take out financing to pay it, which in essence essentially renewed our car payment (car was already paid off at this time). Now for the past 8 months or so we have had a "juddering" issue where you can feel the transmission ctv system jump and jerk as you accelerate to highway speeds. This issue also puts the entire transmission at risk of failure. The Honda dealer here checked the vehicle out and suggested we do a transmission fluid swap. This cost $189 for the "diagnostic fee" and $179 for the swap. So another nearly $400. They did the swap and said that it did not fix the issue and now we need to pay $2800 to have the "torque convertor" replaced. This is $10,000 plus dollars in repairs, nearly half to cost of the vehicle. This is a ridiculous amount of issues for a vehicle that had only 61,000 miles. We have always had regular maintenance performed also. From what I have read, Honda knows about these issues but has not issued a recall. In addition I've read that "juddering" ctv issue is a known issue in 2015-2018 Honda Cr-v's. Needless to say we are not happy with Honda about any of this.

Electronic power steering failure.

Steering wheel feels sticky, heavy and not always returns to center. Increased steering effort makes it harder to steer increasing the risk of a crash. Honda dealer indicated my vehicle was not under recall and would cost approximately $3000 to fix the steering rack.

"sticky or notchy" feeling in steering wheel. As described in Honda service bulletin 23-037 no person was at risk. Problem was able to be reproduced by the dealer. No vehicle warning lamps were illuminated. Dealer performed the actions of the recall of the newer vehicles, to this vehicle. The repairs fixed the issue.

Steering wheel ‘catches’ when moderately making sharp turns. It catches, then releases.

The steering wheel feels as if it is sticking while driving, forcing me to use slightly more pressure to force the wheel past the "sticking" point. This causes me to overcorrect my steering, making the car jolt to the left or right depending on which way I'm moving the steering wheel. I feel this mostly at speeds higher than 65, but it has happened at lower speeds as well. This has been happening several times a week for the past 3 weeks. My mechanic checked the car and was unable to diagnose the cause as he doesn't have the ability to put it on a machine. I called my local Honda dealer and prices start at $150 for diagnostics. Upon research I found that this same complaint has been filed on other makes and models the same as mine, however my VIN is not included. I have had no accidents due to this issue but it is happening more.

When turning on gradual curves at highway speeds the steering sticks then suddenly releases resulting in the need to correct the steering in the opposite direction rapidly. This could cause the driver to over-correct the steering leading to a potential accident. From what I understand, Honda is recommending a full steering rack replacement which is estimated between $3k-$5k+. Serious issue.

I began experiencing "sticky" steering at highway speeds, requiring that I use force to keep the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. The problem worsened until, roughly one month later, the cruise control system went out without warning and refused to come back on. I took the car to the Honda dealership in port charlotte, FL on 3/30/26 where they were able to duplicate the problem immediately and recommended I no longer drive the vehicle until the steering rack/gear box is replaced. Honda steering is sensitive. Overcorrecting is a very real danger in addition to the possibility that it may lock up at high speeds in traffic. No warning lights ever indicated a problem. I am aware that other 2018 crv's were recalled for this issue to have the racks replaced. My VIN was not included in that recall, but clearly, my vehicle is having the same issue. I spoke with corporate Honda on 3/30/26.

Vehicle experiences intermittent steering sticking/catching while turning. In March 2026, an independent repair facility verified the steering concern and documented: “technician found rack and pinion will lock when manually turning. ” the technician also referenced Honda technical service bulletin / safety recall 18-103 regarding the 2017–2018 Honda Cr-v eps gearbox and recommended steering rack replacement. Immediately afterward in March 2026, the vehicle was inspected by Honda after the steering concern was reported, and no steering gearbox issue was identified at that time. Now, in may 2026, Honda is diagnosing the eps steering rack/gearbox assembly and recommending replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $5,000. Although this VIN was reportedly not included in the original recall population, the vehicle is exhibiting steering symptoms substantially similar to the defect described in Honda’s eps gearbox recall documentation. Because this condition affects steering responsiveness and safe vehicle control, and appears to be progressively worsening, we are requesting investigation into whether similar eps steering defects may exist outside the originally identified VIN range.

Recently I started noticing some issues with the steering on my 2018 Honda Cr-v ex, VIN [xxx] . It makes a noticeable sound when turning to the right, and sometimes feels like it is getting stuck or caught on something when turning right. I brought the vehicle to headquarter Honda in clermont, FL and was told the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and was quoted $4800 for the repair. Due to the high cost, I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. The mechanic confirmed the diagnosis, but stated that there was a recall for this issue in 2018 Cr-vs and suggested I reach out to Honda before paying for the repair. I contacted Honda and was told that yes, there was a recall for this issue in 2018 Cr-vs, but that my VIN is not included in the recall. The person I spoke with on the phone said there was nothing they could do. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The power steering on my 2018 Honda crv xe is sticky or sticks when I when I try to keep my crv is the middle of the lane and/or change lanes a majority of the time on the freeway/highway. At times, the crv will slides/drifts from one side to the other. The crv is going in this week for an inspection / evaluation at a Honda dealership. There were no signs or warnings when I purchased the crv from a private party. I will make the crv for inspection.

Steering pulls and clicks at highway speeds. Engine misfire due to faulty fuel injection issues.

The contact rented a 2018 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving at unknown highway speeds, the lane departure malfunctioned. The vehicle was jumping while driving and became uncontrollable. The steering wheel had unknown damage. The wheel cover was removed, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that there seemed to be a torque sensor issue, the tires had low tread and the tire service light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an illegal tint on the windows. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.

Sticky steering, steering feels like it is catching or bumping, worse at high speeds.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 mph, the steering wheel was clicking while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. In addition, the contact was advised that if the failure was recall-related, the vehicle would be covered; however, the repairs were denied. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18v663000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,796.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Cr-v. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn while making left or right turns or while driving straight. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced, as well as the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to technical service bulletin: 2 18-103 (2017-18 Cr-v: steering gearbox); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

The car model year is 2018 and has 49,580 miles when it was taken to the Honda dealer for inspection. The steering wheel was 'sticking' as if it were in a groove. Turning the steering wheel became somewhat difficult. It was if the steering wheel needed to be turned with enough force to get it up and over the lip of the groove so the car would turn. It also made a ticking or cracking sound when turning the steering wheel. Dealer test drove the car and was able to duplicate the concern. They found the power steering rack assembly had failed and stated so on the invoice. The entire unit needed to be replaced, and a 4-wheel alignment would then be required. The cost of the unit was $5,813. 75, and the cost of the alignment was $139. 95. This is a serious safety issue when the steering rack assembly fails.

The steering sticks. The sticking is making it difficult to control the vehicle without excessive jerking. According to mechanic, it's the gearbox.

The steering has started sticking. The sticking makes it difficult to control the vehicle in turns. According to mechanic, it's the steering gearbox. There have been recalls on the 2018 crv for this very issue and somehow this vehicle does not fit into the recall.

I have a 2018 Honda crv with 52,000 miles. It has a steering problem. The vehicle has to be hot, or be driven for 1 plus hours for the problem to appear. In a few words the problem can be described intermittent steering binding sticky steering steering hesitation near center sudden release necessitating overcorrection in opposite direction safely hazard during highway driving I don't know specifically what the problem is but chat gpt offers these comments: eps gearbox, worm gear, steering torque sensor, or intermediate shaft malfunction. I have to assume that the problem that plagues my vehicle is related to the known crv steering rack or eps issues tied to the newer model recalls. I have not asked a Honda dealer to diagnosis the issue and provide an estimate for repair, but plan to shortly. Otherwise, this vehicle is in excellent condition, has had proper maintenance and care. I have called a local Honda dealer to inquire about a recall and was told there is no recall on this issue for my car year. There is however a recall for steering issues on 2023, 24, 25 year cars. Thank you, [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact’s mother owns a 2018 Honda Cr-v. The contact’s mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was unintendedly jumping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,439.

To whom it may concern: ?I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious and recurring safety defect in my 2018 Honda Cr-v ex, VIN# [xxx] . I have experienced at least four incidents within the last two months involving both sudden, unintended braking and intermittent steering lock-ups. These are not isolated events and pose a significant risk to the safety of myself and other motorists. ?the sudden braking issue, often referred to as "phantom braking," occurs when the vehicle's collision mitigation braking system (cmbs) activates without any obstacle or danger present. The car abruptly comes to a full stop, without warning, on a clear road. This is extremely dangerous and has nearly caused multiple rear-end collisions. ?in addition to the braking problem, the steering has also become intermittently stuck. This happens without warning and makes it difficult to turn the wheel, which could lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds or on curves. ?I have already reported these issues to two authorized Honda dealerships: ?curry Honda in atlanta, georgia ?Honda autonation in columbus, georgia ?on each occasion, the dealerships have been unable to replicate the problem and have told me they cannot find anything wrong. Despite their inability to diagnose the issue, the problems are very real and continue to happen. ?these defects are not just an inconvenience; they are serious safety hazards that could lead to a crash. I am concerned that if this problem is happening to my vehicle, it may be affecting other 2018 Honda Cr-v owners as well. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and injuries. ?please contact me if you require any additional information. ?thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sticky steering. At times, the steering wheel feels stuck, and it takes greater force to break the turn, causing a jerking motion. [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering keeps sticking while cruising down the highway, which is a problem but supposedly not on my VIN number. Manufacturer claims it’s a problem just not on mine. This happens constantly not on specific date below.