1,643 of the
32,025 complaints filed about the Honda Accord
are about the steering —
5% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
Sticky steering at center position" Notchy/Clicking feeling when turning past center point"。("A noticeable catch and clicking noise when steering wheel passes through the center position")。"This failure causes inconsistent steering effort and poses a potential safety risk, especially for high-mileage commercial drivers like Uber."
NHTSA complaint #11757083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject of Complaint: Sudden, simultaneous failure of critical safety and driver assist systems originating from an electronic sensor/control module failure inside the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox. Description of Safety Hazard and Dashboard Indicators: While operating the vehicle, the Driver Information Interface (DII) suddenly illuminated with multiple critical safety faults simultaneously. The primary indicator was the amber Electric Power Steering (EPS) System Problem warning light (steering wheel icon with an exclamation point). Due to the electronic architecture of the vehicle, the loss of reliable data from the steering gearbox caused a cascading failure across the Honda Sensing safety suite. The dashboard displayed a sequence of distinct system errors, explicitly disabling: Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Problem Safety Risk to Occupants: The unexpected failure of the EPS system immediately compromised the vehicle's handling characteristics, significantly increasing the steering effort required to control the vehicle. Furthermore, the simultaneous and total disabling of the Lane Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems unexpectedly stripped away active crash-avoidance features. This sudden degradation of vehicle control and driver-assist capabilities creates an immediate, severe collision hazard on public roadways.
NHTSA complaint #11756266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2014 Honda Accord Hybrid experienced a sudden, complete loss of electric power steering assist immediately upon vehicle startup, illuminating the EPS dash warning light. The steering became extremely heavy and physically difficult to turn, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. An onboard diagnostic check retrieved a hard Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) 53, which explicitly indicates an EPS Torque Sensor failure. Honda is fully aware of this defect and issued Service Bulletin 15-056 (Sep. 2018), which extends the EPS warranty to 13 years for this exact year and model. However, when checking my vehicle's 17-digit VIN, Honda's database excludes my car from the coverage range. This vehicle is suffering from the identical manufacturing defect and component failure outlined in Bulletin 15-056, but I am locked out of the safety repair solely due to an arbitrary VIN database boundary. I am filing this report because the underlying safety defect clearly extends beyond Honda's designated VIN cut-off range.
NHTSA complaint #11754764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At only 61,083 miles, the rack and pinion on my 2011 Honda Accord was diagnosed as leaking by Baierl Honda in Wexford, PA. The dealership documented the issue as: “FOUND RACK AND PINION LEAKING; PARTS/LABOR (INCLUDING ALIGNMENT AND POWER STEERING FLUID) $2,777 PLUS TAX.” This is a major steering component that should last well over 150,000 miles under normal conditions, yet mine failed extremely early. A leaking rack and pinion creates a serious safety concern. Prior to diagnosis, I experienced increased steering effort and inconsistent steering feel, especially during low‑speed turns and parking maneuvers. Loss of hydraulic pressure in the steering system can lead to sudden difficulty steering, which poses a risk during highway driving or emergency situations. This failure is part of a known pattern affecting 2008–2012 Honda Accords. Numerous owners have reported premature rack and pinion leaks and failures at relatively low mileage, suggesting a defect in the internal seals or manufacturing tolerances. Despite the frequency of complaints, Honda has not issued a recall or service bulletin addressing the problem. Given the safety implications and the documented pattern of premature failures, I believe this issue warrants investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11753909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the electronic power steering seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle failed to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering module had malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The VSA module failed, causing 5 warning lights to illuminate. This module controls ABS, traction control, and power steering. All of these systems involve the safe operation of the vehicle. The module failed due to a flawed design; the module contains 20-30 very fine connecting wires that frequently break due to vibration and temperature changes. VBS module failures are extremely common on 2008-20017 Honda Accords. Honda charges up to $4,000 to repair their flawed design to return the car to a safe operating condition. It is unconscionable that the consumer should have to pay such an expense to repair their mistake or to drive the car as is, and risk a catastrophic failure. A recall for these modules should be declared to protect the public from accident and injury.
NHTSA complaint #11753518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid. At approximately 42,000 miles, all of the warning lights illuminated while driving. The warnings included Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning, and multiple other system alerts. At the same time, I experienced a loss of electric power steering assist, increased steering resistance, and clicking/popping noises coming from the steering rack. The Honda dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failed Electric Power Steering (EPS) steering rack and quoted nearly $5,000 for the repair. A critical steering component should not fail at such low mileage. This is a serious safety concern because the failure affects the driver's ability to safely control the vehicle. Similar steering components have been recalled on other Honda models, but the 2023 Honda Accord has not been included. I believe this defect should be investigated before it results in crashes or injuries.
NHTSA complaint #11753519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First time my 2015 Accord 4dr FWD V6 AT failed to turn, I was coming out of parking area onto busy highway when I suddenly wasn't able to turn steering wheel to right enough to complete the turn and crossed over oncoming traffic lane to opposite shoulder. I parked and tried turning both directions while stationary, and was able to get full range to the left smoothly, but continued to meet complete resistance slightly right of center. There were no warnings whatsoever and the car operated normally prior to this incident. After about 4 minutes of sitting, I restarted car and noticed steering was restored both directions, firmer when moving and very smooth when parked. I took it home and had independent mechanic diagnose and troubleshoot with no answers other than possibly suspension or alignment. I replaced suspension components, got 4-wheel alignment, and steering was firm, responsive, and didn't lock up again for about 200 miles. The next time the steering acted up was when my son was driving back from church and couldn't turn left, again without warning. This time the car kept going straight and he was able to stop before hitting a large metal post. I brought the car home on a trailer. There were no codes, warning lights, sounds, smells, or any other indications of malfunction leading up to this failure. Over the next 2 months, I drove short trips within 8 miles of home on not busy streets and found no specific trend; this steering failure is recurrent, intermittent, and spontaneous, sometimes with stutter in turn. I'm not sure if it's related to known magnet problem or electrical/electronic issue. Obstructs evasive maneuvers. If we were on a mountain (not uncommon if hiking, sightseeing, visiting loved ones, or traveling), this car would have taken my family over the side of steep drop-off or crashed into cliff. Either way, cars don't abruptly transition from horizontal to sharp vertical, and this issue poses severe threat to lives and high probability of injury.
NHTSA complaint #11752794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when not moving, creaking and popping noise can be heard coming from the lower front end of the vehicle. I was told by Honda service that there is a known issue and that Honda was working on a remedy for the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11752424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on a highway, the steering wheel seized, resulting in a loss of steering control. The contact was able to pull the vehicle onto the shoulder and then drove off the highway to a gas station, where the vehicle was towed. The contact stated that the power steering warning light, the brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no response was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,500.
NHTSA complaint #11748716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly locked up without warning. The vehicle towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a defective power steering rack and pinion, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact felt a slight resistance when turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive because the failure could recur and lead to a crash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 114,095.
NHTSA complaint #11748493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This event occurred after a history of ABS system issues as well as Infotainment system issues since 10k miles. During morning commute at approximately 60 mph, all dash warnings began to chime associated with the Touring features of the sedan. TPMS, Collision Avoidance, Braking System, Lane Departure, etc. AND Electric Power Steering. The steering wheel clicked and immediately became difficult to steer. I found a safe pullover point and managed to return the car safely the short distance home.
NHTSA complaint #11748591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whenever in park or reverse the vehicle suddenly power cycles. The vehicle also power cycles when steering and locks the wheel. This can be fatal if it happens on the public road in the middle of traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11748251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The first time it happened, the power steering of the car suddenly stopped working while driving on the highway. Now it happens randomly and usually start with a quick jerking motion of the steering wheel. I've looked into this and lot of Honda Accord owners had this issue before. I want to file a complains on this and see if the NHTSA can do anything to have Honda address/fix this issue for me. Thanks,
NHTSA complaint #11747796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Before the collision, while turning left from a complete stop, the steering wheel suddenly became extremely stiff and would not turn normally. There were no dashboard warning lights (no EPS, brake, or hybrid warnings). The steering problem occurred before impact and contributed to the head-on collision.
NHTSA complaint #11747519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My husband was driving our 2022 Honda Accord home eastbound on [XXX] on Friday, [XXX] from Oswego to Saratoga Springs from a funeral. It was extremely hot that day. It started to rain and he was going the speed limit and the steering locked up. He ended up doing at least one 360 possible two and then hit the guardrail. We never had a recall on our steering but a lot of issues while driving on the lane controls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly pulled towards the right or the left, depending on the last direction the steering wheel was turned. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving in rainy weather, the vehicle hydroplaned. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer on several occasions, where an alignment was performed and the steering rack was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
NHTSA complaint #11745698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sudden and total loss of Electronic Power Steering (EPS) while driving. The EPS light came on and the steering wheel became too heavy to safely steer, creating an immediate crash hazard. The dealer found diagnostic trouble code 34-05.
NHTSA complaint #11745479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am temporarily at [XXX]. The brake light on the dash will pop up in orange while driving and the steering wheel will turn from left to right at certain times while driving. I am not too close to another vehicle. The air bag indicator light flashes at times. The driver car seat will move forward when I unlock the vehicle at times. The trunk pops open at times after having been securely shut. I have had some work done on it at Lucas Tire and Automotive in Brewton, Al. I have had personal property and money stolen out of it as well as paperwork containing personal information/financial information stolen. It’s created substantial loss from me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
driving on highway 65mph steering wheel sticks and jerks the car side to side very scary almost ran into car next to me at that speed. I called the dealer to report it. I am waiting to bring vehicle in to diagnose. they stated that it is a known issue and that it is more than likely the electronic steering box rack and pinion.
NHTSA complaint #11745012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.