2,536 of the
20,273 complaints filed about the Honda Civic
are about the steering —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2022.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11758748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2025 Honda Civic Touring, the electric steering system suddenly malfunctioned without warning. While entering/navigating a roundabout, the wheels forcibly straightened out on their own, overriding steering input and causing the vehicle to crash directly into the roundabout curb/barrier. Prior to this sudden steering lockout/binding event, there were no known performance or handling issues with the car. Following the impact, the steering remains unsafe to operate, experiencing binding, severe misalignment, and persistent inability to steer smoothly. Mechanics have replaced the passengers lower control arm, ball joint, sway bar link, the passenger side strut tower, and two front tires because of the camber caused damage to the tires, but the vehicle's camber remains out of spec and the underlying steering binding/stiffness remains unresolved. I believe an internal defect or electronic lockup in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system caused the vehicle to lose steering control prior to the impact.
NHTSA complaint #11758615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The steering wheel was sticking when the wheel was turned. Problem for several months, progressively got worse. Checked for a recall and spoke to a Honda representative and was told my car was not manufactured at the facility that had the recalls for the Honda civic 2018 models. I had to pay $4578.90 out of pocket to have the same trouble as the other recalled models.
NHTSA complaint #11758269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11758188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2016 Honda Civic EX-T intermittently experiences a sticky/notchy steering condition, particularly while driving at highway speeds. When making small steering corrections around the straight-ahead/center position, the steering wheel sometimes resists movement and feels as though it is sticking or binding. Additional steering effort is then required to overcome the resistance, after which the steering releases. This can cause a larger steering correction than intended and creates concern about maintaining precise directional control at highway speeds. The condition is intermittent and may not occur during a short test drive. I reported the condition to an authorized Honda dealer and requested that it be evaluated. The dealer test drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the condition. The dealer provided an estimate of approximately $5,887 should replacement of the EPS steering rack/gear become necessary. No EPS warning light is present. I have also opened a case with American Honda Customer Relations (Repair Diagnosis Information Request: 16569333) regarding this steering concern. I am reporting the condition to NHTSA because the intermittent increase in steering effort and subsequent release can potentially result in overcorrection and represents a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11757729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11757618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticky and failed to return to the center. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected and determined that no repair was needed despite the failure. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened and occurred while driving at various speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11757256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There has been a recall in a certain number of honda civic vehicles due to this issue and mine was not recalled as well. While driving for more than 5 minutes, the wheel starts to stiffen making it harder to turn and drive straight. The car wobbles when the wheel isn't being turned and jerks itself either left or right depending on which side of the road I am traveling on. This started back in 2021 and it wasnt as bad but now I am experiencing the wheel sticking in one place and having to nearly turn it for it not go off road.
NHTSA complaint #11756880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)(
NHTSA complaint #11756894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel was sticking with resistance while turning the steering wheel to the left. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11756053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Honda Civic has developed an intermittent sticky steering condition. The steering wheel becomes difficult to turn around the center position and requires additional force before it moves normally again. This occurs during normal driving and makes it difficult to maintain smooth and predictable control of the vehicle. I am concerned that this could increase the risk of losing control, especially if an emergency steering correction is needed. In addition, I hear a knocking/tapping noise coming from the front of the vehicle whenever I turn the steering wheel at low speeds. The vehicle has never been involved in any accident, collision, or steering-related damage. There are no warning lights displayed. The problem developed during normal use and has become repeatable. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a Honda dealership, but based on the symptoms and numerous similar owner reports involving 2022 Honda Civics, I believe this may be related to a defect in the steering system. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this is a potential safety issue and request that NHTSA investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11755669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sticky steering, especially when it’s hot or humid. The issue has been going on since the car was at 60k miles, taken in multiple times and they don’t see and issue. It’s at 117k now issue still present. Same issue as the 2022-25 that got a recall
NHTSA complaint #11754981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2016 Honda Civic seems to have a 'sticky steering' issue. It is most noticeable when trying to stay straight in a lane, like when trying to make minor adjustments left or right, it would feel like the steering wheel will stick, causing it to jerk more in the direction I’m trying to steer, which causes slight over steering and having to correct back the other direction. It doesn’t happen all the time though. It’s random, but once it starts doing it, it stays that way till I’m done driving.
NHTSA complaint #11754367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11754484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.