2,559 of the 20,348 complaints filed about the Honda Civic are about the steering — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2022.
2,559
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
146
Crashes
4
Fires
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11762806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11762308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
While I am driving there is a stickiness in my steering wheel and it causes me to overcorrect my steering and becomes an issue. Feels dangerous to me. This has gotten worse over time.
NHTSA complaint #11762215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Steering wheel gets stuck on highway driving and hard to make fine adjustments without force
NHTSA complaint #11761834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel jerked, and the steering wheel was sticking. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact had experienced intermittent power steering assist failure, causing the steering wheel to lock up while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle failed to restart, and the "Air Bag" warning light illuminated. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection on several occasions; however, the technicians were unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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)
NHTSA complaint #11761363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Sticky steerinng on highway Feels tight and difficult to make small adjustments Car then over corrects Has been happening for a while several years
NHTSA complaint #11761453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved steering issue involving my vehicle and the handling of NHTSA Recall 24V-744. My vehicle was subject to Recall 24V-744, which involved a steering-related safety issue. I brought the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer applied grease as part of the recall service and represented that the issue had been addressed. However, the steering problem did not go away. I subsequently returned to the dealer because I was still experiencing the same steering issue. Instead of treating the continuing problem as related to the recall repair, the dealer charged me a diagnostic fee and is refusing to cover the cost of the steering rack. I am concerned because the vehicle continues to have a steering-related problem after the recall repair was performed. The fact that the dealer’s initial recall repair did not resolve the issue raises concerns about whether the recall condition was properly diagnosed or repaired, or whether a related component has failed as a result of the same underlying problem. I do not believe I should be responsible for paying a diagnostic fee or the cost of a steering rack if the problem is related to the recalled steering condition or the attempted recall repair. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the dealer properly performed the recall repair, whether the continuing steering problem is related to Recall 24V-744, and whether additional corrective action is necessary. I am particularly concerned about the safety implications of continuing to operate a vehicle with an unresolved steering problem. I would like the manufacturer/dealer to properly diagnose and correct the underlying steering issue and address the costs I have incurred as a result of the unsuccessful recall repair. Even the mechanic said that it was a internal steering issue. Please see reported attached.
NHTSA complaint #11760637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Binding and sticking in the steering rack Rack and pinion rack needs to be replaced
NHTSA complaint #11760073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Failure of my Electric Power Steering General Assembly/Steering Rack and Pinion in my 2016 Honda Civic EX sedan while driving at highway speeds. My steering wheel sticks or feels notchy at highway speeds requiring physical effort to overcome the binding. A highly reputable independent automotive shop (Gearheadz) in [XXX] has confirmed in its diagnosis that this is a dangerous defect that needs to be corrected. The odometer on my 2016 Honda Civic EX has only 70,000 mileage as of XXX. My car is in very good condition except for this manufacturing defect by Honda.. I discovered in my research that Honda has issued a massive safety recall for an identical physical safety hazard on 2022-2025 Honda Civics, but excluded the 2016-2021 model years. Hundreds of other owners have documented the exact same dangerous "sticky steering" symptoms at highway speeds in their Civics that predate the 2022-25 recall. My out-of-pocket expenses to correct this problem will exceed $2,000. The expense would more than double that amount if I let Honda repair or replace the steering rack and pinion problem. Clearly, Honda knows about this issue and yet has decided to limit its recall on the manufacturing defect that is NOT cause by the owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11759624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
When driving the vehicle at high speed, the steering wheel feels sticky or stiff.
NHTSA complaint #11759607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11759478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.