FaultScore

2021 Honda Cr-V steering problems

109 of the 459 complaints about the 2021 Honda Cr-V are about the steering — 24% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 40,000 miles.

D

109

Complaints

4

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Steering 109 100.0%

Steering across every Honda Cr-V year

2002 10 0.6%
2003 14 0.8%
2004 11 0.7%
2005 23 1.4%
2006 17 1.0%
2007 31 1.8%
2008 71 4.2%
2009 15 0.9%
2010 14 0.8%
2011 10 0.6%
2012 36 2.1%
2013 15 0.9%
2014 15 0.9%
2015 45 2.7%
2016 17 1.0%
2017 60 3.6%
2018 321 19.1%
2019 192 11.4%
2020 36 2.1%
2021 109 6.5%
2022 131 7.8%
2023 322 19.1%
2024 120 7.1%
2025 50 3.0%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 45,000 miles Marietta, GA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning left, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound and became difficult to turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 24-011 (that addressed a sticky steering, increased steering effort, or clicking noises caused by excessive internal friction in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox). The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pequea, PA

STEERING

I love my Honda CRV however, I recently have experienced what I call "Sticky Steering". I purchased this vehicle brand new from Jones Honda in Lancaster and have followed all the service suggestions for the most part to the "T". I used it for my Real Estate job along with filling in the gaps with driving for lyft. About 4 months ago I noticed the steering sorta wanted to stay in the position it was in when I wanted to slightly adjust the steering it was "Stuck" and I had to extend more pressure than normal to get it to move. Than all of the sudden it moved to another spot but got stuck in that spot. Needless to say this really concerned me. I than searched online to see if others are having the same problem to find out they are! When I checked the recall on my vehicle I found out that 2022-2024's were recalled but my 2021 CRV was not. This is definitely a safety issue because if a person would "Over steer" to get it unstuck the car could jolt into another lane of traffic or even go off the road and have a crash. I found out that there are many people having and complaining about this same issue online. I do not have the money to make the repair myself so that is why I am reaching out. Maybe my vehicle along with other 2021 models can be repaired and hopefully save someone from being killed. It's very unnerving when it occurs. The problem is I never know when it's going to get stuck. I was hoping to drive this CRV till the wheels fell off but now I am forced to drive with extreme caution every time I get behind the wheel for fear of not knowing when the steering will "Stick". Please help me get this repaired. From my understanding there is a faulty electric motor that controls the steering that for some reason does not operate properly.

NHTSA complaint #11756968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cedar Creek, TX

STEERING

While driving the 2021 Honda CRV in March 2026 on the highway (above 50 mph) the steering wheel would "lock up" causing me to be unable to guide the car back into my lane of traffic. Initially, it was thought the lane drift feature was activating. After it was determined that was not the case (experimenting by me), the "lock up" was noticed multiple more times over several weeks, especially when driving on the highway. I was very concerned for myself and my passengers as I never knew when the steering wheel would "allow" me to correct the vehicle. I made an appointment with my Honda dealership in April 2026 which is where the vehicle was originally purchased, to see what was happening. I asked about a recall and the service advisor assured me that there was not recall on my vehicle. After the vehicle was repaired and I read the actual invoice detailing the repair, I noticed how similar the description of the problem was to the symptoms of the sticky steering recall. I contacted Honda Corporation and reported the issue and repair that was completed. I asked for reimbursement for the repair. Copies of my repair bill were sent and after consideration, the representative asked what amount I would consider for reimbursement. I suggested $4500 (the total bill for repair was $4661.35). After several business days, Honda called back to "respectfully decline" to reimburse me for the repair.

NHTSA complaint #11756683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksboro, NJ

STEERING

The steering wheel has developed resistance to turning left and right. It is most noticeable when driving on highways where small steering inputs are needed to keep the vehicle within a lane. The steering wheel with stick in place requiring more effort than normal to turn in either direction. When the steering wheel does turn, there is an audible click sound. The additional force needed to rotate the steering wheel past the sticking point can cause oversteering. This makes it difficult to smoothly control the vehicle and keep it within the lane while driving. I purchased this vehicle new from a Honda dealership in the fall of 2021. The vehicle currently is at 41,000 miles, but the problem began within a year of purchase and with less than 10,000 miles. The sticking and clicking sound is not constant, making the problem difficult to diagnose. The steering system is completely original (as purchased), and it has not been in a collision that would have caused damage to the steering system.

NHTSA complaint #11756148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hudson, FL

STEERING

Gently used car, the steering wheel makes strange noise, sticking and clicking, not felling safe when driving. There are a lot of complaints about steering wheel problems. Why there is no recall on it, I cannot spend $5000 for fixing and is all about 2021 crvs. defected? Need to be recalled or replaced. So sad it is only 5 year old car. My 2011 honda crv lasts 11 years with no problems. Very disappointed.

NHTSA complaint #11755791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Marcos, CA Crash 2 injured

STEERING

Unknown. The driver reports that while the vehicle was moving at moderate speed (~35 mph), the steering wheel would not turn, resulting in the vehicle striking a pole- causing significant damage to vehicle. Airbags were deployed and occupants taken to hospital for injuries.

NHTSA complaint #11755614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grants Pass, OR

STEERING

The steering is hanging up when turning to the left. We have had it diagnosed by a mechanic and says it is dangerous and needs to be repaired. The dealer says the only cars recalled our 2022 to 25. Ours is a 2021 but having the same problems as the ones that were recalled. The parts installed in the car are the exact same ones that are in the 22 to 25. After doing research, we see that this issue goes back to 2016. Many have complained, but Honda refuses to include these in the recalls. I would like for our car to be included in the recall as well as the part is extremely expensive. We have been quoted $4000 if they can find the part.

NHTSA complaint #11752733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Asheville, NC

STEERING

Please be advise that the 2021 model year of the Honda CR-V needs to be added to NHTSA Recall # - 24V-744. I am experiencing the "notchy" steering wheel problem described however this model year is currently NOT included in the Recall. It currently only covers years 2023-25. Please consider adding the 2021 year to this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11750697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grants Pass, OR

STEERING

After the vehicle is warm when turning the stirring does not want to return and sticks. Before the vehicle is warm there is a clunking sound in the steering system. My car is out of warranty but the problem started long before that. It started approximately 2 years ago.

NHTSA complaint #11748479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

STEERING

The steering sticks in a gradual turn when at highway speed and will not return to neutral on its own. When this happens you must use some force to break the steering free and the vehicle swerves drastically. Dealer confirmed the steering issue today at Honda World in Louisville KY. No warning indicators are provided. This is a known issue on the 2022 year models and a recall has been issued for those vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11748601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rhinelander, WI

STEERING

After vehicle is driven, especially on highway, steering wheel binds or sticks when turning. This causes a dangerous overcorrection, and potential hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11747394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pensacola, FL

STEERING

I have noticed a hesitation in the steering of my 2022 Honda CR-V. I can only describe it as a knock but it's a feeling rather than a sound. It's like a "hitch" or "catch" in what should be a smooth motion. I initially though it was something temporary, maybe weather related but it's continued and I now see others reporting the same issue online. It seems this was covered in a recall of 2023 - 2025 CR-Vs but did not include 2022s. I'm concerned that it would be a safety issue if it gets worse.

NHTSA complaint #11746129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomington, IN

STEERING

Steering is sticking after the car is driven for about 20 min. No warning lights or signs are given when this happens. This is a very dangerous safety issue; causing loss of control of vehicle and sometimes causing to veer into the oncoming traffic lane. This started happening 2 months ago when turning left. Dealership service dept could not find it at that time to fix. Sticky steering got worse over the following month, and also started happening when turning right. This matches the recall of other year models: 24V-744. Dealership service dept has now confirmed with diagnosis of problem and wants $3600 to fix this manufacturer defect in the steering gear box.

NHTSA complaint #11744959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bluffton, SC

STEERING

Steering of the vehicle was impacted, especially at highway speeds. The steering was “sticky” and required extra attention and great care to avoid driving off the road at highway speeds. No warning lamps identified the issue. Took vehicle to the dealer where issue was identified as steering rack replacement was required. With this being a common issue with Honda CRV vehicles, with previous recalls, I felt it was important to file this notification.

NHTSA complaint #11744210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Uniontown, OH

STEERING

The steering wheel “sticks” near center at highway speeds, then jerks when trying to make small corrections. I reported this to a Honda dealer in July 2025, who diagnosed it as “normal”. The condition gradually worsened, and I returned to the dealership today, June 15, 2026, and was told the power steering rack is failing, and needs to be replaced. Honda has recalled these beginning in the model year 2022. Our vehicle was purchased in September 2021. This has been occurring since approximately June of 2025.

NHTSA complaint #11744224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Foley, AL

STEERING

EPS steering rack locks up and causes jerking in steering wheel. This is a known recall on 2022 models but happening on older models as well. There is a clicking noise and a feeling of a stuck steering wheel. My Vehicle has less than 50k miles on it and has only been to Honda for inspections and this was missed. Dealership has even confirmed and charging a hefty repair fee. If these are not caught soon enough they will only get worse causing accidents due to locking steering wheels

NHTSA complaint #11743851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hoschton, GA

STEERING

After driving for about 10 minutes the steering begins to act differently at speeds above about 45 mph. It usually happens when steering to the left for a curve in the road and then trying to steer back to the right to come out of the curve. The steering wheel will stick and require additional effort to turn back to the right. When extra pressure is applied, the steering wheel will turn and a dull clicking sound is heard. If pressure is not applied it could cause a head-on collision. The Honda dealer duplicated the issue and said the repair was to replace the EPS gear box assembly at a cost of $4,300 just for the part. They also said it wasn't a safety issue but if it gets worse, let them know.

NHTSA complaint #11743921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cabot, AR

STEERING

The steering when turning especially to the left and more so at highway speeds(although I have noticed it just driving and at city speeds making micro adjustments while going straight) stops having a responsive feel and as I come out of turns and start to straighten the steering wheel back up it does not move and then all of sudden feels like it lets loose and moves a few degrees in the direction I am turning it aback to and then feels like it catches again. I do notice it even just moderately adjusting my line (but it does not fall or move as many degrees as when actually tuning) and once again more noticeable at highway speeds. This seems to line up with the service bulletins and recalls the later year models. I believe it is the same problem but due to the model year they would rather distance themselves from the responsibility. I have been noticing something with it for about a week before the date listed but I wanted to make sure and it has actually started showing up more and worse. I am afraid this is going to cause a major issue.

NHTSA complaint #11743358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tallahassee, FL

STEERING

Steering during cruising speed (39+ mph) exhibits "sticky" or jerking steering while driving straight or minor curves. It worsened since starting to experience this in the past few weeks.

NHTSA complaint #11742576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rexford, NY

STEERING

Hello, I have a 2021 Honda CR-V with 38K miles. The steering has become consistent in the way I can think to describe it as sticking then freeing up while driving. From things I’ve read, there was a recall for an issue titled “Sticky Steering,” that the description matches exactly to what I’m experiencing. This has been going on now for a few months. With just 38K on the vehicle, I wouldn’t imagine this type of behavior to be common. Could you please advise if the vehicle should be checked out and if there may be some recall that affects this vehicle? Thank you so much! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11742295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alexandria, VA

STEERING

Steering sticks in turns when driving. Steering wheel will stay/stick in this same position without any steering needed. Need to use both hands to unstick steering wheel.

NHTSA complaint #11741970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Girardeau, MO

STEERING

Steering sticks. Wont re-center when turning corners. This is a safety issue for sure when it wont steer well at all. Yes. I took it to an alignment shop and the tech drove it and said he nearly hit a curb as the wheel did not re-center when turning a corner. Two independent shops checked it and both thought it was the steering gear box. It has never steered well since it was new. I thought it was just the all wheel drive or something until lately when it started to really just stick. There is a recall for this exact same problem on 2022 &2023 models. Not on the 2021s. Why? Honda even has a service bulletin telling that it is a problem #A2411 I do have an appoint to get the problem verified at a Honda dealer. They were well aware that it is also a problem on the 2022 models

NHTSA complaint #11741309 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Auburndale, FL

STEERING

My steering wheel sticks especially in highway driving. The steering wheel feels as if it momentarily "locks" or "sticks" in the center position while driving at highway speeds. When I try to correct it, the wheel snaps free, often causing the vehicle to jerk or overcorrect. This is a big safety concern. There is a recall, but my model year of 2021 is not included in the recall. This has been an ongoing issue not just a one-time incident.

NHTSA complaint #11740009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Taylors, SC

STEERING

The steering wheel is slightly sticking while driving/steering on interstates and highways where mostly noticed, but also noticing on curved backroads. When navigating a curve the steering wheel has slightly stuck and the automatic brake light flashes on very briefly. This has happened several times now and both main drivers of the car have noticed the issue. We are reporting now out of fear that it may become a bigger issue if not addressed, that affects both steering and braking that puts occupants at risk. We are reporting this as of today, which is the most recent incident on May 25, 2026, but this has happens about 4 or 5 times in the last month. We checked to see if this was a known recall issue, but the recall only applies to 2023 - 2025 CRVs for some reason. This sounds like the exact issue/recall that our 2021 crv is having. Thank you!

NHTSA complaint #11739934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Tracy, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable and became difficult to turn and felt very sticky when attempting to steer with no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11739598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elkhart, IN

STEERING

When driving, the steering wheel sticks and I have to jerk it to correct. Sometimes it overcorrects making it dangerous. I only have 47000 miles on it. It is now doing it really frequently. Was only at high speeds, now all speeds. I took it in but dealer said they couldn't duplicate it. There is a recall but only for newer models. There needs to be one for older models also.

NHTSA complaint #11738477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Medina, OH

STEERING

Steering wheel sticks at high speeds and after driving longer periods of time. Presents a danger by needing to over correct the steering to “unstick” it

NHTSA complaint #11738418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Merced, CA

STEERING

Steering sticks/locks while driving requires excessive input. Feels like the lane departure is controlling the steering and fighting you for control. There is a recall for the same issue but our VIN is not included. Honda needs to re-evaluate to expand RECALL as this appears to apply to more than the original recalled VIN’s.

NHTSA complaint #11737234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Ocala, FL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hard to steer and the steering wheel jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear box. The contact was informed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing within the next couple of days. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11736964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Liberty Twp., OH

STEERING

While driving my 2021 Honda CR-V at highway speeds, the steering intermittently binds and becomes difficult to move, creating a dangerous “sticky steering” condition. The steering will momentarily resist normal input, and when I apply additional force to correct it, the wheel suddenly releases, causing the vehicle to jerk or swerve within the lane. This makes it difficult to maintain smooth, controlled steering and creates a serious safety concern, especially at higher speeds where precise steering is critical. The condition is unpredictable, unnerving, and significantly affects my confidence in safely operating the vehicle. This defect creates an especially concerning hazard because I frequently transport my two young grandchildren in this vehicle. When the steering binds and then abruptly releases, it compromises my ability to maintain stable lane control and increases the risk of losing control or being involved in a collision. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is a clear safety issue that makes the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. The symptoms my vehicle is experiencing are identical to those described in Recall 24V-744 involving sticky steering in Honda vehicles. Although my VIN is not currently included in that recall, this same defect has been widely reported by other 2021 Honda CR-V owners. I understand the defective steering gearboxes were identified in vehicles produced beginning in February 2021, and my vehicle was manufactured in August 2021, which falls within that timeframe. Based on the identical symptoms and known defect history, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same steering gearbox issue and should be included in the investigation and recall population.

NHTSA complaint #11734701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Honda Cr-V problems

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