2018 Honda Civic steering problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Steering · VA

Since soon after purchasing the vehicle used (~28,000 miles) there is a very obvious ‘pop/click’ sound to the steering wheel and it will try to pull slightly to the left or right. This is most obvious when driving straight but also occurs when turning left or right. This ‘quick pulling’ to either direction can be dangerous (or at a minimum very concerning) while driving straight and at high speeds. As many others have submitted to this the federal safety agency forum, this has been diagnosed as a failure (I would argue “faulty”) steering rack. This would appear to warrant a recall, in my opinion. The replacement, through the dealership, was estimated at $5,000 total ($3,778 parts; $1,300 labor). (If factored into my used car purchase, I should have just purchased a brand new car.)

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Steering · NY

My 2018 Honda Civic EX developed a steering problem that made the steering wheel difficult to turn. On [XXX], at approximately 67,219 miles, I brought the vehicle to J&L Auto & Tire Center in Nyack, New York, for evaluation. The repair facility documented the complaint as “hard time steering wheel” and recommended replacing the rack-and-pinion steering gear assembly with a rebuilt unit. The estimated repair cost was $4,901.84, including labor, parts, and tax. I contacted American Honda after the repair facility advised me to investigate a possible known steering gearbox issue affecting certain 2017–2018 Honda Civics. Honda informed me that my VIN was not included in Safety Recall 18V‑663 / Service Bulletin 18-102 and that the repair would not be covered under that campaign. I am concerned that this steering failure may represent a broader safety issue affecting additional 2018 Honda Civics that were not included in the original recall population. The existing Honda recall addressed a steering gearbox defect that could cause unexpected steering input. Although I cannot confirm that my vehicle experienced the identical internal defect, I believe the steering failure warrants investigation to determine whether there is a common underlying problem or a broader defect affecting vehicles outside the original recall. A steering system that becomes difficult to operate can compromise a driver’s ability to control the vehicle and may increase the risk of a crash, particularly during emergency maneuvers. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this complaint alongside other reports of steering rack failures and difficult or sticky steering in 2017–2018 Honda Civics to determine whether further investigation or an expanded safety recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Steering · NY

I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety problem with my 2018 Honda Civic, which currently has approximately 84,000 miles. While driving, the steering develops a sticking or notchy condition, particularly when making small steering corrections. The steering wheel resists movement and requires additional force to overcome the resistance. When sufficient force is applied, the steering can suddenly release and move. This makes smooth steering corrections difficult and creates a risk of overcorrection. I am particularly concerned about this behavior because it affects the driver's ability to make small, controlled steering corrections and therefore may affect safe control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Honda dealer for evaluation. Initially, in 2024 when the problem became noticeable the proposed repair to correct the steering problem was $ 3,827.36, as of today (10-04-2026) the problem became worse and the proposed repair has a total cost of approximately $5,391.10. I contacted American Honda regarding the problem. Honda agreed to provide partial goodwill assistance of approximately $2,003, leaving approximately $3,388 for me to pay. Incidentally, this is the amount that was supposed to pay in 2024. I accepted the partial assistance because I considered the steering condition a safety concern and did not want to delay the repair while continuing to dispute the cost. I am submitting this complaint because I believe the federal safety agency should have a record of this steering behavior on a 2018 Honda Civic and determine whether similar complaints exist involving this model and model year. The repair is currently being completed. I will retain the dealer's final repair order, diagnosis, parts information, and invoice in case additional information is required.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Steering, Wheels · GA

Car steering gets stuck/jerks and cannot stay straight, wheels jerk aggressively from left to right in speeds up to 50 on the highway during rain.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Steering · FL

I purchased this car used about a year ago from the Honda dealership, since then I have noticed very tight steering when driving straight, people behind me say I look like I’m swerving back-and-forth. Also, when taking slight turns like an on-ramp the wheel completely sticks in that direction, and I have to jerk it back into position. Very concerning since I drive this car with my family and children in it. Luckily I have not gotten into an accident yet, but I’m afraid it will happen if I don’t get this repaired.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Steering · 117,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving and making turns on several occasions, the vehicle overcorrected. The contact stated that the steering wheel needed to be yanked while turning to steer the vehicle correctly and avoid driving off the road. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic rack had failed, causing the steering wheel to stick, and the gearbox assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,700.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Steering · NJ

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Steering · SC

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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Steering · SC

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.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Steering · MA

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.