While driving, my steering wheel sticks in position. The steering wheel will remain in that position until I break it free using more than normal force. At speed, this can often result in overcorrection once the steering finally breaks loose. It is most noticable on the highway when trying to make micro-adjustments to the steering to maintain my lane. The micro-adjustments are not possible since more force is needed to loosen the steering wheel from it's stuck position. I've tried to look this issue up online, and it appears this is a common issue experienced by owners of this generation of Honda Civic. The issue is bad enough that steering racks are on back order due to so many being replaced.
2018 Honda Civic steering complaints
Page 4 of 12: complaints 71 to 100 of 316, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Steering wheel sticks when traveling over 60 MPH and trying to make minor lane adjustments on the freeway. This causes the driver to over correct and jerks the car back and forth.
Sticky steering, very difficult to handle on highway. It lasted about 2 weeks, then went away.
My steering sticks at all speeds and is difficult to drive on the highway
EPS gear box Every time I drive vehicle It was recommended by Honda Dealership to replace. The steering wheel catches while going into curves and changing lanes. This is a know problem on other 2018 Honda Civics. Some have been recalled. No warning lights.
Steering is "sticky". It is only noticeable when turning toward the right. It is exactly like the steering gearbox recall Honda announced October 2024. [XXX] My vehicle (2018) doesn't fall under the years recall linked above but its definitely experiencing that same issue. It is dangerous and I can feel the same "stickiness" at low(and high) speeds like backing into a driveway. Especially driving 45+ MPH, going around a right-curve on the highway and immediately when I start to straighten the steering wheel, it quickly jerks. This symptom happens consistently and easily duplicated. I've noticed it about a month ago and still happening every since then. I've never had this steering issues with any of the other vehicles I've owned and driven. There people are in the same generation(2016-2021) civic forums and Facebook groups experiences the same symptoms. The recall linked above should've been at least for the 2018 civics too. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel was sticking, requiring extra force to turn the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the rack and pinion were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The steering is sticky, the power steering does not return the wheel to center whenever I turn. It feels jerky whenever trying to remain center in the lane, especially at highway speeds. Makes slight noise when turning
Electronic power steering is having issues. Did some research and apparently it’s some sort of torque sensor that requires a whole steering rack replacement. This is a safety concern for the driver and other drivers on the road because the steering is “sticky.” It feels like pulling magnets apart to get the steering wheel to rotate more. Sometimes sticking so bad you have to fight it to steer more or realign the steering wheel straight. This is a well documented issue, some models being recalled for it but why not all with the issue? Multiple models in this year had this issue only being recalled by VIN number. The steering rack has not been inspected yet by anyone, but research states this is the issue we are dealing with. The problems occurred after purchasing the car from a used car dealership. It is an expensive repair that should be recalled on all models especially for the safety of the driver and everyone else on the road.
The car has excessive play in the steering causing much vibrations in the seat and steering wheel while driving, the slightest movement will send you all over the road and presents itself extremely jerky and unstable handling. It should not have this much play in the steering. I see multiple complaints over the steering of this car model but oddly enough i have the opposite issue pertaining to the same components but either way it sounds like the steering system of these cars are not up to par in some way and it seems dangerous to continue driving with noticeable issues there. Im about to trade it in dispite im still paying on it and there is over 100,000 miles on it. It feels like an expensive fix that just aint that worth it to me.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was jerking to the left or the right. Additionally, the contact stated that after making a turn, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to center, requiring the driver to forcefully return the steering wheel to the center. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the EPS gearbox control unit assembly needed to be replaced, an alignment needed to be performed, and the steering angle neutral position learning procedure needed to be performed. The vehicle was also taken to Sons Honda (105 Sons Dr, McDonough, GA 30253), where the same assessment was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
At first when driving highway speeds small adjustments to stay in lane steering wheel sticks. It has now progressed to any speed. When making adjustments to stay in lane steering wheel sticks causing over corrections, and repetitive correction. The vehicle has been inspected by two private shops. The first shop indicated there was a recall on the steering box. Second shop found two “soft codes” C0051-62 and UO416-68, and also suggested a recall that has been placed on other 2018 Honda civics for a faulty magnet in the steering gearbox could be the issue and suggested connecting with Honda. Called Honda customer service who stated there is no recall on my car, therefore suggested placing report to the federal safety agency.
I was told by the Honda Service team that my Electric Power Steering rack could be failing. I went in with the complaint of my wheel not returning to center and jerking when turning left -> center. Upon further research, it seems this issue is wide spread and extremely common in the '16 - 19' models of the Honda Civics. Despite this however, Honda has yet to recall the issue, and I was denied on my goodwill claim for assistance resolving the issue. There were no warning lights or signs regarding this issue before it started occurring, and the vehicle has been properly maintained.
Steering wheel is becoming sticky, meaning it’s not returning back to the center as any car does. It tends to stick either left or right , you cannot make minor adjustments to keep your car center in the highway. You have to constantly keep fighting it either moving the steering wheel hard left or right back and forth. There has been numerous and countless people having the same issues with these cars and more models as well. With no solution the only solution is to replace the steering rack and it’s a $2,000 price tag, not cheap and not something Americans can pay up right away.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the steering wheel was stuck in the direction turned. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force to correct the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who confirmed the power steering assist failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The steering wheel feels "sticky" when driving at highway speeds, as in it takes an additional amount of force to do regular and micro adjustments when driving at mostly over 45 MPH, it is more noticeable during longer trips. This feels like a very serious safety issue, since it feels like at any moment the steering wheel might just stick or lock in a position not allowing you to safely steer your car while doing 60 MPH on the highway, a recall for such a glaring safety concern needs to be addressed by HONDA.
Lots of play on the steering wheel (at all speeds). Car swerves driving down the road. Took it to the Honda Dealership. They informed me that the rack and pinion binding need to be replaced (at a $4305.02 estimated cost, with a $139.05 re-alignment). Link to Honda Diagnostics: [XXX] I am not sure how this is possible when my car is approximately 20,000 miles. I drive mainly to work which is under 5 miles a day. I rarely drive on a highway. I have not been in an accident. I distrust these diagnostics. My research shows that 2017-2018 are known to have steering issues: A Honda steering gearbox magnet, specifically related to the electronic power steering (EPS) system, has been identified as a potential issue in certain Honda Civic and CR-V models (2017-2018). The magnet, which helps control the steering assist, may not be properly secured and could dislodge during a full lock turn, potentially causing the steering to apply assist in the opposite direction. This recall is part of a larger effort to address a steering defect in several Honda models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering wheel is hard to move/ steer, makes clunking noises, can feel vibration in the steering wheel, way worse at higher speeds, definitely a safety issue if the steering locks up you can't steer the car!!! I see there are recalls on this make model and year car, but mine isn't included??, it should be and why not? This car has only 15k miles.
The electric power steering (EPS) system failed/malfunctioned this past week. When going over 35 mph my steering wheel would become "knotchy/jerky" and lock up and be difficult to turn. As a result, I took it to Honda to which they stated my whole rack and pinion needed total replacement. No warning signs, messages, icons, or lights came on in my car.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was drivable. The contact stated that the failure persisted while his wife was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
We have noticed a clicking noise and her steering has begun to stick. Took to Honda and they told us they have been seeing this issue and even sent video telling us they see this is an ongoing problem. Filed claim with Honda. They refused to fix the faulty part because there is not recall with my VIN even though many have been recalled. Again, multiple managers at service told us they are just waiting for Honda to recall this. Car has less than 55,000 miles. We have a video they sent us but ai have been unable to attach. It is a video Honda Service sent us stating this was an ongoing issue with Honda advice at this year and a few others. That they were seeing these parts fail.
At speed the steering sticks when turning.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then taken to an independent mechanic, where both diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure Technical Service Bulletin: 18-102 (Steering Gearbox); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Rack and Pinion steering failure. Sticking, hard to make wheel adjustments. loss of steering control. issue confirmed but Honda Dealership. Honda Dealership contacted Honda North America and was rejected as warranty issue. repair will exceed $7500. This issue corresponded with the fuel Pump recall and failure of the AC system which were covered under warranty recall. Due the High volume of failures of R & P for these Honda civics locating replacement parts is difficult if not impossible.
The steering wheel becomes sticky and stiff. There is also a clicking noise when I try to center it. It is difficult to keep the car within my lane of traffic. There is presently 38,565 miles on this vehicle. I keep up with required maintenance. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealership. There is a Safety Recall for 2017-18 civic: steering box . My VIN number is not included on this recall. I understand repair to the steering is close to 4,000.00. No warning lights are on the dashboard.....yet. My understanding is this problem only becomes worse in time. This constant swerving and erratic steering is not only tiresome I believe it can become dangerous.
My complaint is similar to most of the other ones shown here. Notchy steering. I took it to the dealer. They told me that the steering rack was bad and needed to be replaced. How much? $6500! The car has under 30,000 miles on it. Got to give the service rep credit. He asked me if I wanted them to contact American Honda. I said heck yes. While they were making their decision, which took about 2 weeks, I came here and looked at all of the other similar complaints. The dealer told me that Honda would cover 100% of the replacement cost. They ordered the parts and the replacement was completed last week. Although this was resolved to my satisfaction, it's another incident for the record, and it demonstrates that the problem showed up as early as under 30,000 miles.
Steering wheel gets really loose and very stiff at random while driving. I get power steering failure notifications on dash. I spoke with Honda dealership and was told my vehicle doesn’t belong to the recall. I have all the symptoms of the power steering recall issue.
We purchased the vehicle in Jan 2025. As the weather or the car warmed the steering gets stiff and hard to maneuver, making it difficult to stay in the center of the lane. There are times when it gets so bad I think a cop could pull me over for swerving. As I researched the symptoms I found that recall SB18-102 matched the symptoms and was for the same year, make, and model; however, my car’s VIN wasn’t included. I took the vehicle to a local Honda dealership on 6/16/25 who confirmed it was a power steering box failure and gave an estimate of $3,990.46 to fix it. That same day I called Honda customer care and submitted a case to try to get the costs covered due to their being a recall out on the same year, make, and model and issue as mine. They advised me to go back to the dealership and request my car be submitted for Honda’s Goodfaith assistance. I requested this on 7/9/25 and was told on 7/10/25 it was denied with no reasoning. The car has no warning signals however the issue persists. My fear is that it will lock up or not straighten up and I or my son (whom the car was purchased for) will run off the road or cause an accident. This is obviously a known issue but Honda is not taking ownership and declined to help with the cost, which is almost a third of the cost of the vehicle we paid.
Steering wheel sticks, creating an issue to keep vehicle driving in a straight line. Alignment is not out, having to bump the steering wheel back and forth to stay in lane. Feeling of "dropout" in the steering driving at higher rates of speed. No warning lights or other symptoms prior to the failure. Issue has continued since first noticed. Service center can recreate the issue easily and says that the steering rack needs replacing. Not wanting it to further to where the steering wheel is unable to turn.
Steering sticks and makes it difficult to correct or straighten the car. Feels jerky and hard to handle
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2018 Honda Civic?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history