2018 Honda Civic: jerking or lurching

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

My 2018 Honda Civic LX continues to experience serious safety and drivability issues after the fuel pump recall repair was completed by a Honda dealership. The vehicle intermittently shuts off while stopped, including at drive-throughs and stoplights. When pressing the accelerator, it sometimes hesitates or fails to respond, with the RPMs not increasing as expected. It may then suddenly jerk or surge forward. I have also experienced hesitation and struggling when turning after coming to a stop. During these incidents, dashboard warning lights have illuminated, including the check-engine, electric power steering, traction control/stability, and brake system lights. These issues put my safety and the safety of others at risk because the vehicle can unexpectedly lose power in traffic, fail to accelerate when needed, or suddenly surge forward. This creates a collision risk for surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, especially at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic. The fuel pump recall repair was completed, but the symptoms have continued. The dealership has not resolved the problem. Whether the malfunction was reproduced or confirmed during inspection is UNKNOWN. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. The fuel delivery system, fuel pump, throttle body, accelerator control system, engine management system, and related electrical components may require investigation. The vehicle and components should be available for inspection upon request. Some symptoms existed before the recall repair and have continued afterward. I am requesting an investigation into whether the recall repair adequately addressed the safety issue or whether an additional defect remains.

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 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.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Steering · MA

2018 Honda Civics have a steering defect. This was recalled in 202q2 to 2023 in the federal safety agency 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

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · VA

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.

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Steering · FL

Steering sticks when driving in straight line for extended time. Requires extra effort to make small adjustments Also becomes jerky when making adjustments

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Steering · MO

When driving my 2018 Honda Civic, the steering wheel exhibits a distinct "sticky," "notchy," or "binding" sensation, making small, incremental lane adjustments difficult. While trying to make minor steering corrections, the steering wheel feels locked or caught in place. I have to apply intentional, extra physical force to overcome this resistance and break the steering wheel free. Once it breaks free, the car will sometimes over-correct, causing a sudden jerk or weaving motion within the lane. This requires constant, stressful micro-corrections to keep the vehicle centered. This issue worsens as the vehicle warms up or during warmer ambient outdoor temperatures. The binding feeling makes it incredibly difficult to maintain a smooth, safe line of travel and creates an immediate accident hazard due to the potential for over-steering into adjacent lanes or off the road.This behavior is identical to the "sticky steering" defect described in the federal safety agency Campaign 24V767 for newer Civic models, so I believe the steering gearbox defect or a similar component failure spans into the 2018 model year as well.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Steering · LA

Steering rack failed The car when driving steering wheel gets stuck and you have to turn it and it will jerk loose and the car jerks.very unsafe due to the car can lose control. Yes confirmed at Ryan Honda at monroe LA No warning. A month ago it started

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 104,661 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the fuel pump was surging, and the vehicle was jerking while idling or while driving at undisclosed speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The Check Engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), which was previously repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted and opened an investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 104,661.

Filed May 22, 2026 · Fuel system · 105,007 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked forward roughly and stalled. A check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, where technicians diagnosed the issue and replaced an evaporative emissions (EVAP) sensor. Despite this repair, the symptoms persisted and the vehicle continues to experience rough jerking and stalling, but the waring light no longer illuminates. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V314000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,007.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Steering · FL

For the past year anytime I drive my vehicle above 40mph I notice the steering feels “sticky” and often you have to use additional effort to turn the wheel which cause the wheel to jerk to whatever side you attempting to turn the wheel. Apparently this is common on the same year civic but the dealership stated my vehicle VIN is not included on the list of vehicles that need the repair. The vehicle feels unsafe to drive as it is hard to maintain in the lane and shift lanes.