2021 Honda Civic: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA

On September 17, 2026 at approximately 8:00 a.m. I was driving my 2021 Honda civic Lx with my children in the vehicle when multiple warning lights and system malfunction messages suddenly appeared on the dash board. The vehicle appeared to experience an electrical malfunction/ reset while still driving and I suddenly lost normal power- steering assistance. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and control while the vehicle was moving.I was able to call for assistance and when jumper cables were hooked on to battery underneath the vehicles hood the vehicle engine was able to restart, then was able to get the vehicle home without a collision or injury. The sudden loss of steering assistance created a serious safety risk to me, my children and others on the road. I photographed multiple warnings displayed on the dash panel, including Electric Parking break problem and collision mitigation system problem. This vehicle has a documented history of electrical/ mechanical concerns and prior repairs, including battery and alternator replacement. The exact cause of this most recent failure is currently UNKNOWN. American Honda motor co. has also opened a case #16640343 regarding this incident. I am reporting this to the federal safety agency due to the sudden loss of power- steering assistance occured while the vehicle was actively being driven and could have resulted in a collision.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · LA

The Steering Gearbox, Electronic Power Steering failed. The steering was resistant and sticks on the highway, causing jerking and overcorrection to control the vehicle. This was with both manual driving and Lane Assist. Took the vehicle to the local Honda dealership, they confirmed the problem, and replaced the steering gearbox, EPS, because it was still under warranty. However, this is the same exact part and this problem will occur again. The car did not display any warnings.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Steering · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the electronic power steering assist was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Steering · IL

Sticky steering due to faulty eps gearbox. Recall is for 2022-2025 but many 2021 are affected. Steering is stiff and difficult, constant corrections being made just trying to steer straight, steering wheel does not want to return to zero position after taking a curve. Steering gets worse when it's cold out or after some rain due to the moisture.

Filed Nov 28, 2022 · Electrical · TX

The coating on the wiring harness is soy based and rodents chew the wires causing multiple electronic failures. Power steering failed, Adaptive Cruise Control failed, Automatic Emergency Braking failed, Lane Keeping Assistance failed. Vehicle is extremely unsafe!

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · MT

Honda uses a soy-based insulation on the wires in its new cars. We have a brand new, less than 4,000 miles, Honda Civic. I recently went out to start it in the morning and received warning lights on virtually ALL of the systems you list. Why? Apparently rabbits are attracted to the soy-based insulation and will chew it. Honda knows about this problem -- they have had class action lawsuits filed against them already because THOUSANDS of consumers have had their Hondas disabled when rodents chewed the insulation on the wiring harnesses. I had to have the Honda towed into the dealership here in Helena, Montana because it was COMPLETELY DISABLED -- including no power steering. Notably, the service technician told me "it's a common problem -- rodents like the soy insulation." The cost to repair the 18" wire harness was $350.00!! Rather astounding sum to unclip both ends and clip in a new wire harness. But here's the rub. Honda knows about this problem and have already had class action lawsuits filed against the company for the obvious design and manufacturing flaw. If anyone doubted that, all they have to do is ask what Honda does to deal with the problem. The answer: They sell and install "hot chili tape" that they wrap on the wire harness so rodents/rabbits won't chew it. Obviously, they wouldn't need to produce their own chili tape if there wasn't a known -- well known -- problem with their wiring insulation. This is a very real problem for consumers because virtually everywhere on the planet there are rodents and rabbits. So if you park your Honda anywhere, you may wake up to find it no longer works and you will be stranded. This is particularly a problem in rural areas such as Montana, where dealerships can be hundreds of miles away. Honda does not warn consumers of this problem -- although they do laud their "bumper-to-bumper" 30,000 mile warranty. Oddly enough, the wire harness is located between the bumpers...but the warranty does NOT cover this.