The vehicle's steering system, specifically the steering rack, is malfunctioning. The steering wheel intermittently catches, becomes difficult to turn, and then suddenly releases. An authorized Honda dealership diagnosed an issue requiring replacement of the steering rack under warranty. The defective component remains installed in the vehicle and is currently available for inspection. The steering wheel unpredictably becomes resistant to turning and then suddenly releases, making it difficult to maintain consistent control of the vehicle. The vehicle also drifts to the left or right, requiring frequent steering corrections. These symptoms create a potential risk of losing steering control, particularly when turning, changing lanes, or driving at higher speeds. The unpredictable steering behavior could result in a collision and endanger me, my passengers, and other motorists. Yes. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership for inspection. Although the service advisor initially stated that he could not feel anything abnormal during a test drive, the dealership subsequently diagnosed a steering rack issue and determined that the steering rack requires replacement under the manufacturer's warranty. Yes. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Honda dealership, and American Honda corporate customer service has been notified. Honda has discussed the possibility of a manufacturer buyback due to the safety-related defect, and I am awaiting assignment of a case manager.The vehicle was also previously inspected by repair facilities and Progressive Insurance following a minor collision. However, the steering rack was not replaced during those repairs, and the relationship between the collision and the current steering malfunction has not been established. The primary symptoms were intermittent steering resistance, catching or binding sensations, sudden release of steering resistance, vehicle drifting, and the need for frequent steering corrections.
Honda Civic power steering loss problems
165 of the 16,054 owner complaints about the Honda Civic describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 165
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,400
- typical mileage
- 45,000
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 48Stalling 14Steering lock-up 8Jerking 8Lane assist 6Engine failure 6Check engine light 5Adaptive cruise 5
Trouble codes mentioned
C0041 1
What owners say
I was driving and out of nowhere steering wheel locked on me it feels really heavy basically my car suffered a complete loss of power steering due to internal mechanical gear binding matching Campaign 24V‑744 [7b0d] but Honda is refusing to fix it because your VIN was left off the initial recall list
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.
The air conditioner compressor failed on my car at about 85,000 miles. My mechanic told me that they are noticing many 2019-2022 Honda Civics with the exact same problem, with the A/C compressor failing at about the same mileage. My mechanic replaced the compressor with a new Honda compressor. The cost was about $2,700. I've attached the invoice. The failure of the A/C compressor is a threat to safety for the following reasons: Loss of Windshield Defrosting: If the windows fogged up and I could not clear them because the AC failed, this blocks my vision and is a direct safety hazard. Engine Stalling or Serpentine Belt Failure: If the compressor locked up (seized) and broke my car's belt, it could cause me to lose power steering, battery charging, or engine cooling while driving. Extreme Heat Risk: If the AC failed in extreme summer heat (which is exactly what happened to me - it failed in July and I was without A/C for more than 6 weeks in the summer) it would put vulnerable passengers (like children or elderly family members) at risk for their health. Given the testimony of my mechanic that this same failure is happening to many Civic owners (2019-2022) at about the same engine age, I'd like it considered whether a recall is appropriate.
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Civic. The contact had experienced intermittent power steering assist failure, causing the steering wheel to lock up while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that after the failure, the vehicle failed to restart, and the "Air Bag" warning light illuminated. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer for inspection on several occasions; however, the technicians were unable to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
While driving my 2025 Honda Civic Touring, the electric steering system suddenly malfunctioned without warning. While entering/navigating a roundabout, the wheels forcibly straightened out on their own, overriding steering input and causing the vehicle to crash directly into the roundabout curb/barrier. Prior to this sudden steering lockout/binding event, there were no known performance or handling issues with the car. Following the impact, the steering remains unsafe to operate, experiencing binding, severe misalignment, and persistent inability to steer smoothly. Mechanics have replaced the passengers lower control arm, ball joint, sway bar link, the passenger side strut tower, and two front tires because of the camber caused damage to the tires, but the vehicle's camber remains out of spec and the underlying steering binding/stiffness remains unresolved. I believe an internal defect or electronic lockup in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system caused the vehicle to lose steering control prior to the impact.
With increasing frequency, at seemingly any condition or speed, a cluster of dashboard warnings, including power steering EPS, ABS, tire pressure TPMS, and others, flash on and stay on. Shortly after, the warnings appear power steering assist fails completely. This leads to uneasy and potentially dangerous circumstances as the car becomes minimally controllable as the physical effort required to maneuver is largely increased. Making turns especially difficult and hazardous while on public roads. This happens with increasing frequency. Initially restarting the car would temporarily fix the problem but that is decreasingly the case and the lights and steering lock happen again shortly after the reset. I no longer attempt to reset the car as it rarely helps now. I am actively keeping log of the frequency of this problem including date, time, and milage.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, the vehicle lost power steering assist, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the vehicle was repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
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.
Recall repair completed 6/13/2025 (steering related recall) A steering recall repair was completed on 6/13/20025 on my vehicle. The steering felt normal for approximately one week then began sticking again and has progressively worsened. The steering now binds and physically "grabs" 100% of the time. While navigating through curves, the steering wheel remains in the turned position and does not return smoothly to center. When attempting to correct, the steering overcorrects due to the binding sensation. This has resulted in at least two near-collision events. The vehicle is driven approximately 70 highway miles daily, creating a significant safety concern. No steering warning lights are illuminated. Additionally, adaptive cruise control also intermittently stops working while driving and will not re-engage until the ignition is turned off and restarted. When attempting to re-engage, the system emits three beeps and will not activate. The vehicle was evaluated at an authorized Honda dealership on 3/2/2026. The dealer stated they could not reproduce the steering or adaptive cruise control issue. A brake switch circuit code (C0041-14) and condensation in a taillight assembly were noted, and taillight replacement was suggested before further diagnosis. However, the steering binding continues during normal operation. An aftermarket lighting module (installed by a prior owner years ago) was noted. However, the vehicle has been serviced, and a 21-point inspection performed several times, of which revealed no issues with either the taillight or the installed lighting. The vehicle did have steering issues before the recall repair and had every symptom that was stated in the recall. After the repair there were no issues for at least a week, even with the aftermarket component being present, and then the malfunction returned and worsened as time went on. This condition poses a serious safety risk. The vehicle is available for inspection.
Related recalls
Steering
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
- Risk
- Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.
Recall number 24V744000 · Recall details
Steering: rack and pinion
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door vehicles that received a replacement power steering rack as part of a service repair. The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage.
- Risk
- A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the electric power steering rack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 16, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is YFW.
Recall number 23V704000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.
- Risk
- The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.
Recall number 18V663000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were assembled with the incorrect steering column assembly.
- Risk
- The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 12V548000 · Recall details
Questions about the Honda Civic power steering loss
Which Honda Civic years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (25 complaints), 2016 (18 complaints) and 2018 (17 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Honda Civic?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,400 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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