The steering wheel sticks then breaks free with a jerk. It usually shows up at highway speed. When trying to make a small lane corrections, extra force is required and often causes overcorrection. A ticking or clunking noise also occurs when the wheel sticks or releases. I contacted a dealer and they knew of the problem but said my vehicle wasn't part of the recall. I don't understand why my vehicle can have a known problem and not be covered. I've read of people with this problem having the steering wheel lock completely and running into things. Right now I don't even feel safe driving the car to a dealer for repair.
2018 Honda CR-V steering problems
335 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 53,000. 5 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 335
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 53,000
- crashes
- 5
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Rack and pinion6
- Electric power assist system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda CR-V steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Honda CR-V steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Steering noise 25Power steering loss 16Pulling 12Steering lock-up 6
Related recalls
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
What 2018 Honda CR-V owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was sticking in mid turn. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced due to the power steering failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the battery failure persised. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
At approximately 57,200 miles, the electronic power steering (EPS) rack assembly failed due to internal mechanical binding. When straightening out from turns, the steering wheel sticks in place and requires deliberate manual force to unbind, creating an overcorrection and lane-departure safety hazard. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership technician on Repair Order #51151, who verified the internal binding and recommended full replacement of the EPS rack assembly (Part #53620-TLD-A03). No dashboard warning lamps illuminated before or during the failure.
My CRV has been having issues with the steering wheel "sticking" and making a clicking noise when turning. I have had it looked at multiple times and Honda dealerships claim they aren't "feeling" or "hearing" what I am. It's concerning when driving at high speeds on the highway with a steering wheel that is sticking during turns.
•Symptom Description: While driving straight at highway speeds (typically between 50 and 70 mph), the steering wheel temporarily locks or catches in a central "notch." When making routine micro-corrections to stay centered in the lane, the wheel physically resists. •The "Catch" Release: To overcome this resistance, I must apply deliberate physical force to "break the wheel free." Once it breaks loose, the sudden loss of resistance causes the vehicle to jerk slightly, making it difficult to maintain a smooth, safe line of travel. •Systems Eliminated: This issue persists regardless of whether the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) or Road Departure Mitigation (MDS/RDM) are turned on or off. This is a physical, mechanical resistance in the steering column or gearbox, not an electronic driver-assist intervention. •Diagnostic Note: Because this is a mechanical friction/binding issue within the steering components, it does not trigger a dashboard warning light (MIL) or store an electronic diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A standard computer scan will show no faults. These micro adjustments make it difficult to stay centered in the driving lane, putting myself and others at risk of injury. Aggravation and frustration grow the longer the car is driven. The car was inspected at a local Honda dealer and it was suggested that the rack and pinion steering mechanism be replaced at a cost of $5,625.31. I further enquired to Honda Corporate Goodwill Assistance for help repairing this problem (case #16673404) and was told that there would be no financial reimbursement available. The car is drivable but I will not be taking it on any long drives (over an hour) due to this condition.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel while driving the vehicle and the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the EPS steering rack needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack failed internally, causing heavy, sticky, and stiff steering accompanied by noise during turns, particularly when making small corrections at freeway speeds. The defect directly put safety at risk by impairing steering control, leading the inspecting authorized Honda dealership technician (Tech #3129) to officially document that the vehicle is "not safe to drive". Both the vehicle and the failing EPS assembly remain unrepaired. The issue was apparent after 4 wheel alignment performed by the dealership on 9/28/2026. The steering issue was fully reproduced and confirmed during a test drive and diagnostic procedure by the Honda dealership service department. No dashboard warning lights or error messages appeared prior to or during the failure; the symptoms were entirely physical.
Steering wheel sticks when turning causing over correction and safety issues. Other years have a recall-2018 does not. First reported in 2025 at 70,000 miles which is not a reasonable amount of time for a major part like that to break or malfunction
When going around a curving road at 50 mph the steering wheel becomes sticky and the response is notchy and jumpy.
The steering has been “sticking” for the last six-nine months. I finally took it into Firestone for a check up and they indicated the rack and pinion steering had gone bad and would need to be replaced, but because it was an electronic component could only be replaced by Honda. I have read numerous online reports about 2018 Honda CRV owners that have had problems with the rack and pinion steering and although there has been a recall for 2018 CRV‘s for steering issues, my VIN/vehicle does not appear to be included. My car has 46000 miles.
Questions about the 2018 Honda CR-V steering
Does the 2018 Honda CR-V have steering problems?
Owners have filed 335 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Honda CR-V, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda CR-V steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 53,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Honda CR-V steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V663000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda CR-V have bad steering?
The Honda CR-V model years with the most steering complaints are 2018 (335 complaints), 2023 (325 complaints) and 2019 (198 complaints).
Other 2018 Honda CR-V problems
Fuel system 608Engine 545Driver assistance 448Electrical 286Brakes 200Acceleration 65Transmission 64Visibility 43Body 27Seat belts 25Airbags 22Lights 12Wheels 11Tires 9Seats 7Suspension 7Locks 2
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