2018 Honda CR-V: steering wheel locks up

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Steering · FL

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.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

To Whom It May Concern: ​I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious and recurring safety defect in my 2018 Honda CR-V EX, VIN# [XXX] . I have experienced at least four incidents within the last two months involving both sudden, unintended braking and intermittent steering lock-ups. These are not isolated events and pose a significant risk to the safety of myself and other motorists. ​The sudden braking issue, often referred to as "phantom braking," occurs when the vehicle's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activates without any obstacle or danger present. The car abruptly comes to a full stop, without warning, on a clear road. This is extremely dangerous and has nearly caused multiple rear-end collisions. ​In addition to the braking problem, the steering has also become intermittently stuck. This happens without warning and makes it difficult to turn the wheel, which could lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds or on curves. ​I have already reported these issues to two authorized Honda dealerships: ​Curry Honda in Atlanta, Georgia ​Honda AutoNation in Columbus, Georgia ​On each occasion, the dealerships have been unable to replicate the problem and have told me they cannot find anything wrong. Despite their inability to diagnose the issue, the problems are very real and continue to happen. ​These defects are not just an inconvenience; they are serious safety hazards that could lead to a crash. I am concerned that if this problem is happening to my vehicle, it may be affecting other 2018 Honda CR-V owners as well. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and injuries. ​Please contact me if you require any additional information. ​Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Steering · 33,100 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the steering wheel seized and the contact stated the steering wheel felt very tight with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering became difficult to turn and also heard a clanking noise when the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gearbox failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 33,100.

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Steering · MO · crash

I was preparing to turn around a curve when my steering wheel locked straight, causing my vehicle to collide with a concrete barrier. My vehicle was the only one involved, and collided with the barrier twice. This has led to several thousands in mechanical and body damages.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Steering · 79,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle veered into the right lane. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed of an unknown recall for the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a steering recall. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2022 · Brakes · 13,450 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brakes applied inadvertently. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped and the steering wheel locked temporarily. The contact did not recall whether there was a warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that it was a normal activation of the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) due to something in the road; however, the contact stated that there was nothing around the vehicle at the time the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) being activated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer - Honda Of Princeton (987 US-206, Princeton, NJ 08540) who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to page 24 of the vehicle manual for information on how to deactivate the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) as necessary. The failure mileage was approximately 18150. The first incident happened on 9/24/19. There was a second incident date right around 3/16/20. Again, there was nothing in the road that would account for the braking system to be activated. Consumer reported this to Honda of Princeton took the car in for regular maintenance the following month (May 2020 )– they were unable to duplicate the failure.