2018 Honda CR-V: jerking or lurching

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 Oct 19, 2026 · Steering · IN

•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.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Steering · WI

Vehicle •Year: 2018 •Make: Honda •Model: CR-V Touring AWD •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage when failure occurred: 125,934 miles •Date repaired: XXX Component: Steering / power steering / steering rack I own a 2018 Honda CR-V Touring AWD with 125,934 miles. The vehicle developed a sticky, jerky, popping steering condition when turning, and the steering rack/gearbox required replacement. On September 10, 2026, the steering rack was replaced. The repair invoice identifies the part as Honda Rack Assembly, Power Steering (EPS), part number 53620-TLA-A13. The steering rack alone cost $3,895.99, and the total repair cost was $5,046.20 including labor, tie rods, hazardous materials and tax. I contacted Honda regarding the steering problem because Honda previously recalled certain 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles for a steering gearbox problem under the federal safety agency recall 18V‑663. Honda refused my recall claim and subsequently refused my request for goodwill assistance. I am submitting this complaint because I believe a complete electronic power-steering rack/gearbox failure at 125,934 miles is a significant safety concern and should be documented. I am also concerned about whether other 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles may experience similar steering-rack failures. The vehicle was repaired and is currently operating with the replacement steering rack. The invoice attached is in our son’s name because we are in the process of giving him the vehicle and if there is an issue with the repair he could take the car back to the repair vendor. We do have the replaced part if that is of any help to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 23, 2026 · Driver assistance · KY

I took my Honda in to a dealership for a trade-in value assessment. The dealership used automatic start with my key fob. Once they got in, they began to drive it in immediately it would not go past 10 mph, began jerking, and steering became an issue. It begin throwing the following check engine light codes: Tire pressure monitor problem. Electric Parking Brake problem. Road Departure Mitigation system problem. Collision mitigation system problem. Adaptive cruise control problem. Hill start assist problem. Vehicle stability, assist problem. Power steering system problem. Brake hold system problem. Brake system problem. Emissions system problem. Trade-in became impossible and it was not safe to even drive off the lot. It remains sitting in the car dealerships parking lot, leaving me without a vehicle.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Before the recall repairs, I did not experience any loss of acceleration, hesitation, jerking, or flashing warning lights. These symptoms began only after the recall service was completed. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle also began to jerk or stumble, and multiple warning lights flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle is currently at the Honda dealership and is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of acceleration created a potentially dangerous situation because the vehicle would not respond as expected while driving. I did not feel safe operating the vehicle, especially in traffic, because the vehicle hesitated and lost power. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership. The dealership initially diagnosed a shutter grille issue (code P16E8). After that repair did not resolve the problem, the dealership later indicated that the fuel injectors might be the cause. The symptoms persisted after the initial repair. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the failure, and when did they first appear? Multiple warning lights began flashing after the recall service was completed. The symptoms, including loss of acceleration and vehicle hesitation, first appeared after the recall repairs were performed.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · KS

Vehicle steering wheel would eventually seize up, then snap out while driving on all types of roads, causing the whole car to jerk left or right. Happens at all speeds on any road type Upon inspection from Schofield Honda in Wichita KS, they determined that it was the electronic power steering module that failed and needed to be replaced. A $4,949.31 bill for parts and labor. This vehicle just hit 51,000 miles so not new necessarily, but for something to make the vehicle inoperable while driving... There were no warning lamps, message, anything at all and progressivly got worse the more it was driven over the span of a month

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Steering · FL

While driving, the vehicle will drift to the left and I have to pull on the steering wheel to correct. Tires are aligned, so this is not the problem. When I correct the drift to the left, the car is jerky with my correction. Even passengers in the car feel the jerk. This happens frequently while driving. Took car to local mechanic and he said there was a safety recall notice for the 2017-18 CR-V Steering gearbox. Contacted the local Honda dealer, but they stated my VIN does not have a recall for this. My car is experiencing the exact problem stated in the recall notice. The repair is costly and if there is a recall I need help with identifying this with Honda.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Steering · IN

The steering wheel is jerking or sticking and now it is making a clicking noise when slightly going left or coming back from the left. After reading on line there is a lot of the same problem going on with others. It ended up the Steering Gearbox and from your site 5 out of 5 things has been recalled with this type of Honda CRV #5 was a recall for the steering. It said consumers were not notified.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Steering · KS

I started noticing my steering being sticky and jerky around May 1, 2026. The problem has become more severe (especially when making a large turning circle on interstate highway) so I took my vehicle to Jay Wolfe Honda on July 6, 2026. They identified the problem as a failed EPS Gear box assembly. Part 53620-TLA-A13. They replaced it at a parts cost of $4030.32 and labor $1050. Also did alignment for $149.95 I became concerned that I might lose control of the vehicle. I inquired and found Honda had an issue with the 2018 CRV and did a recall for this part, however, they said my vehicle wasn't included. I think Honda should compensate me for this repair. The vehicle only has 82000 miles on it. I have the invoice they but I am not savy enough to upload with this form, I can provide to an email address if you provide one

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Steering · MD

Here’s the revised version with that important detail added naturally: For the past two years, my vehicle has experienced the same recurring steering problem during long highway trips. The issue consistently begins after approximately 1–2.5 hours of highway driving and always occurs during very hot or humid weather. The steering wheel starts to stick when making small corrections while driving straight, feeling as though it moves in notches instead of smoothly. Once the problem starts, it continues for the remainder of the trip, even after leaving the highway and driving at lower speeds. This has happened on multiple long trips over the last two years, typically toward the end of extended drives in hot or humid conditions. During some incidents, the steering wheel also produced a clicking noise each time it moved into a notched position. The sticking and clicking make it difficult to make small steering adjustments and create a jerky, clunky steering feel, especially on narrow or curvy roads, making the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. To rule out other causes, we replaced all four tires, but the problem continued exactly as before. There have never been any warning lights or dashboard messages associated with this issue. After researching the problem, we found information about EPS gearbox recalls affecting newer CR-V models. We discussed our symptoms with our mechanic, who agreed that the problem sounds consistent with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) issue and recommended reporting it to the federal safety agency. Because the problem only develops after extended highway driving in hot or humid conditions, it is difficult to reproduce during a typical short test drive. This wording makes it clear that the weather connection isn’t just a possibility—it has been a consistent pattern every time the issue occurs.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · KS

-The steering wheel is sticking, especially at highway speeds, causing the wheel to jerk even on straight and smooth roads. -The problem has been reported online, but Honda only fixed 54 from the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v663000 -I am taking the vehicle in to be inspected but reviewing online complaints, this fix is thousands of dollars that I cannot afford -There have been no warning lights or messages for this

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Steering · 36,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel jerked and failed to turn in the intended direction. The failure had occurred on several occasions. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gear box had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.