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Honda CR-V power steering loss problems

95 of the 16,122 owner complaints about the Honda CR-V describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
95
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$1,700
typical mileage
57,329
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    3
  • 2024
    8
  • 2023
    6
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    4
  • 2019
    4
  • 2018
    16
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    4
  • 2015
    6
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    3
  • 2012
    9
  • 2011
    1
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    3
  • 2008
    4
  • 2006
    4
  • 2005
    3
  • 2004
    4
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    2
  • 1998
    1

What owners say

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

While driving on a very busy highway the vehicle lost power all waring lights came on in the vehicle and it lost power steering wheel became hard to move and I had to get over leave highway pull into gas station where vehicle continue not to function properly I called family for assistance called a tow truck and had it towed home because all dealers were closed at 10:30 pm (which cost 480 dollars . My vehicle had been called for a fuel pump recall which I did take to big star Honda and they repaired in August 8 2026. This incident happen on Nov 4 2026 took car back to Big Star Honda and they said it was the fuel pump now Honda refuses to make this right because the already replaced the fuel pump and I have to pay 1287 for a new fuel pump

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · 73,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · VA

2022 Honda crv. The battery was old and had low voltage. There were no warnings of this and no issues starting car. While idling at light at intersection the entire car just died. It was on and there was power to it, but everything broke and it appeared like there was some kind of major electrical disfunction. No steering no brakes could not shift could not turn car on or off. Towed to Honda dealer. They replaced battery and confirmed this can happen on the road while idling if battery is getting old. Very dangerous

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Steering · NY

I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric power steering system problem. Steering assist reduced. See your dealer.” The dashboard also shows several other warning indicators, including the battery/charging, brake system, tire-pressure, and other safety-system warnings. This is extremely concerning because it affects a vehicle I rely on every day to transport my two children. I have already brought the vehicle to two Honda dealerships: Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My paperwork identifies [XXX] as the service advisor/signatory. I was told the vehicle received a multi-point inspection and battery test. Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My service advisor was [XXX]. Technician A88 documented stored code P065A-00, an ACG/no-charging malfunction code. The paperwork states that the battery, alternator operation, and wiring were checked, but that further diagnosis would only be needed if the problem persisted. The problem has persisted. I have been told that Honda cannot fix it until it “actually breaks down.” That is not an acceptable response when the vehicle is displaying a reduced steering-assist warning and multiple other warning lights, especially when the issue repeatedly occurs in rainy conditions. A nearly new vehicle should not have recurring electrical and safety-warning problems like this. I should not have to wait for a complete breakdown, loss of steering assist, or another dangerous failure before a meaningful repair is performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine · TX

On August 8, 2026, while operating a 2016 Honda CR-V (62,459 original miles) at highway speeds, the engine’s factory water pump experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and froze completely. The seized water pump instantly sheared and shredded the serpentine belt. This induced an immediate, sudden loss of alternator charging, engine cooling, and power steering assist while driving at high highway speeds. This instantaneous component failure created a severe, life-threatening safety hazard, leaving the driver struggling to control the heavily disabled vehicle. This structural mechanical failure directly matches the engineering defect acknowledged by the manufacturer in Honda Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #17-063, noting that factory water pump bearings were manufactured "out of specification." Despite knowing that this manufacturing defect causes sudden accessory drive-belt failure at highway speeds, Honda has failed to issue a proactive safety recall, placing drivers in immediate danger.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Electrical · TX

2012 Honda CR-V - I've had to replace my battery multiple times. I would go out the car and it would be dead. I even tried replacing the alternator. I am replacing batteries at an average of every 2.5 years. Honda tells me I can do a diagnostic test for $189. I see there are repeated complaints about the Honda CR-V needing a software update. They will just keep selling new batteries and not do the fix. At one point, I even lost power steering. It is dangerous, and they should be made to correct it.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA · crash

This is the third time this vehicle has experienced wheel lock-up during braking. The first occurrence was over three months ago, while one driver was driving alone. The second occurrence was about one month ago, with a different driver, and a passenger was present who also witnessed the wheels locking; no collision resulted those two times. Both involved the wheels locking during braking and a loss of steering control. On the third occurrence, on June 25, while driving on the freeway, the vehicle ahead braked suddenly. The driver applied the brakes and they initially responded, allowing the driver to slow and avoid hitting the vehicle in front. Immediately afterward, the wheels locked up and the driver lost the ability to steer or maneuver. The anti-lock braking system did not prevent the wheels from locking. Because the vehicle could not be controlled, it was struck from behind by a following vehicle. This defect has now occurred three times over approximately three months, with two different drivers, and has resulted in a collision. It is a recurring, dangerous loss of vehicle control.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Steering · TX

Vehicle experiences intermittent steering sticking/catching while turning. In March 2026, an independent repair facility verified the steering concern and documented: “Technician found Rack and Pinion will lock when manually turning.” The technician also referenced Honda Technical Service Bulletin / Safety Recall 18-103 regarding the 2017–2018 Honda CR-V EPS gearbox and recommended steering rack replacement. Immediately afterward in March 2026, the vehicle was inspected by Honda after the steering concern was reported, and no steering gearbox issue was identified at that time. Now, in May 2026, Honda is diagnosing the EPS steering rack/gearbox assembly and recommending replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $5,000. Although this VIN was reportedly not included in the original recall population, the vehicle is exhibiting steering symptoms substantially similar to the defect described in Honda’s EPS gearbox recall documentation. Because this condition affects steering responsiveness and safe vehicle control, and appears to be progressively worsening, we are requesting investigation into whether similar EPS steering defects may exist outside the originally identified VIN range.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Steering · NC

Electronic Power Steering failure

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Steering · CA

When driving at freeway speeds the steering became very difficult. It felt like the car would become stuck in a groove and I had to pull the steering wheel to get it to go straight. After taking it to my local Honda dealership it was determined that the vehicle had a faulty power steering rack. The car had approximately 49,000 miles on it when the issue started occurring. The steering rack is a very expensive repair and should not become faulty on a vehicle with that low of mileage.

Related recalls

SteeringReported October 3, 2024 · 1,693,199 vehicles affected
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: electric power assist systemReported September 27, 2018 · 54 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the Honda CR-V power steering loss

Which Honda CR-V years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (16 complaints), 2012 (9 complaints) and 2024 (8 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Honda CR-V?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,700 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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