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2026 Honda Pilot: clunking or noise when steering

12 of the 31 complaints about the 2026 Honda Pilot describe clunking or noise when steering.

owner complaints
12
of this car's complaints
39%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

Clunking or noise when steering by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Steering · PA

Steering wheel makes a clicking sound. Should not due that

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Steering · IN

Unknown issue and no recall available - Steering wheel started making a clicking noise at around 1200 miles on the vehicle. I have heard that many people have had this issue and got the clock spring replaced only for the issue to return.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Steering · AL

Steering wheel is stiff and constantly clicking when I turn the wheel. My dealership said there have been several complaints but no recall and they could not do anything to fix the issue at this time. I am concerned that it could be a safety issue if it is not addressed. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle brand new in August 2026.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Steering · MA

Steering wheel makes a clicking noise. the internal steering rack or the cable reel (clock spring) behind the wheel.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Steering · NC

Steering wheel started making a clicking noise after a couple hundred miles. Dealer replaced clock spring and wrapped in felt tape. I could hear the felt tape a few days later when turning the wheel, and the clicking returned within a few hundred miles, returned to dealer again and they replaced clock spring again and wrapped in felt tape. The issue was only fixed for 1 day before I started hearing the felt tape when turning the wheel.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Airbags, Steering · FL

When turning steering there is a clicking noise almost like a spring clicking on a gear. It is sound like it is coming from under the middle part where the airbag sits. Not sure if it is the airbag mechanism that it is the attached to the steering or a faulty clock spring.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel makes a clicking/spring noise when turning, especially at low speeds

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Steering · MO

When turning the steering wheel a clicking sound happen full lock both ways.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Steering · NC

Clicking sound when turning steering wheel.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · TX

I am filing this complaint regarding my new Honda Pilot with only approximately 300 miles. The vehicle has multiple serious problems that I believe should be investigated as potential safety defects. Steering/Rack Clicking: The steering system produces a loud clicking/rattling noise that sounds like loose marbles, especially at low speeds and during slow turns. This appears to come from the steering rack/steering assembly. There are multiple reports from Honda Pilot owners on online forums describing the same or very similar steering noise dating back to the 2023 redesign. It is extremely concerning that the issue continues in newer vehicles. A potential defect involving the steering system could affect steering control and represents a serious safety concern. Transmission Jerking: The transmission jerks, lurches, and rocks the vehicle at low speeds, particularly when shifting into Drive, Reverse, and between 1st and 2nd gear. There is sometimes hesitation followed by an abrupt engagement. Unexpected movement during parking, reversing, or stop-and-go traffic could create a safety risk. A/C Not Cooling: The A/C is not properly cooling the cabin and has a condenser/refrigerant leak. In extreme temperatures, inadequate cabin cooling can also become a safety concern, particularly for children and other vulnerable passengers. It is unacceptable for a vehicle with only 300 miles to have these significant issues. Given the multiple owner reports and the apparent persistence of the steering problem across model years, I strongly believe the federal safety agency should investigate these complaints and determine whether Honda should be required to conduct a safety recall. Honda should not wait for accidents or injuries before taking action. If these are widespread defects, Honda should issue a recall and provide a permanent repair to affected owners. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate these issues and take appropriate action to protect Honda Pilot owners and the public.

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Steering · GA

Vehicle: 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Current Mileage: ~3,850 VIN: [XXX] ——— Defect Summary: Persistent component defect and failure within the steering column assembly, specifically involving the steering clock spring (cable reel assembly). The vehicle experiences an audible clicking, rattling, and binding sensation during normal steering wheel rotation. Authorized Honda dealership warranty repairs have failed to remedy the issue due to replacement parts failing immediately upon installation. Chronology of Failures: 1. [XXX] (2,078 miles): Vehicle brought to Hennessy Honda for stiff steering and a loud clicking noise. Technicians noted the steering cable gear was making noise and binding. The column was adjusted. 2. 05/20/2026 (2,509 miles): Clicking worsened significantly across full left-to-center rotations. The dealership diagnosed a defective clock spring and replaced the Cable Reel Assembly (Part: 77900-T20-E61). 3. [XXX] (3,847 miles): The brand-new replacement part failed immediately. Vehicle returned with identical clicking and a new "whoosh" plastic scraping noise. Dealership replaced misadjusted steering column trim pieces to stop the scraping but confirmed the steering wheel click remains active. Safety Risk: The dealership service department explicitly stated that the current production batch of factory replacement clock springs contains an inherent manufacturer defect, meaning new replacements fail out of the box. The clock spring maintains the continuous electrical connection to the driver’s steering wheel airbag, horn, and driver-assist controls. A mechanically binding ribbon cable reel presents an imminent risk of snapping or shorting out. If the cable fails on the road, it will instantly deactivate the driver's front airbag, rendering a critical safety restraint system useless in a crash. Requested Action: Compel Honda to investigate 2026 Pilot manufacturing lines, fast-track an updated/redesigned cable INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Steering · GA

Vehicle: 2026 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Current Mileage: ~3,850 miles Persistent component defect and failure within the steering column assembly, specifically involving the steering clock spring (cable reel assembly). The vehicle experiences an audible clicking, rattling, and binding sensation during normal steering wheel rotation. Authorized Honda dealership warranty repairs have failed to remedy the issue due to replacement parts failing immediately upon installation. Chronology of Failures: 1- 05/04/2026 (2,078 miles): Vehicle brought to Hennessy Honda for stiff steering and a loud clicking noise. Technicians noted the steering cable gear was making noise and binding. The column was adjusted. 2- 05/20/2026 (2,509 miles): Clicking worsened significantly across full left-to-center rotations. The dealership diagnosed a defective clock spring and replaced the Cable Reel Assembly (Part: 77900-T20-E61).  3- 06/08/2026 (3,847 miles): The brand-new replacement part failed immediately. Vehicle returned with identical clicking and a new "whoosh" plastic scraping noise. Dealership replaced misadjusted steering column trim pieces to stop the scraping but confirmed the steering wheel click remains active. Safety Risk: The dealership service department explicitly stated that the current production batch of factory replacement clock springs contains an inherent manufacturer defect, meaning new replacements fail out of the box. The clock spring maintains the continuous electrical connection to the driver’s steering wheel airbag, horn, and driver-assist controls. A mechanically binding ribbon cable reel presents an imminent risk of snapping or shorting out. If the cable fails on the road, it will instantly deactivate the driver's front airbag, rendering a critical safety restraint system useless in a crash. Requested Action: Compel Honda to investigate 2026 Pilot manufacturing lines, fast-track an updated/redesigned cable reel part number, and issue a safety recall.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2026 Honda Pilot steering noise

Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 2026 Honda Pilot?

12 of 31 owner complaints about the 2026 Honda Pilot (39%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2026.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2026 Honda Pilot?

There is no recall or service bulletin for this area of the car on record.

All model years of the Honda Pilot

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