2024 Acura Integra

On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ quick test drives.  The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear of these vehicles is aided by an electrical power assist unit. This power assist unit inputs force on the steering rack via a worm gear and worm wheel assembly. During PE23005, Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this power assist unit. First, during manufacturing, the steering worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes cause internal stress and strain within the steering worm  wheel. This strain is slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain causes deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This catching results in the driver’s momentary increased steering effort. Second, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and, therefore, some subject vehicles received insufficient grease which contributed to the momentary increase in steering effort. During EA23003, ODI further analyzed the potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase in steering effort. NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) duplicated the allegations of increased steering effort. In addition, VRTC discovered the steering worm wheel and worm gear tended to push grease out of the meshing area, resulting in large amounts of grease resting on top of the worm wheel. Information Request responses collected and reviewed by ODI showed Honda had also discovered this additional root cause during NHTSA’s EA. In addition, Honda discovered the preload of the worm wheel gear spring was set too high, increasing the gear slide load and resulting in higher friction and increased torque fluctuation when steering. The number of consumer complaints made to ODI continued to increase with the expansion of scope from the PE to the EA. Additionally, during EA23003, ODI received ten complaints alleging a crash, in addition to the 13 complaints ODI had received as of the time it opened EA23003. In total, 23 crashes have been reported to ODI due to this alleged defect. On October 3, 2024, Honda filed NHTSA Recall No. 24V-744 to address this defect. The recall will provide consumers with a new steering worm wheel gear spring with a decreased load. Additionally, dealerships will add additional grease and relocate any grease sitting on top of the worm wheel back into the meshing area. The scope of this recall includes all Honda vehicles that were manufactured with this specific improperly produced steering worm wheel and spring. In view of the recall action being taken by Honda, ODI is closing EA23003. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2024 Acura Integra. The contact stated that after pulling into a self-service car wash vacuum bay, the contact started drying the vehicle. The contact dried both the passenger-side front and rear doors, the trunk and the driver-side rear door. While drying the driver-side front door, the vehicle suddenly moved unintendedly about 15 ft. The contact grabbed the door frame and was eventually able to bring the vehicle to a stop, preventing a crash or injury. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was initially informed that a manufacturer field technician would need to inspect the vehicle; however, the contact was later informed that the manufacturer had sent instructions on how to service the vehicle, which the contact deemed unsatisfactory due to the safety risk. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously rolled after being parked and turned off, with the parking brake engaged. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the TPMS reading had failed to display, the collision mitigation braking system had engaged erroneously, and the windows had rolled up and down unintendedly. The contact also stated driving at 5 MPH in a parking lot, an abnormal booming sound emanated from the passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and filed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 4,558.

NHTSA ID

11748770

Incident

May 20, 2026

Mileage

4,558 mi

Vehicle: 2024 Acura Integra Affected Component: Steering Gearbox Assembly / Electric Power Steering (EPS) Related Recall: NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-744 / Acura TSB 24-054 Description of Incident: My vehicle is actively experiencing the dangerous "sticky," heavy, and "notchy" steering defect outlined in NHTSA Campaign 24V-744, which causes a sudden increase in steering effort at highway speeds. The authorized franchise dealership previously performed the initial recall remedy (grease/spring kit replacement). However, this remedy completely failed to resolve the underlying manufacturing defect, and the hazardous steering behavior persists, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. Because I live on an isolated island with only one authorized Acura franchise facility, I have no alternative dealership options. The local dealership management and the visiting Acura Field Technical Specialist are formally refusing to diagnose, evaluate, or replace this defective steering rack. They are using the presence of an unrelated, aftermarket air suspension modification—which was installed after the failed recall attempt and does not physically obstruct the steering gearbox assembly—as a pretext to deny federal safety recall resolution and standard warranty repair. The manufacturer is failing to provide a successful remedy for an active, critical safety hazard. Furthermore, the local franchise facility has ordered me to remove this unsafe vehicle from their property, creating a severe safety risk. I am requesting immediate NHTSA intervention to ensure the manufacturer provides a complete and effective steering rack replacement as required by federal law.

NHTSA ID

11746330

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

I purchased this car 2 weeks ago and noticed when I drive over 45 mph the steering wheel kind of freezes up and shakes. A warning sign pops up that say steering required and has a symbol of a steering wheel with hands on each side of it. This lasts for about 10 seconds or so, then goes away. Feels really scary like I could get into an accident. This is the first place I have reported the problem to.

NHTSA ID

11727000

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Approaching overhead signs with ACC engaged activates the emergency breaking. The digital cluster indicates the presence of a vehicle directly ahead and responds to avoid a possible collision.

NHTSA ID

11680814

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

I was driving in the left lane of a divided highway, using the adaptive cruise control while passing another vehicle in the right lane. The collision warning light came on, and the brakes were automatically applied. The road was straight, and the car I was passing was the only car ahead of me. I believe I was almost hit by the car tailgating me at the time.

NHTSA ID

11676574

Incident

Jul 25, 2025

Car completely shuts off pulling into traffic randomly while still rolling. Car completely shuts off randomly while in reverse and continues to roll until brake is used. Dealership cannot diagnose problem. The car is presenting a very dangerous hazard while rolling into traffic randomly and while in reverse.

NHTSA ID

11666871

Incident

Apr 22, 2025

Horrible sound coming from wheels even on smooth road surfaces at speeds higher than 50. Coulb be bearings. The sound has been increasing lately

NHTSA ID

11640552

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

Coolant overflow reservoir leaks

NHTSA ID

11634227

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2026 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2026 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2026 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2025 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2025 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2024-2025 Integras with a client complaint of the A/C not blowing cold air and the technician finding the A/C compressor to be seized. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.