Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
90
Latest Sep 22, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
5%
of 1,987 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
10
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
5
What this page shows
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Honda Accord submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 90 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming steering
The 25 most recent of 90, in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there were several mechanical failures with the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the ignition switch, and the key could not be removed from the cylinder, and the shift lever failed to shift into drive(D), park(P), or into reverse(R). The contact stated that while the vehicle was in drive(D), the drive(D) indicator was flashing. Additionally, the contact had been having a failure of the power steering assist. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact was unaware of any warning lights during the power steering failure. The contact stated that the power steering failure was recurring. There was also a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that after being able to shift to drive(D), and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before responding. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and hesitating. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and found several recalls related to the failures. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the contact was advised that two previous recall repairs were completed for the air bags and the ignition, but the VIN was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA ID
11688957
Incident
Nov 13, 2023
Mileage
230,000 mi
BrakesPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jul 13, 2024
Tie rods, brakes
NHTSA ID
11601643
Incident
Jul 12, 2024
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 2, 2023
My key will not go into the ignition. It also starts to get hot. The steering column also starts to get hot. It also periodically smells like something is burning. The dealership wants to charge me $140 to look at it. I don't have the money. I have not been able to have anybody look at it because I don't have the money. This first happened back in February of 2023 but I got worse around June 1, 2023
NHTSA ID
11525074
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Steering
Filed Feb 13, 2023
There was a recall for this car 2003-2007 Honda Accord 3.0L v6 engine for the Power Steering lines, the line cracked and is spewing fluid all over the engine compartment as well as the ground. This recall was specifically detailed to address this exact issue. My Daughter was almost involved in an accident as the fluid had leaked out the she couldn't steer the car.
NHTSA ID
11506918
Incident
Feb 13, 2023
Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2023
Steering
NHTSA ID
11506826
Incident
Feb 15, 2012
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2003 Honda Accord. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, she placed the vehicle in reverse to straighten the vehicle however, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated the front passenger’s side wheel was making a clicking sound. The contact stated that the wheel was fractured from the lug. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the wheel was replaced. The contact notified the local dealer of the sound coming from the steering wheel; however, the contact was informed that if the steering was removed, there air bags might not function properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA ID
11475951
Incident
Jul 9, 2022
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jul 15, 2022
Doors locked from inside and cannot get out unless I put my window down. Safety issue. Second time I replaced my door since I was in a car accident a few years ago. Same problem came back again after replacing the door handle it used to work for years at the driver side until recently. Also doors are unable to unlock from the switch.
NHTSA ID
11474137
Incident
Jul 14, 2022
Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2022
Unknown I'm guessing do to the recall on the powersteering hose it has caused the hose to.melt I just bought the car and came across this recall so I'm honestly not sure if the recall has been addressed already or not but I'm addressing it to make sure
NHTSA ID
11447988
Incident
Dec 28, 2021
Steering
Filed Jul 22, 2021
Honda Accord with V6 engine has had two recalls regarding power steering supply hose leak - Service Bulletin 12-066 and Service Bulletin 13 - 012. Recall 13-012 was issued May 14, 2013 (see link to recall here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2012/RCRIT-12V222-9834.pdf) The vehicle record for this VIN shows repair for Recall 13-012 was made April 3, 2013 - a month and a half prior to he issuance of Recall 13-012. Mileage on April 3, 2013 was 27,783. This complaint is being filed with the NHTSA because the same power steering feed hose purportedly replaced April 3, 2013 with an upgraded more heat resident hose is leaking again. This is significant because the original hose lasted 10 years (2003 to 2013) and 27,783 miles while the purportedly upgraded recall replacement hose lasted only 8 years - with present mileage being 66,321. Honda dealer will not provide additional repair stating recall has been satisfied. Clearly power steering leak is continuing to pose a under hood fire safety issue with location over hot catalytic converter. Thank you for allowing this issue to be brought to NHTSA's attention.
NHTSA ID
11425993
Incident
Jul 15, 2021
EngineSteering
Filed Feb 15, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT AND A WEEK LATER MY TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR WOULDN'T GO INTO GEARS AND THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. IT WILL WORK FOR 5 MIN THEN IT COMPLETELY WON'T GO IN ANY GEAR. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. IT WAS ON THE ROAD ON THE BYPASS AND I STARTED ACTING UP THEN IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY WHEN I WENT TO GET OFF OF WORK AND WOULDN'T GO IN TO GEAR AT ALL AFTER THAT. SO I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE CAR HAD A RECALL ON MULTIPLE THINGS FOR ME TO LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE IT WAS GONNA COST AROUND 2000 TO FIX EVERYTHING.
NHTSA ID
11396234
Incident
Jan 1, 2021
Mileage
196,000 mi
BrakesSteering
Filed Sep 1, 2020
I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA FOR A RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE MY CAR INSPECTION INDICATED THAT MY VEHICLE HAS THREE DANGEROUS SAFETY RECALLS. I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD AND A FAMILY TO SUPPORT BUT I AM AFRAID, BECAUSE OF THE FIRE HAZARD THAT ONE OF MY RECALLS CONTAINS, TO EVEN DRIVE THE CAR WITH MY FAMILY IN IT TO FOOD SHOPPING AND WORK.
NHTSA ID
11352595
Incident
Sep 1, 2020
Mileage
158,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 16, 2020
THE CAR HAS AN EXISTING RECALL TO GET THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE REPLACED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO DARLINGS HONDA OF BANGOR, ME, ON 8/15/2020 AND THEY REFUSED TO DO THE REPAIR BECAUSE WE REFUSED TO PAY FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NOT REQUESTED. WE WERE FORCED TO DRIVE THE CAR BACK HOME, ABOUT 100 MILES WITH THE RISK OF THE CAR CATCHING FIRE, FROM THE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK.
NHTSA ID
11349716
Incident
Aug 15, 2020
Mileage
325,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 14, 2020
SUDDENLY DRIVING IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. I PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN AND I AM STILL NOT ABLE TO TURN MY SHEEN. AT TIMES I CAN'T GET INTO PARKING SPOTS BECAUSE IT'S EXTREMELY HARD. A NUMBER OF MECHANICS TOLD ME I SHOULD TRY DISPUTING WITH THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ID
11349191
Incident
Jun 29, 2020
Steering
Filed Nov 21, 2019
HIGH PRESSURE HOSE FOR POWER STEERING LINE LEAKING GET TO BACK SIDE CAN'T FIGURED OUT HOW TO GET THE PARTS OUT
NHTSA ID
11281647
Incident
Sep 30, 2019
Mileage
20,003 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 20, 2019
STEERING COLUMN INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING/MAKING TURNS IN RESIDENTIAL TRAFFIC. BRAKES MUST BE APPLIED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK THEN RELEASES AND ALLOWS STEERING TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITHIN THE LAST WEEK. ISSUE NOT RELATED TO POWER STEERING. FLUIDS ADEQUATELY MAINTAINED.
NHTSA ID
11245151
Incident
Aug 16, 2019
Mileage
225,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 12, 2019
POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING FLUID PRODUCING AN ENGINE FIRE HAZARD BY SPRAYING FLUID ON HOT ENGINE PARTS AND/OR TOTAL FAILURE OF POWER STEERING. THE LEAK OCCURS ANY TIME THE ENGINE IS RUNNING EITHER PARKED OR MOVING.
NHTSA ID
11231486
Incident
May 29, 2015
Mileage
98,152 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2019
POWER STEERING HOSE CAME APART WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT, WHEN I GOT HOME THERE AN EXECUTIVE AMOUNT OF POWER STEERING FLUID UNDER THE CAR ON THE DRIVEWAY. WHEN I INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD, THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD COME APART.
NHTSA ID
11185583
Incident
Mar 9, 2019
Steering
Filed Oct 17, 2018
POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKING FLUID ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD... RECALL FOR 6 CYL BUT NOT FOR 4 CYL ???
NHTSA ID
11141095
Incident
Oct 15, 2018
Mileage
140,000 mi
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Jul 5, 2018
WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. MY FRIEND AND I TRY TO PUSH IT TO THE SIDE BUT THE WHEELS WILL NOT MOVE.
NHTSA ID
11109671
Incident
Jul 4, 2018
Mileage
144,202 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Jun 5, 2018
MY AIRBAG LIGHT S COME ON FROM TIME TO TIME AND I AM AWARE THAT SOME VEHICLES ARE UNDER RECALL . ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS NOT LISTED I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAG LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN THEY SHOULD NOT. ALSO I MET SOMEONE WHO SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE ALSO BECAUSE MINE IS LEAKING AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT STEPS TO TAKE NEXT.
NHTSA ID
11099990
Incident
May 15, 2018
Body & structureOther / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Dec 12, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported
HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN 3 ACCIDENTS WHERE I FEEL THAT AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED, RESULTING IN EXTRA DAMAGES AND INJURY THAT WASNT TREATED
NHTSA ID
11054296
Incident
Jan 1, 2006
Mileage
70,000 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Aug 4, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 HONDA ACCORD. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING LOCKED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO A GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, CHEST, AND SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000. UPDATED 09/01/17*LJ *JS
NHTSA ID
11012895
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
167,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 29, 2017
TAKATA RECALL POWER STEERING LEAK
NHTSA ID
11002364
Incident
Mar 13, 2013
SteeringVisibility
Filed Aug 10, 2016
I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND I COULD NOT SEE A THING. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH THAT OTHER CARS WENT AROUND ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THEIR IS NOT A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND WANTED TO CHARGE ME AN OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT TO REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THIS FOR 2003 HONDA ACCORDS NO. Q78 WHEN THE MOTOR GETS WET IT STOPS WORKING BUT FOR SOME REASON IT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE VIN NUMBER. ALSO I HAD A LEAK IN MY POWER STEERING AND TOOK IT IN FOR THE RECALL AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE PUMP AND ENDED UP CHARGING ME $500.00 TO FIX BUT IT IS STILL LEAKING.
NHTSA ID
10894846
Incident
Aug 4, 2016
Mileage
220,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 14, 2016
2003 HONDA ACCORD. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING HOSE UNIT CONTINUES LEAKING FLUID AFTER REPAIRS. CONSUMER HAS PREVIOUS COMPLAINT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ARTEMIS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER CHARGED FOR AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL REPAIR. *JS
NHTSA ID
10854715
Incident
Apr 1, 2016
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own