RoadVitals

2017 Honda Civic Steering Problems

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.
166
Latest Aug 11, 2026
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.
29%
of 579 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.
3
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

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 2017 Honda Civic submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 166 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 166, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Aug 11, 2026

sticky steering

NHTSA ID
11756166
Incident
Jan 1, 2024
Steering
Filed Jul 19, 2026

I just purchased a 2017 Honda Civic yesterday that seems to be experiencing issues similar to the electric power steering (EPS) malfunction involved in Honda’s EPS gearbox recall, even though my VIN is not included. The steering becomes stiff and jerky when trying to turn the wheel, particularly at higher speeds (especially on the highway) and when trying to slightly move the wheel to remain in the lanes. The condition occurs consistently and has made it difficult to maintain proper control of the vehicle, which is super concerning for me. This creates a safety risk because the steering does not respond smoothly or predictably. I purchased this car yesterday at around 75k miles, and I noticed it immediately once I hit the highway. After doing some research I see that many others are experiencing the same issue, as well as it already being a widely known issue with Honda hence their initial recall. I believe this defect should be investigated and expanded to my vin because myself and other owners are experiencing the same problem outside the current recall population.

NHTSA ID
11751361
Incident
Jul 18, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 22, 2026

Steering is sticky feeling when driving, causing me to overcorrect left or right when making slight adjustments to keep the car in the center of the road.

NHTSA ID
11745766
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2026

The steering wheel seems to be making a clicking noise and locks up

NHTSA ID
11744924
Incident
Jun 18, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel suddenly became firm, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. The contact was able to continue driving until arriving to the residence, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

NHTSA ID
11742279
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Mileage
144,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 26, 2026

When driving at least 55 mph the steering wheel becomes stiff and auto correct on it own. This consistently happen during the duration of the ride.

NHTSA ID
11740027
Incident
May 1, 2024
Steering
Filed May 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering column became stiff and over corrected the contacts steering efforts. The contact stated that on some occasions that vehicle was slowed down and pulled to the side of the road to gain control of the vehicles steering and on other occasions he continued to drive through the failure. The contact believes that the failures were associated with an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID
11736242
Incident
Nov 9, 2025
Mileage
86,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 5, 2026

The steering wheel has started to jerk left then comes center and goes right. (Likely sticky steering). Under 100k miles and happens mostly on the highway but has started to be on slower roads. No accident as of now, but common issue with this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11735912
Incident
May 5, 2026
Steering
Filed Apr 21, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact ownED a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal clicking sound, and the steering wheel locked up, causing her to lose control and crash into an electrical pole. No warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering). The yearly inspection was completed two weeks prior with no indication of an issue. The driver sustained a scratch on her leg, and medical attention was provided at the emergency room. All the air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair center. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 69,600.

NHTSA ID
11732629
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
Mileage
59,600 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 18, 2026

The steering wheel has sticky spots and still continues to require extra effort to do small movements to remain on center. I’ve noticed this has happened to other Honda Civics. I would like my vehicle to get recalled to replace my steering. My car is under 100,000 miles and should not be having issues this early. It’s also a safety issue and needs to be recalled. I have complained about this before.

NHTSA ID
11732149
Incident
Apr 17, 2026
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 16, 2026

The steering wheel drifts and the power steering light comes on

NHTSA ID
11731484
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
Steering
Filed Apr 4, 2026

Steering wheel is sticky during highway driving. While making minor turns or changing lanes the steering wheel intermittently has issues driving straight.

NHTSA ID
11729164
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Steering
Filed Apr 1, 2026

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2017 Honda Civic, which is experiencing a serious steering issue that appears to be consistent with a known defect currently under recall for similar vehicles. When driving at speeds above approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel becomes noticeably “sticky” or resistant, making it difficult to maintain smooth and controlled steering. This condition creates a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds, as it affects the vehicle’s responsiveness and handling. I understand that there is an existing recall related to steering issues affecting certain Honda Civic models. However, my vehicle’s VIN is not currently included in the recall population, despite exhibiting the same symptoms described in those cases. Given that this appears to be a widespread and documented issue, I believe my vehicle may also be affected by the same underlying defect. I am concerned that I have to pay out of pocket for a repair that is directly related to a known safety issue already acknowledged in other vehicles of the same make and model. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter, investigate whether the recall scope should be expanded, and take appropriate action to ensure all affected vehicles are covered. I am happy to provide additional details, including my VIN, maintenance records, or further documentation upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11728654
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 31, 2026

Leading up to and while on a 12 hour road trip, it was noticed that the steering seemed to “stick”, requiring additional force to get the steering wheel to initially move from a resting position. This caused rapid and inconsistent adjustments in the steering of the vehicle. Luckily we have not gotten into an accident as of yet, but every time I drive the vehicle I become anxious that the steering may give out or become so stuck that to much force is used to turn the wheel, potentially causing an accident. Remaining on a straight path has become dramatically more difficult as small adjustments are not possible, meaning that the skips in steering cause the vehicle to begin veering off into adjacent lanes. This is not safe. Newer models were recalled for this reason, so recall the 10th generation of civics too.

NHTSA ID
11728271
Incident
Mar 31, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 31, 2026

When I'm driving on the hwy or interstate after a while. Maybe 30 minutes to an hour. The steering wants to jerk either left or right. If I'm trying to drive straight and give it a little correction it'll grab and pull either direction. No warning lights or anything or that sort. But it has almost made me wreck several times. Especially in high traffic areas

NHTSA ID
11728237
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
Steering
Filed Mar 23, 2026

Steering is sticking at highway speeds. Have to jerk the steering wheel to correct. Is getting worse. Many are reporting this problem.

NHTSA ID
11726298
Incident
Mar 18, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 13, 2026

At highway speeds, steering wheel seems to get stuck with minor corrections, then suddenty "gives way" causing a dangerous overcorrection which alters the course of the vehicle. Vehicle does not have lane-keeping technology. Widely reported on 10th gen civic forums, i'm not alone.

NHTSA ID
11724228
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 11, 2026

This has been occurring for many months. Experience STICKY STEERING! Seems to be air temperature and speed related. The steering is fine initially until I've driven 10-15 miles. The sticking occurs with High ambient air temps and speed over approx. 35 MPH, and progressively worse at highway speeds. Only occurs with steering wheel input from wheel center position. Initial wheel input resistance, then a break to smooth. An opposite wheel input is then necessary to correct the over steering created by the sticking. I believe there is a Honda recall for identical problems for 2017 and 2018 Honda Civic, but my VIN is NOT included. The recall pertains to the steering rack gearbox, referencing the gear and lube, and in some instances replacement of the entire steering rack. This problem is commonly discussed by Civic owners across the internet. I believe there is potential of this causing serious accident and injury, and should be recalled.

NHTSA ID
11723525
Incident
Mar 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 10, 2026

Car has only 45,000 miles. Steering suddenly “sticks” on the highway. You have to apply pressure to break it out of sticking in the middle position. Seems to be EPS system. Saw on line that it’s a known issue.

NHTSA ID
11723334
Incident
Mar 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the steering wheel became very stiff. The vehicle was driven slowly to the residence. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a steering gear box failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.

NHTSA ID
11723076
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Mileage
152,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 4, 2026

When driving my car the steering wheel was sticking really bad I had to use both hands just to keep it in control. I’m only on disability so when the McConnell Honda car here in Montgomery Al said it wasn’t the year that was recalled for this problem and it would cost me over 4600.00 I was floored. 2016 was recalled not 2017 . This is a safety problem and I’m asking you to help me get it fixed please.Sincerely Connie Mitchell

NHTSA ID
11721900
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 3, 2026

Steering wheel is sticking really bad on my 2017 Honda civic. Why is it not on the recall list?

NHTSA ID
11721641
Incident
Feb 28, 2026
Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving at high speeds. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11720637
Incident
Feb 26, 2026
Mileage
100,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 9, 2026

The electric power steering intermittently resists driver input during low-speed maneuvers and near full-lock turns. Steering effort suddenly increases and feels as if assist is being applied against driver input. This behavior matches the failure description in Honda EPS torque sensor magnet recall (2017–2018 Civic / CR-V, campaign C2N / P20). Honda confirmed my VIN is excluded, but the vehicle demonstrates identical safety symptoms. This condition reduces vehicle controllability and presents a crash risk

NHTSA ID
11709824
Incident
Dec 2, 2025
Steering
Filed Dec 25, 2025

Steering is sticky and jerky Dangerous at high speeds bc it’s difficult to keep the car in the lane because of significant jerking

NHTSA ID
11707034
Incident
Dec 25, 2025

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.

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