2019 Honda Civic Owner Complaints

COMPONENT: Electric power steering (EPS) rack and pinion assembly. WHAT HAPPENED: The steering on my 2019 Civic EX binds and catches. Returning the wheel toward center after a left turn, the steering does not return smoothly — it hangs up, then releases suddenly, with an audible clicking noise. The condition is worse after the vehicle has been driven and has warmed up. It occurs at parking lot speeds and at highway speeds during small lane-keeping corrections. It is also reproducible with the vehicle stationary and the engine running. SAFETY RISK: When the steering binds, more force is required to move the wheel. When it releases, the wheel moves further than intended, causing overcorrection that must then be corrected back. On the highway this makes it difficult to hold a consistent lane position. There has been no warning lamp and no diagnostic trouble code at any point. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: An authorized Honda dealer reproduced the condition. Their technician documented that with the engine running and the wheel turned to full left lock, the wheel binds and will not return until physically touched. A master technician at the same dealer confirmed the binding and the clicking noise and identified the power steering rack as the failing component. The dealer noted that this condition is discussed on Honda's internal technical line under the description of Civic steering feeling sticky and pulling in either direction. Their inspection found no other damage or worn suspension or steering components. QUOTED REPAIR: The dealer quoted approximately $5,068 to replace the steering rack assembly. The vehicle is out of warranty. ADDITIONAL NOTE: Honda has issued a recall for the same sticky steering condition on 2022-2025 model year vehicles, attributed to excessive friction from the worm wheel inside the steering gearbox. No equivalent action covers 2016-2021 vehicles, which use a comparable EPS design and generate similar owner complaints. The component is available

NHTSA ID

11756053

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

I was in a multi-directional wreck and the driver seat belt didn’t engage/lock holding me in place. I was able to move around enough that I broke the console and hit other areas that should have been out of reach if I had been held in my seat.

NHTSA ID

11755845

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

While pulling into a parking lot at approximately 10–15 mph around sunset, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly engaged the brakes without any input from me. The abrupt braking caused all of my personal belongings inside the vehicle to be thrown forward. After pausing briefly to assess the situation, I cautiously applied light pressure to the accelerator. The vehicle responded, allowing me to slowly proceed and safely pull into a nearby parking space.

NHTSA ID

11754242

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

AC unit blows hot air only on the left side. Temp in IL is over 90 degrees F. Yes, it has been confirmed by the dealer, but they are saying they are not liable if I pay for them to conduct the service and they cannot fix it. No, but the manufacturer had issues with the a/c compressor and condenser and for this specific 2019 Honda Civic. Those were recently replaced, but now I am still having A/C issues. No warnings. It appeared June 9th. My husband and I bought the same exact vehicle at the same exact location on the same exact date and BOTH vehicles are having this same exact issue only one week apart. Mine occurred on 6/9/2026 and his first occurrence started 7/12/2026.

NHTSA ID

11753128

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

In June 2026, the HVAC system in my 2019 Honda Civic 2.0L failed because the evaporator core developed a premature leak or crack. AutoNation Honda O’Hare inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the evaporator core as the failed component. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious visibility hazard. During rain and humid conditions, the windshield and side windows fog rapidly. Because the air-conditioning system can no longer adequately remove moisture from the cabin air, the defrost and defog functions do not clear the glass effectively. This can severely obstruct my view of the road, nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards while driving. I have also noticed a persistent chemical odor coming from the vents. Because the evaporator core is located inside the HVAC housing, I am concerned that refrigerant, compressor oil, or other HVAC residue may be entering the passenger compartment. This creates a potential exposure concern, especially when the vehicle is operated with the windows closed. I received no specific dashboard warning that the evaporator core was failing. The first noticeable symptoms were reduced cooling, ineffective windshield defogging, and the chemical odor from the vents. Honda has extended warranty coverage for certain air-conditioning condenser and compressor failures affecting this generation of Civic, but it does not cover the evaporator core. I contacted Honda and requested goodwill assistance with the costly repair. Honda refused to provide any goodwill discount despite the known pattern of air-conditioning failures and the safety consequences of losing effective windshield dehumidification. I request that NHTSA investigate evaporator-core failures in 10th-generation Honda Civics and determine whether a safety recall or expanded manufacturer remedy is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11752656

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

My 2019 Honda Civic has been driven for only 35, 775 miles. The steering has become "sticky" or "notchy" and poses a safety risk since it seems to get stuck particularly when making left turns. The dealership's service center has diagnosed the problem as internal failure of the rack steering gearbox causing binding and stickiness in the steering feel. No warning messages were indicated. The problem was first noticed in late 2025. There have been numerous steering complaints reported by other 2019 Honda Civic owners, yet Honda has not issued a recall for this year and model. I have contacted the Honda Customer Service Center about this issue. I have been assigned a case manager and am waiting for a response to my request for compensation.

NHTSA ID

11751969

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The biggest concern that I have is what I have learned is referred to as “Sticky steering” when I'm driving especially 55mph. It's almost like it catches or hangs up on something before making a small correction. The with the steering wheel doesn't settle back in the center of the lane as it should. It tends to drift toward the left side. I try and correct it but it's a constant back and forth fighting the steering wheel just to stay in my lane. I'm afraid not only is it seriously dangerous but it may appear as if I am driving erratically. It seems to be getting progressively worse. I must always have both hands on the wheel constantly making corrections just to keep the car within the lane I am in. On the same subject I have noticed is that there is a popping or clicking noise whenever I try and correct it or turn the wheel especially towards the right. I've searched for any recalls and discovered that it is a consistent issue with newer models. What I don't understand is why Honda hasn't addressed this if the problem is serious enough to issue a recall in the 2022 and 2023 civics why would they not investigate the same issues in earlier models such as my 2019. This is not just a inconvenience it is a major safety concern. I hope Honda will take this seriously before someone gets hurt.

NHTSA ID

11751899

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

The Honda Sensing automated system suffered a phantom activation. It threw a visual brake warning, violently applied the brakes, and jerked the steering wheel causing a collision impact to other vehicles. This collision led to a major accident with an 18 wheeler and 6 additional cars. The car automated system has done this prior when there were no objects in front of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11750975

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).

NHTSA ID

11749601

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

Honda dealership diagnosed my vehicle with an evaporator core leak. FOUND A/C SYSTEM PRESSURES LOW. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND DARK SPOTS ON THE EVAPORATOR. A/C EVAPORATOR LEAKING. The evaporator core is suffering from the exact same chemical reactions to the R1234yf refrigerant that forced Honda to issue 10-year warranty extensions for the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seals (under TSB 19-091 and TSB A23-039).

NHTSA ID

11749600

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The component ive seen fail on multiple 2018, 2019, 2020, honda civics is the rear camera allows water into the camera lens area. And it becomes permanently foggy but the lens its self does fail. Becomes hazy and the haziness is on the inside of the lens protector this starts happening when the car is 4 to 5 years old.

NHTSA ID

11749130

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

In cool weather, below 70 degrees F, steering is responsive. Above 70 degrees F, there is a sticking in the steering wheel. If I turn the wheel to the left and attempt to straighten the wheel again, it sticks and releases with a pop/jerking. This is the same exact issue in NHTSA Campaign 24V-744 for 11th generation Honda Civics. While the root cause of the 11th-gen Civic issue was attributed to a bad manufacturing run from their supplier (Hitachi Astemo), the resulting physical behavior—a steering rack that binds up in temperatures above 70°F and requires manual force to "pop" free—presents the exact same highway safety hazard in my 10th-generation vehicle. This is concerning and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive as steering is unpredictable.

NHTSA ID

11748177

Incident

Jul 3, 2026

Honda has a current recall on eralier models of Honda Civics for sticking of steering wheel. Mine involves when I turn it to the left my steering wheel sticks. Mine is a 2019 and is doing this but no recall for my year and model 2019. I would like to complain because if it is doing it with ealier models please recall mine for service. I just paid it off I want to keep my car and would like for it to operate correctly it has been doing this for over a year now but recently it is worse. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11747677

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

When driving, especially at high way speeds, steering feels stiff and will cause the steering wheel to jerk when making minor adjustments and when turning, the steering wheel sticks in the turning position.

NHTSA ID

11747540

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

While turning the steering wheel, I experience a sticky, resistant feeling that makes it difficult to steer smoothly. The wheel does not turn freely and produces a creaking noise during turns. This occurs regularly and affects my ability to control the vehicle safely. Issue is consistent with known EPS (Electric Power Steering) gearbox problems reported by other 2019 Honda Civic owners

NHTSA ID

11747265

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

Particularly at speeds above 40mph, steering has a tendency to stick so that in order to drive straight one has to dramatically and repeatedly overcorrect course by turning slightly left then slightly right then slightly left, etc. The safety impacts are obvious: rather than responding precisely and fluidly to the driver's directions, it responds approximately and encourages the application of greater force in the process of steering, causing the vehicle to rapidly alter course and to require course-correction. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer or independent service center. No warning lamps or messages attend this issue.

NHTSA ID

11747044

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

On June 17, 2026, at approximately 4:30PM, while driving to work for an event, my vehicle suddenly applied the emergency brakes right after a message appeared on my dash warning me to brake. There was no vehicle Infront of me that should have caused my car to brake so hard and suddenly. I have contacted the dealership and American Honda about the situation. I have read online reports of similar issues happening and i wanted to report it so i can make as many people as possible aware of the issue.

NHTSA ID

11744991

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

The vehicle has a steering issue where the steering wheel sticks and requires extra force to correct or adjust while driving. The issue occurs during normal driving at low speeds and highway speeds, and when turning left or right. The condition is present whether Lane Keeping Assist is turned on or off. There is also noise when turning the steering wheel side to side. The symptoms were first noticed around July 7, 2025. The vehicle was later brought to an authorized Honda dealership for steering rack inspection on or around November 28, 2025. The issue continued and the vehicle was inspected again by the authorized Honda dealership on May 18, 2026. The failed component appears to be the EPS steering rack / steering gearbox. The component should be available for inspection upon request. The issue creates a safety concern because the steering can stick while driving and requires additional effort to make steering corrections. This could affect the driver’s ability to maintain lane position or respond quickly during normal driving, highway driving, turning, or evasive maneuvers. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership during the May 18, 2026 inspection. The dealership test drove the vehicle, verified the steering concern, and documented that the steering rack is binding and sticking and requires replacement. The vehicle had approximately 50,137 miles at the time of that inspection. The vehicle was also reviewed through the manufacturer’s goodwill process, and the manufacturer offered only partial goodwill assistance toward the steering rack replacement. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages related to the steering issue. The cause of failure is unknown.

NHTSA ID

11744759

Incident

May 18, 2026

Honda ¨sticky steering ¨ EPS power steering is catching or stuck momentarily while driving straight on highway. This is a 2019 HONDA Civic LX Sedan that is experiencing the same symptoms as a similar recall that was issued for newer models in 2022 and 2023. This is a known manufacturing defect with the gears in the Electronic Power Steering gearbox that are sticking due to swelling and insufficient lubrication in gearbox. The dealership refuses to take any ownership of the issue and is recommending an almost 6000 dollar full replacement of the power steering rack.

NHTSA ID

11744371

Incident

Jun 15, 2026

The vehicle's smart entry door handle system was continuously drawing power even when the vehicle was off. This resulted in repeated battery drain and battery replacement (approximately 4 times). The ongoing electrical load also resulted in alternator failure. Once the issue was diagnosed (performed by the dealer), expense was required to resolve the parts. The issue caused repeated no-start conditions and reliability/safety concerns. This took a year to resolve and appears to be a common concern based off online posts. I am submitting this complaint now for documentation and potential reimbursement/recall creation as it is likely that others have had this same issue.

NHTSA ID

11741455

Incident

Jan 2, 2023

I am reporting a serious ongoing issue with my 2019 Honda Civic Sport involving the trunk repeatedly opening on its own both while driving and while parked. The issue is also causing the vehicle alarm to activate unexpectedly. The trunk has opened while the vehicle was in motion, creating a major safety concern. It also randomly opens while parked, sometimes triggering the alarm system for no apparent reason. The problem appears to happen intermittently but has become frequent enough that I no longer feel safe leaving the vehicle unattended or driving it normally. I attempted to clean the trunk latch area, but the issue continues. I believe there may be a malfunction involving the trunk latch, actuator, key fob system, electrical wiring, sensor, or alarm system. This situation is dangerous because the trunk can unexpectedly unlatch while driving, potentially blocking visibility or causing damage. The repeated alarm activations and trunk openings while parked are also causing concern about battery drain, security, and reliability. Vehicle Information: 2019 Honda Civic Sport Symptoms: • Trunk opens while driving • Trunk opens while parked • Alarm randomly activates • Trunk may not remain securely latched • Ongoing intermittent electrical or latch-related issue I am requesting that this issue be documented and inspected as soon as possible due to the safety risk involved.

NHTSA ID

11740488

Incident

May 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked and occupied in the vehicle, the contact noticed the trunk independently opens unintendedly causing the vehicle car alarm to engage. The contact mentioned this also happens while driving at various speeds. The contact also mention the trunk is open warning message illuminated. A independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 205,900.

NHTSA ID

11740052

Incident

Apr 26, 2026

Mileage

205,900 mi

went to tysons honda in tysons, va to have service done and the recall completed - the gentleman that greeted me informed me that my vehicle doesnt apply to recall, only to newer vehicles. I thought they would have marked this completed or at least inspected the car. but i just received a notification of an open recall.

NHTSA ID

11739258

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

I believe it is the Electric Steering Gearbox is the problem I had the vehicle inspected for this but I was told it needed alignment which was also done last month the problem got worse this is a safety problem for especially the driver having to grip the steering wheel to stay in a lane I have yet to have the gearbox inspected

NHTSA ID

11738970

Incident

May 19, 2026

The rear window shattered while driving. I had turned on my rear window defroster to help clear the window of fog. Several minutes later there was a loud pop, and I saw a hole in the lower left corner of the window under the spoiler, and the rest of the glass was cracked. I pulled over to see if something had hit the window, and there was no evidence of that happening.

NHTSA ID

11738376

Incident

May 17, 2026