RoadVitals

2019 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.
109
Latest Sep 17, 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.
25%
of 433 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 2019 Honda Civic submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 109 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 109, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Sep 17, 2026

1. Steering gearbox assembly failed. 2. Steering veers in lanes without assistance from driver and driver has to control vehicle with force to stay in center lane and release sticky steering. 3. Problem was reproduced and confirmed by two different independent NAPA certified service centers. 4. By manufacturer Honda dealer 5. No warning lights as the gearbox is mechanical, no warning lights prior or current to notify driver. Driver can only feel the sticky wheel symptoms while driving. At 74,000 miles on a 2019 Honda Civic Sport Sedan. Symptoms occurred driving at high speeds on highway. High safety risk to others and driver. I am filing a complaint due to excessive research on the symptoms of my steering gearbox. I have found that the 2022 and up models have the same symptoms as my 2019 is experiencing with sticky wheel. There needs to be a recall as it is negligent for Honda to not make sure people are safe when driving their cars. Steering is the main and most important component of a car and for Honda to not recognize this issue has been throughout their cars from 2017 due to a manufacturing flaw in the gearbox design. Consumers are paying 4-6000k to replace the gearbox assembly that Honda should have ultimately covered on 2017 models and up. Due to the high price out of pocket consumers are risking lives not getting it fixed because it is not affordable or recalled. Recall should be issued for 2017 civics and above not just 2022 and above. Please advise.

NHTSA ID
11764862
Incident
Sep 6, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Aug 29, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

While I was driving my 2019 Honda Civic Sport in active traffic, I suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The car starting jerking violently left to reach right and in a circle , causing me to be pulled and swayed across the freeway. The steering wheel became extremely loose and was spinning freely, and I was unable to control the direction the vehicle was traveling. The vehicle eventually swayed and carried me into the right lane gutter lane I was blessed to put the vehicle in park and come to a stop. This was extremely dangerous because I was surrounded by moving traffic and could not steer the vehicle to avoid other cars. I genuinely believed I could be seriously injured or killed. I am extremely fortunate that another vehicle did not strike me and my coworker who was in the passenger seat while my vehicle was moving uncontrollablly. This also happened to me in 2023 and I immediately swayed to right lane. The interaction was quicker because I was able to park into safety fast. Honda said nothing was wrong and never believed me. I can't drive this car. It will cause death.

NHTSA ID
11760667
Incident
Aug 16, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 29, 2026

The vehicle is experiencing an ongoing issue with the steering box. There appears to be a problem with the steering mechanism where a magnet gets stuck while driving, causing the steering to bind and requiring constant left-and-right steering input to keep the vehicle properly aligned. The issue is especially noticeable and concerning at highway speeds, where the steering becomes difficult to control and requires frequent corrections. This appears to be the same recurring steering problem and should be thoroughly inspected and repaired for safety. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the steering issue causes the vehicle to require constant left-and-right corrections while driving. The problem is especially severe at highway speeds, when the steering can bind or feel as though it is getting stuck, making it difficult to maintain consistent control and stay safely within the lane. This creates a serious risk of losing control, drifting into another lane, or being unable to react quickly to traffic or road conditions, potentially putting myself, passengers, and other drivers at risk.

NHTSA ID
11760542
Incident
Aug 29, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 27, 2026

Binding and sticking in the steering rack Rack and pinion rack needs to be replaced

NHTSA ID
11760073
Incident
Aug 18, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 26, 2026

When driving the vehicle at high speed, the steering wheel feels sticky or stiff.

NHTSA ID
11759607
Incident
Aug 17, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact turned the steering wheel; however, the steering wheel was abnormally difficult to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID
11758352
Incident
Jul 28, 2026
Mileage
66,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 10, 2026

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
Steering
Filed Jul 21, 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
Steering
Filed Jul 21, 2026

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
Steering
Filed Jul 3, 2026

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
Steering
Filed Jul 1, 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
Steering
Filed Jun 30, 2026

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
Steering
Filed Jun 29, 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
Steering
Filed Jun 28, 2026

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
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed 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
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Jun 16, 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
Steering
Filed May 14, 2026

Steering randomly sticks while turning and requires some force to release. Seems to happen most just off center and while turning left.

NHTSA ID
11737732
Incident
May 13, 2026
Steering
Filed May 2, 2026

Power steering rack and eps system. Steering at highways speeds and once vehicle is warmed up is sticky and gets stuck during turns. Recalls occurred on 2021 and newer models.

NHTSA ID
11735277
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 15, 2026

The vehicle has a sticky steering wheel causing overcorrection to either the left or right side. The safety concern is pretty high considering how hard it is to correct the vehicles lane.

NHTSA ID
11731321
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Steering
Filed Apr 7, 2026

Steering sticks in a spot and requires extra push to make it turn which can cause a jerky motion.

NHTSA ID
11729784
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 30, 2026

Steering is sticking at speeds over 30 mph when turning wheel left, have to kind of force wheel back to 12 o'clock position or else the car will keep turning. Driving on highways where little adjustments are needed while driving requires me to almost have to jerk the wheel to keep the car straight. This is unsafe and makes my car scary to drive. Started around 45k miles

NHTSA ID
11727977
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 20, 2026

I got this car 2 months ago and it has 58k miles. The steering is “sticky” and keeps clicking and catching when making small adjustments or turning. It’s so annoying and is becoming dangerous as I’m having to force the wheel where it needs to go and it gets stuck. It’s terrible going around curves/ramps. I’m so upset, I can’t afford another car or to get this one fixed. I’m paying so much for a new car that’s already broken and from what I read, Honda doesn’t care to fix it. I pray that they honor a recall. I didn’t ask for this and it shouldn’t be happening on a new car.

NHTSA ID
11725955
Incident
Feb 5, 2026
Steering
Filed Feb 25, 2026

The stirring wheel consistently sticks and jerks in speeds 35 and over. The steering wheel constantly has to be adjusted to drive in a lane. It is unsettling situation. While driving my 2019 Honda Civic , the steering wheel frequently sticks or feels like it slips when making slight adjustments or turning. This is especially noticeable at highway speeds and during low-speed turns. It requires additional force to correct the steering, leading to overcorrection and a delayed return to the center position. The issue creates a safety concern as it impairs precise vehicle control and is most concerning while making corrections at highway speeds. Multiple owners online are reporting the same symptoms, and there are indications that this may be caused by a faulty EPS gearbox or steering rack. When driving at highway speeds steering sticks. Steering wheel does not move without more effort than usual. Being unable to make small adjustments freely means I must constantly drive with two hands in order to drive straight forward. When I noticed this I searched Honda recalls and found the exact same issue is being recalled for later models. This is a safety related issue because it prevents me from centering the vehicle in the lane. While driving my 2019 Honda CIVIC, the steering wheel frequently sticks or feels like it slips when making slight adjustments or turning. This is especially noticeable at highway speeds and during low-speed turns. It requires additional force to correct the steering, leading to overcorrection and a delayed return to the center position. The issue creates a safety concern as it impairs precise vehicle control and is most concerning while making corrections at highway speeds. Multiple owners online are reporting the same symptoms, and there are indications that this may be caused by a faulty EPS gearbox or steering rack. Honda has not issued a recall, and dealerships have not provided a lasting fix.

NHTSA ID
11720457
Incident
Feb 25, 2026
Steering
Filed Jan 29, 2026

TROUBLE WITH THE STEERING ON VEHICLE. STEERING STICKY AND NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

NHTSA ID
11714192
Incident
Jan 23, 2026
Steering
Filed Jan 13, 2026

I've noticed the steering is off and uneven.

NHTSA ID
11710734
Incident
Dec 9, 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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