2019 Honda Civic Steering Problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

NHTSA ID

11714192

Incident

Jan 23, 2026

I've noticed the steering is off and uneven.

NHTSA ID

11710734

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel felt sticky upon turning the steering wheel in either direction, and the steering wheel required excessive force to return to the center. The local dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the steering gear was previously replaced due to the same failure in 2023. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11707484

Incident

Aug 29, 2023

Mileage

101,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving around a curve and driving at high speeds, the steering wheel was pulling in the other direction that the contact was attempting to drive. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was hesitating while driving. The lane assist, lane keep assist, traction control, TPMS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11705261

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

43,000 mi

A couple of months or so ago...summertime maybe I started feeling a choppy feeling in the steering almost like lane correction was enable but it wasn't. I started seeing posting about sticky steering and that's what it feels like. It's mostly noticeable out on the highway but sometimes on 40 mph zones. I've emailed the dealer about it to see if it can be covered. Mine is a 2019 so it's not included in the recall for 2022-2024. I really hope I don't have to pay for this out of pocket.

NHTSA ID

11701937

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

While the vehicle is powered on, rapid or quick input to the steering wheel will cause sudden loss of power. The electrical system and engine will power off. I am experiencing issues with my infotainment screen and my window switches as a result of continued power loss. I am able to reproduce the problem any time I turn the steering wheel quickly. The vehicle has gone in for its state mandatory inspection at the dealer, but not for the steering. There is no warning light prior to the sudden power loss, but my car's electrical system has to re-initialize. The battery is brand new and does not show signs of low voltage while idle. The vehicle will power off while driving, reversing and in neutral.

NHTSA ID

11697994

Incident

Nov 6, 2025

I purchased a 2019 Honda Civic LX July 3rd 2025 I noticed that the steering front end didn't feel right so I brought it back they still to this day the dealership has the car I cannot drive it on the highway because the steering goes to the left goes to the right I have to keep two hands on the wheel I came close to hitting a tractor trailer cannot drive over 50 mph without it being out of control right now it's at Honda dealership and they're saying they're not sure what's wrong after seeing all the complaints I notified them that I felt that's what the problem was the steering box rack I do not feel safe or trust this car I'm trying to get the dealer to buy the car back

NHTSA ID

11674737

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11674422

Incident

Feb 1, 2025