2022 Honda Civic

On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ quick test drives.  The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear of these vehicles is aided by an electrical power assist unit. This power assist unit inputs force on the steering rack via a worm gear and worm wheel assembly. During PE23005, Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this power assist unit. First, during manufacturing, the steering worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes cause internal stress and strain within the steering worm  wheel. This strain is slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain causes deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This catching results in the driver’s momentary increased steering effort. Second, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and, therefore, some subject vehicles received insufficient grease which contributed to the momentary increase in steering effort. During EA23003, ODI further analyzed the potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase in steering effort. NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) duplicated the allegations of increased steering effort. In addition, VRTC discovered the steering worm wheel and worm gear tended to push grease out of the meshing area, resulting in large amounts of grease resting on top of the worm wheel. Information Request responses collected and reviewed by ODI showed Honda had also discovered this additional root cause during NHTSA’s EA. In addition, Honda discovered the preload of the worm wheel gear spring was set too high, increasing the gear slide load and resulting in higher friction and increased torque fluctuation when steering. The number of consumer complaints made to ODI continued to increase with the expansion of scope from the PE to the EA. Additionally, during EA23003, ODI received ten complaints alleging a crash, in addition to the 13 complaints ODI had received as of the time it opened EA23003. In total, 23 crashes have been reported to ODI due to this alleged defect. On October 3, 2024, Honda filed NHTSA Recall No. 24V-744 to address this defect. The recall will provide consumers with a new steering worm wheel gear spring with a decreased load. Additionally, dealerships will add additional grease and relocate any grease sitting on top of the worm wheel back into the meshing area. The scope of this recall includes all Honda vehicles that were manufactured with this specific improperly produced steering worm wheel and spring. In view of the recall action being taken by Honda, ODI is closing EA23003. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On March 17, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-005) to access the alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic vehicles. The complaints report that the momentary increase in steering effort (described as "sticky steering") occurs mostly at highway speeds after driving for a certain amount of time. The reports have been received over the past 2 years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear contains a unit that includes a worm gear and a worm wheel. Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this unit. During manufacturing, the worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes caused internal stress and strain within the worm wheel. This strain was slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain caused the deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This results in the consumer’s momentary increased in steering effort. Also, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and therefore, some vehicles within the scope received too little grease which contributes to the momentary increase in steering effort. Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition occurs early in the vehicle’s life primarily in winter months. Additionally, the subject vehicles need to be driven in a straight line for a period of time, possibly until the vehicle is warmed up, to recreate the condition. The condition does not illuminate a malfunction indicator light (MIL). Some complaints allege Honda dealerships are unable to recreate the condition or state this is a normal vehicle operation. However, Honda released Service Bulletin 23-037 in July of 2023 which accurately describes the condition. To address this issue, Honda directs dealerships to remove the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox and replace with a new gearbox.  Further, Honda stated that the worst case steering effort from all warranty returned parts tested was 2.4 pounds. ODI complaint traffic remains steady. ODI has received 13 crashes to date, 11 of which allege roadway departure due to not being able to overcome the momentary increased steering effort prior to their vehicle leaving the roadway. The remaining 2 incidents claim overcorrection of the steering wheel. PE23-005 has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA23-003) to further assess the scope, frequency and potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase of steering effort.  Further the scope has been expanded to include assessment of the Acura Integra and Honda CR-V models. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

My 2022 Honda Civic has developed an intermittent sticky steering condition. The steering wheel becomes difficult to turn around the center position and requires additional force before it moves normally again. This occurs during normal driving and makes it difficult to maintain smooth and predictable control of the vehicle. I am concerned that this could increase the risk of losing control, especially if an emergency steering correction is needed. In addition, I hear a knocking/tapping noise coming from the front of the vehicle whenever I turn the steering wheel at low speeds. The vehicle has never been involved in any accident, collision, or steering-related damage. There are no warning lights displayed. The problem developed during normal use and has become repeatable. The vehicle has not yet been diagnosed by a Honda dealership, but based on the symptoms and numerous similar owner reports involving 2022 Honda Civics, I believe this may be related to a defect in the steering system. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this is a potential safety issue and request that NHTSA investigate.

NHTSA ID

11755669

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

My EPS Gearbox failed and resulted in swelling of the worm wheel when heated. This led to a steering rack assembly failure. All parts can be inspected upon request. At any point, I could've lost control of the steering of my vehicle and hurt myself or others. Honda inspected my vehicle. This problem has been confirmed to me by my Honda dealership. I started having my wheel "stick" or increase resistance to steering in April of 2026 and had it inspected in June 2026. I've been denied any warranty from Honda. According to Honda, the "EPS Gearbox" was repaired in November 2024. That's only 15 months from the day the incident was noticed by me in April of 2026. I strongly believe the car was assembled incorrectly by Honda and that I am entitled to the safety recall of the parts on my vehicle. No service this far has been completed on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11749169

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

Hello I have a complaint about my clear coat coming off in certain areas. The hood of my car has water spots that will not come off and the passenger side has what looks like rock damage all up and down the side which is actually my clear coat coming off. This car is not that old and this should not be happening. I am at 37 thousand 800 miles and have to drive around in an otherwise perfect condition car. I take good care of my cars and I am very unhappy this is happening. I should not have to repair for any of this to be fixed as this is not my fault. I would appreciate any info on how Honda can make this issue better or resolved.

NHTSA ID

11745748

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently experienced increased steering effort, described as sticky steering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: PE23005 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,100.

NHTSA ID

11742740

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

5,100 mi

Ever since I purchased my brand new vehicle in 2021, I have had a recurring issue where the cruise control will randomly turn off, with no warnings or alerts showing on the dash, and will not allow the cruise to be set again until I have either turned off the vehicle or my speed has decreased down into the single digits. The vehicle has been seen multiple times by the local Honda dealership with no success on getting this issue to stop. The dealership has been able to reproduce the issue and has said it was due to a software update but even after updating the software, the issue persists. I am asking for this issue to be escalated as I use this vehicle to commute 90 miles to work each day and almost every other day, I get the same issue with the cruise control turning off during my drive. There is not a set location that it turns off at. There is not a certain amount of miles it will turn off at. It is always random. Weather is not a factor either. I am extremely upset that I continue to have this issue and the issue has yet to be resolved 5 years later. Please let me know what options I have.

NHTSA ID

11741457

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2022 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while turning in either direction the steering wheel had experienced jerking and sticking. The vehcile was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously inspected per the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000(STEERING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11740543

Incident

May 1, 2025

Mileage

23,000 mi

Steering wheel makes clicking noise and becomes difficult when making small adjustments . After holding the steering wheel steady for a few seconds, there is increased resistance when trying to turn from the center position. Once the resistance is overcome, the steering suddenly moves more than expected, which can cause overcorrection. In addition, there is a clicking, light ticking, or binding sound when turning the steering wheel.down

NHTSA ID

11735226

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

Sunroof glass suddenly shattered while driving with no impact. Very scary and Honda said it could be thousands to fix it. They say this has never happened before at their dealership and they've never heard of it happening.

NHTSA ID

11734619

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

Service Bulletin - There is a dull creaking, rubbing, popping, or clicking noise coming from the front of the vehicle while turning at low speeds potentially due to the bump stop contacting the top of the front damper body.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent warning lights on the MID (Multi-Information Display) such as brake system problems, LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) lights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect certain parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent warning lights on the MID (Multi-Information Display) such as brake system problems, LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) lights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect certain parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent warning lights on the MID (Multi-Information Display) such as brake system problems, LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) lights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect certain parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2022-2023 Civic LXs, Sports, EXs, EX-Ls or Tourings equipped with an automatic transmission with a customer complaint of DTCs C1110-13 (Left-Rear Electric Parking Brake Actuator Circuit Open) & C1100-94 (Electric Parking Brake Actuator Malfunction) stored. Customer may also notice intermittent or persistent warning lights on the MID (Multi-Information Display) such as brake system problems, LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System), and ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) lights. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect certain parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2023-2025 Accords, 2022-2025 Civics & Odysseys with a customer complaint of a detached or loose rearview mirror bracket/slug from the windshield. Failure between the mount spring and bracket will not be accepted. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.