2023 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.

Car was driving perfectly then lights popped up on dash. AAA said battery was fine. Mechanics said it was computer issue. Brought to Honda Dartmouth they cleared communication modules then 24 hours later the car won't start.

NHTSA ID

11776378

Incident

Nov 6, 2026

Premature clutch failure. No longer available for inspection as the car has since been repaired. Safety of myself and family put at risk due to clutch failure/slippage as car was unable to hold a gear resulting in the inability to accelerate properly. Additionally, safety of others was put at risk as the failure to hold a gear resulted in car not accelerating properly potentially resulting in a rear end collision. Problem was confirmed by dealer and independent repair shop. Vehicle was inspected at a certified honda dealership and required repair. Due to the estimated cost of the repair through the dealership ($7995), car was repaired through an outside mechanic. There were no warning laps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure that first appeared on or around 9/14/2026

NHTSA ID

11774186

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

I was driving and out of nowhere steering wheel locked on me it feels really heavy basically my car suffered a complete loss of power steering due to internal mechanical gear binding matching Campaign 24V-744 [7b0d] but Honda is refusing to fix it because your VIN was left off the initial recall list

NHTSA ID

11771385

Incident

Oct 15, 2026

I am the first owner, when i start lane keep assist feature, everytime it steers the car right side, after 10 seconds when it shows the light on dash to (keep your hands on steering wheel) i have steer hard to keep in middle of lane and you have to do it 3 to 4 times to use the lane keep assist feature accurately.

NHTSA ID

11771284

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

This car had a previous safety recall for steering components "sticking", creating an unsafe driving situation. The recall was performed, however the problem still persists and the steering is still unsafe, sticking, and jerks left to right. This possesses an actual risk of motor vehicular crash, injury, or death. Regardless of how careful of a driver you are, the steering will veer unexpectedly.

NHTSA ID

11769903

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

My car displays: Auto Idle Stop System Problem. See Your Dealer

NHTSA ID

11766414

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

I have a christmas tree of lights on my dashboard, I cant use my cruise control or lane assist features. I took my car to a Honda dealership to have a diagnostic done and found that the EPB on the left rear brake was bad. I changed it out and had the computer reset to find that the car is still having issues and now I'm being told to change out the ABS wheel speed sensor that connects to the EPB. When looking online this is a commonly known issue with the 2022 and 2023 Civic sport touring and Honda is aware of this and are trying to get out of having to fix it. This is a huge concern for me because I'm currently living in [XXX] right now for work and have to park on an incline and have been told that at any point the parking brake can give out and my car can take off. This is a huge safety issue that could severely hurt someone, Honda needs to take responsibility for their poor build and fix it before someone gets seriously injured. For some of us not parking on a hill isn't an option. Please please please help us get this issue resolved and make them take responsibility of their poor design. Thank You! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764579

Incident

Jul 18, 2026

Report: Peeling white pearl paint on my Honda civic. The car is 3 years old and already on the hood peeling off. I-Car certified body shop looked at the car and immediately said factory defect upon testing. They have told me no primer for paint to adhere to... will force me to repaint entire hood and front bumper. Honda has unjustifiably denied warranty coverage even with paper work proof from that shop (breach of warranty legally) though the car is under 36k miles. Will mention this is my second Honda suffering peeling paint after new. Previous civic was a 2020 with paint peeling off mirrors, roof, and handles. Will mention my white color is listed in a lawsuit for this exact defect. Platinum white pearl paint code - 2023 Hatchback civic. Why this is a serious problem? Rust concerns. Can cause structural issues if peeling is not addressed. It is a costly issue, not to mention severely damaging to car value. Will not be buying another Honda after this one due to similar defects. Feel like Honda is not being honest to people, and are deliberately concealing a defect at this point. I personally am angry, and justifiably so. Bought this car from Allen Honda in College Station as far as where with 26k miles new and was denied help. If Honda sees this complaint my message is simple. I've had enough, and will take my money elsewhere. Going to fix this myself with a professional who has seen this before so it never happens again.

NHTSA ID

11764575

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, and/or misfire. In some cases, DTCs P0300 through P0304 may also be stored (DTCs are not required for repair).

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Service Bulletin - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire and/or DTCs P0300 thru P0304 stored.

Dealer Message - Under certain conditions, the cylinder head gasket effectiveness may be reduced which may cause vehicles to experience overheating, coolant loss, misfire, and/or DTCs P0300 through P0304 stored.

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.