2018 Honda CR-V Steering Problems

The steering wheel sticks then breaks free with a jerk. It usually shows up at highway speed. When trying to make a small lane corrections, extra force is required and often causes overcorrection. A ticking or clunking noise also occurs when the wheel sticks or releases. I contacted a dealer and they knew of the problem but said my vehicle wasn't part of the recall. I don't understand why my vehicle can have a known problem and not be covered. I've read of people with this problem having the steering wheel lock completely and running into things. Right now I don't even feel safe driving the car to a dealer for repair.

NHTSA ID

11776425

Incident

Nov 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was sticking in mid turn. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced due to the power steering failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the battery failure persised. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

NHTSA ID

11773270

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Mileage

73,000 mi

At approximately 57,200 miles, the electronic power steering (EPS) rack assembly failed due to internal mechanical binding. When straightening out from turns, the steering wheel sticks in place and requires deliberate manual force to unbind, creating an overcorrection and lane-departure safety hazard. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership technician on Repair Order #51151, who verified the internal binding and recommended full replacement of the EPS rack assembly (Part #53620-TLD-A03). No dashboard warning lamps illuminated before or during the failure.

NHTSA ID

11772713

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

My CRV has been having issues with the steering wheel "sticking" and making a clicking noise when turning. I have had it looked at multiple times and Honda dealerships claim they aren't "feeling" or "hearing" what I am. It's concerning when driving at high speeds on the highway with a steering wheel that is sticking during turns.

NHTSA ID

11772467

Incident

Jun 25, 2025

•Symptom Description: While driving straight at highway speeds (typically between 50 and 70 mph), the steering wheel temporarily locks or catches in a central "notch." When making routine micro-corrections to stay centered in the lane, the wheel physically resists. •The "Catch" Release: To overcome this resistance, I must apply deliberate physical force to "break the wheel free." Once it breaks loose, the sudden loss of resistance causes the vehicle to jerk slightly, making it difficult to maintain a smooth, safe line of travel. •Systems Eliminated: This issue persists regardless of whether the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) or Road Departure Mitigation (MDS/RDM) are turned on or off. This is a physical, mechanical resistance in the steering column or gearbox, not an electronic driver-assist intervention. •Diagnostic Note: Because this is a mechanical friction/binding issue within the steering components, it does not trigger a dashboard warning light (MIL) or store an electronic diagnostic trouble code (DTC). A standard computer scan will show no faults. These micro adjustments make it difficult to stay centered in the driving lane, putting myself and others at risk of injury. Aggravation and frustration grow the longer the car is driven. The car was inspected at a local Honda dealer and it was suggested that the rack and pinion steering mechanism be replaced at a cost of $5,625.31. I further enquired to Honda Corporate Goodwill Assistance for help repairing this problem (case #16673404) and was told that there would be no financial reimbursement available. The car is drivable but I will not be taking it on any long drives (over an hour) due to this condition.

NHTSA ID

11772062

Incident

May 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel while driving the vehicle and the vehicle failed to drive in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the EPS steering rack needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11770083

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

Mileage

62,000 mi

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) rack failed internally, causing heavy, sticky, and stiff steering accompanied by noise during turns, particularly when making small corrections at freeway speeds. The defect directly put safety at risk by impairing steering control, leading the inspecting authorized Honda dealership technician (Tech #3129) to officially document that the vehicle is "not safe to drive". Both the vehicle and the failing EPS assembly remain unrepaired. The issue was apparent after 4 wheel alignment performed by the dealership on 9/28/2026. ​The steering issue was fully reproduced and confirmed during a test drive and diagnostic procedure by the Honda dealership service department. No dashboard warning lights or error messages appeared prior to or during the failure; the symptoms were entirely physical.

NHTSA ID

11769187

Incident

Sep 29, 2026

Steering wheel sticks when turning causing over correction and safety issues. Other years have a recall-2018 does not. First reported in 2025 at 70,000 miles which is not a reasonable amount of time for a major part like that to break or malfunction

NHTSA ID

11768728

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

When going around a curving road at 50 mph the steering wheel becomes sticky and the response is notchy and jumpy.

NHTSA ID

11767548

Incident

Sep 28, 2026

The steering has been “sticking” for the last six-nine months. I finally took it into Firestone for a check up and they indicated the rack and pinion steering had gone bad and would need to be replaced, but because it was an electronic component could only be replaced by Honda. I have read numerous online reports about 2018 Honda CRV owners that have had problems with the rack and pinion steering and although there has been a recall for 2018 CRV‘s for steering issues, my VIN/vehicle does not appear to be included. My car has 46000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11767522

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Vehicle •Year: 2018 •Make: Honda •Model: CR-V Touring AWD •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage when failure occurred: 125,934 miles •Date repaired: XXX Component: Steering / power steering / steering rack I own a 2018 Honda CR-V Touring AWD with 125,934 miles. The vehicle developed a sticky, jerky, popping steering condition when turning, and the steering rack/gearbox required replacement. On September 10, 2026, the steering rack was replaced. The repair invoice identifies the part as Honda Rack Assembly, Power Steering (EPS), part number 53620-TLA-A13. The steering rack alone cost $3,895.99, and the total repair cost was $5,046.20 including labor, tie rods, hazardous materials and tax. I contacted Honda regarding the steering problem because Honda previously recalled certain 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles for a steering gearbox problem under NHTSA recall 18V-663. Honda refused my recall claim and subsequently refused my request for goodwill assistance. I am submitting this complaint because I believe a complete electronic power-steering rack/gearbox failure at 125,934 miles is a significant safety concern and should be documented. I am also concerned about whether other 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles may experience similar steering-rack failures. The vehicle was repaired and is currently operating with the replacement steering rack. The invoice attached is in our son’s name because we are in the process of giving him the vehicle and if there is an issue with the repair he could take the car back to the repair vendor. We do have the replaced part if that is of any help to you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766437

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and turning right, the steering wheel was sticking. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and stated that the cost of the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with steering gearbox failure. The independent mechanic associated the failure with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11765020

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Mileage

52,000 mi

Steering sticking in the mid position on highway speeds

NHTSA ID

11763986

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Sticky steering especially at highway speeds and when air temp in hot. Stickiness is now apparent at slower speeds in hot wx. Current Recall is only for 2023-2025. This CRV is 2018. Problem has been apparent for over a year. Local dealer could not replicate issue on two occasions when car was in Honda dealership.

NHTSA ID

11762210

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

Honda 2018 crv with approx 56,000 miles began to have a sticky steering issue. It feels like it causes the car to wander in the driving lane, especially at highway speeds. Making the driver constantly correct the vehicle to keep a strait line. But in reality it seems to over-correct the steering which makes it feel impossible keep a strait line while driving. The steering is not smooth during the minor adjustment. It feels like there is a lack of lubrication somewhere in the linkage. The steering wheel actually makes a creaking, or clicking noise when turned slowly. After searching into the issue, I see it a common complaint among owners of the same vehicle. All complaints appear to have the same symptoms with the sticky, rough feel of the steering wheel. Turning corners seems very normal. Highway driving, or straight roads, with the steering wheel at the center positon, doesnt hold the vehicle straight causing sticky corrections. Living in the midwest, the issue isnt as noticeable in the winter months. But in warmer weather it is very prevalent. This vehicle has never been in an accident.

NHTSA ID

11762098

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

This car has the same Steering Rack sticking problem for this Model and year that there is a recall for but the VIN for this car is not included in the recall. The problem has been confirmed by a Honda dealer. They want me to pay close to $5,000 to repair it. They told me to reach out to HNTSA. Hoping you can correct this. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11759231

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EPS steering defect. I contacted Honda Customer Service regarding this issue, but Honda denied assistance because there is currently no recall associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting 2018 Honda CR-V vehicles. I want to report this as a potential safety defect and Honda should rectify with their own cost. This is similar to hundreds of other complaints.

NHTSA ID

11757564

Incident

Aug 1, 2026

I am writing to report a severe, premature safety defect in the steering system of my 2018 Honda CR-V.While attempting to turn the vehicle,I noticed an audible grinding sound accompanied by a distinct feeling of "stickiness" and resistance in the steering wheel. Despite being a low-mileage vehicle with approximately 54,412 miles,the vehicle's steering has experienced a significant mechanical failure.Two independent, certified mechanics have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the steering column assembly has failed internally and requires a complete replacement.Both mechanics stated that the mileage was too low for this kind of issue.There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure, nor have any began occurring.The vehicle was last inspected in April of 2026 by the Honda dealership and passed.The failed steering column causes unpredictable mechanical binding, grinding, and a sticky sensation while turning.This creates a severe safety hazard as the steering wheel catches and requires increased physical effort to steer safely, significantly increasing the imminent risk of a collision or loss of vehicle control.The failure occurred under normal driving conditions without any prior collision or external damage.I have official diagnostic reports from two separate repair facilities confirming this diagnosis.There is currently a very limited existing steering recall for this generation (NHTSA Campaign 18V663000),but my VIN is excluded despite exhibiting identical hazardous symptoms.I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this widespread steering column/gearbox failure trend in 2018 Honda CR-Vs to force an expanded safety recall before a catastrophic accident occurs.I contacted Honda's official recall department to report this defect.The representative documented the issue but stated there was nothing further they could do.When I asked if the case could be reviewed for a potential recall, I was told there is no formal process.

NHTSA ID

11757131

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

The steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V intermittently sticks around the center position. When making small steering corrections, the steering wheel does not move smoothly and requires additional force to move past the center position. This creates difficulty making precise steering corrections and is a safety concern, particularly at highway speeds. I am concerned about a potential steering gearbox/EPS steering defect. I contacted Honda Customer Service regarding this issue, but Honda denied assistance because there is currently no recall associated with my VIN. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-related defect affecting 2018 Honda CR-V vehicles. I want to report this as a potential safety defect and honda should rectify with their own cost.

NHTSA ID

11756141

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

Vehicle steering wheel would eventually seize up, then snap out while driving on all types of roads, causing the whole car to jerk left or right. Happens at all speeds on any road type Upon inspection from Schofield Honda in Wichita KS, they determined that it was the electronic power steering module that failed and needed to be replaced. A $4,949.31 bill for parts and labor. This vehicle just hit 51,000 miles so not new necessarily, but for something to make the vehicle inoperable while driving... There were no warning lamps, message, anything at all and progressivly got worse the more it was driven over the span of a month

NHTSA ID

11753959

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

There is an ongoing problem with the electric power steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V that has begun malfunctioning. The steering sticks near the center position and requires additional force before it releases. When it releases, the steering changes from tight to loose, making it easy to overcorrect. It sometimes feels as though gears are catching inside the steering system. There is also a clicking or cracking sound when the steering wheel is turned, along with occasional creaking during slow turns, such as when leaving a driveway. The condition makes it difficult to make small steering corrections and could cause the vehicle to leave its lane or become difficult to control. The symptoms have become more noticeable and create a safety concern during normal driving. An independent mechanic scanned the vehicle with a diagnostic scanner and reported a fault involving the electric power-steering system. The exact diagnostic code is unavailable. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Honda, and the failed component has not yet been replaced. The vehicle and steering components remain available for inspection upon request. No power-steering warning lamp was observed before the symptoms began. Honda previously issued NHTSA Campaign 18V-663 and Service Bulletin 18-103 involving steering-gearbox failure in certain 2017–2018 CR-V vehicles. My vehicle is not included in that recall despite exhibiting similar steering symptoms. Other 2018 CR-V owners outside the recall population have reported sticking, clicking, and confirmed steering-rack or steering-gearbox failures. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall population should be expanded.

NHTSA ID

11752162

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

1. Steering, yes 2. Momentary hesitation to steer, until sudden release 3. No couldn’t reproduce 4. No have appt July 27,2026 with Honda service dept 5. Tire pressure light came on afterwards

NHTSA ID

11752118

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

While driving straight and then attempting to make a Lane Change or take an Off Ramp or On Ramp the Steering would require extra effort to make the vehicle do what was needed. The Assist Features were OFF at the time. I took the vehicle into Jim White Honda, Maumee, OH and what they found was in line with the 2017, 2018 Honda CRV recall for "STICKY STEERING". They informed me that my VIN was not included in the recall even though it demonstrated the same problem and the procedure to repair the vehicle was the exact procedure in the recall. How can the Recall exclude certain VIN numbers when the exhibit the same issue as the recall?

NHTSA ID

11751584

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

The steering wheel is jerking or sticking and now it is making a clicking noise when slightly going left or coming back from the left. After reading on line there is a lot of the same problem going on with others. It ended up the Steering Gearbox and from your site 5 out of 5 things has been recalled with this type of Honda CRV #5 was a recall for the steering. It said consumers were not notified.

NHTSA ID

11751208

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, attempting to come around a curve on the right side she could feel hesitation in the steering wheel and the vehicle began to maneuver in the opposite No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed the electrical steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention that the failure has occurred on several different occasions The contact was relating to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING), however the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 66,102.

NHTSA ID

11751080

Incident

Jul 15, 2019

Mileage

66,102 mi