RoadVitals

2021 Honda CR-V 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.
106
Latest Aug 11, 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.
33%
of 318 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.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

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 2021 Honda CR-V submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 106 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 106, in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The steering wheel has developed resistance to turning left and right. It is most noticeable when driving on highways where small steering inputs are needed to keep the vehicle within a lane. The steering wheel with stick in place requiring more effort than normal to turn in either direction. When the steering wheel does turn, there is an audible click sound. The additional force needed to rotate the steering wheel past the sticking point can cause oversteering. This makes it difficult to smoothly control the vehicle and keep it within the lane while driving. I purchased this vehicle new from a Honda dealership in the fall of 2021. The vehicle currently is at 41,000 miles, but the problem began within a year of purchase and with less than 10,000 miles. The sticking and clicking sound is not constant, making the problem difficult to diagnose. The steering system is completely original (as purchased), and it has not been in a collision that would have caused damage to the steering system.

NHTSA ID
11756148
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Aug 9, 2026

Gently used car, the steering wheel makes strange noise, sticking and clicking, not felling safe when driving. There are a lot of complaints about steering wheel problems. Why there is no recall on it, I cannot spend $5000 for fixing and is all about 2021 crvs. defected? Need to be recalled or replaced. So sad it is only 5 year old car. My 2011 honda crv lasts 11 years with no problems. Very disappointed.

NHTSA ID
11755791
Incident
Jun 1, 2025
Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2026
Crash reported2 injuries reported

Unknown. The driver reports that while the vehicle was moving at moderate speed (~35 mph), the steering wheel would not turn, resulting in the vehicle striking a pole- causing significant damage to vehicle. Airbags were deployed and occupants taken to hospital for injuries.

NHTSA ID
11755614
Incident
Aug 6, 2026
Steering
Filed Jul 24, 2026

The steering is hanging up when turning to the left. We have had it diagnosed by a mechanic and says it is dangerous and needs to be repaired. The dealer says the only cars recalled our 2022 to 25. Ours is a 2021 but having the same problems as the ones that were recalled. The parts installed in the car are the exact same ones that are in the 22 to 25. After doing research, we see that this issue goes back to 2016. Many have complained, but Honda refuses to include these in the recalls. I would like for our car to be included in the recall as well as the part is extremely expensive. We have been quoted $4000 if they can find the part.

NHTSA ID
11752733
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Steering
Filed Jul 15, 2026

Please be advise that the 2021 model year of the Honda CR-V needs to be added to NHTSA Recall # - 24V-744. I am experiencing the "notchy" steering wheel problem described however this model year is currently NOT included in the Recall. It currently only covers years 2023-25. Please consider adding the 2021 year to this recall.

NHTSA ID
11750697
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2026

The steering sticks in a gradual turn when at highway speed and will not return to neutral on its own. When this happens you must use some force to break the steering free and the vehicle swerves drastically. Dealer confirmed the steering issue today at Honda World in Louisville KY. No warning indicators are provided. This is a known issue on the 2022 year models and a recall has been issued for those vehicles.

NHTSA ID
11748601
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2026

After the vehicle is warm when turning the stirring does not want to return and sticks. Before the vehicle is warm there is a clunking sound in the steering system. My car is out of warranty but the problem started long before that. It started approximately 2 years ago.

NHTSA ID
11748479
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Steering
Filed Jun 30, 2026

After vehicle is driven, especially on highway, steering wheel binds or sticks when turning. This causes a dangerous overcorrection, and potential hazard.

NHTSA ID
11747394
Incident
May 2, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2026

I have noticed a hesitation in the steering of my 2022 Honda CR-V. I can only describe it as a knock but it's a feeling rather than a sound. It's like a "hitch" or "catch" in what should be a smooth motion. I initially though it was something temporary, maybe weather related but it's continued and I now see others reporting the same issue online. It seems this was covered in a recall of 2023 - 2025 CR-Vs but did not include 2022s. I'm concerned that it would be a safety issue if it gets worse.

NHTSA ID
11746129
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 18, 2026

Steering is sticking after the car is driven for about 20 min. No warning lights or signs are given when this happens. This is a very dangerous safety issue; causing loss of control of vehicle and sometimes causing to veer into the oncoming traffic lane. This started happening 2 months ago when turning left. Dealership service dept could not find it at that time to fix. Sticky steering got worse over the following month, and also started happening when turning right. This matches the recall of other year models: 24V-744. Dealership service dept has now confirmed with diagnosis of problem and wants $3600 to fix this manufacturer defect in the steering gear box.

NHTSA ID
11744959
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 15, 2026

The steering wheel “sticks” near center at highway speeds, then jerks when trying to make small corrections. I reported this to a Honda dealer in July 2025, who diagnosed it as “normal”. The condition gradually worsened, and I returned to the dealership today, June 15, 2026, and was told the power steering rack is failing, and needs to be replaced. Honda has recalled these beginning in the model year 2022. Our vehicle was purchased in September 2021. This has been occurring since approximately June of 2025.

NHTSA ID
11744224
Incident
Jun 1, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 15, 2026

Steering of the vehicle was impacted, especially at highway speeds. The steering was “sticky” and required extra attention and great care to avoid driving off the road at highway speeds. No warning lamps identified the issue. Took vehicle to the dealer where issue was identified as steering rack replacement was required. With this being a common issue with Honda CRV vehicles, with previous recalls, I felt it was important to file this notification.

NHTSA ID
11744210
Incident
May 20, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 13, 2026

After driving for about 10 minutes the steering begins to act differently at speeds above about 45 mph. It usually happens when steering to the left for a curve in the road and then trying to steer back to the right to come out of the curve. The steering wheel will stick and require additional effort to turn back to the right. When extra pressure is applied, the steering wheel will turn and a dull clicking sound is heard. If pressure is not applied it could cause a head-on collision. The Honda dealer duplicated the issue and said the repair was to replace the EPS gear box assembly at a cost of $4,300 just for the part. They also said it wasn't a safety issue but if it gets worse, let them know.

NHTSA ID
11743921
Incident
Apr 20, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 13, 2026

EPS steering rack locks up and causes jerking in steering wheel. This is a known recall on 2022 models but happening on older models as well. There is a clicking noise and a feeling of a stuck steering wheel. My Vehicle has less than 50k miles on it and has only been to Honda for inspections and this was missed. Dealership has even confirmed and charging a hefty repair fee. If these are not caught soon enough they will only get worse causing accidents due to locking steering wheels

NHTSA ID
11743851
Incident
May 20, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 10, 2026

The steering when turning especially to the left and more so at highway speeds(although I have noticed it just driving and at city speeds making micro adjustments while going straight) stops having a responsive feel and as I come out of turns and start to straighten the steering wheel back up it does not move and then all of sudden feels like it lets loose and moves a few degrees in the direction I am turning it aback to and then feels like it catches again. I do notice it even just moderately adjusting my line (but it does not fall or move as many degrees as when actually tuning) and once again more noticeable at highway speeds. This seems to line up with the service bulletins and recalls the later year models. I believe it is the same problem but due to the model year they would rather distance themselves from the responsibility. I have been noticing something with it for about a week before the date listed but I wanted to make sure and it has actually started showing up more and worse. I am afraid this is going to cause a major issue.

NHTSA ID
11743358
Incident
Jun 10, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 7, 2026

Steering during cruising speed (39+ mph) exhibits "sticky" or jerking steering while driving straight or minor curves. It worsened since starting to experience this in the past few weeks.

NHTSA ID
11742576
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2026

Hello, I have a 2021 Honda CR-V with 38K miles. The steering has become consistent in the way I can think to describe it as sticking then freeing up while driving. From things I’ve read, there was a recall for an issue titled “Sticky Steering,” that the description matches exactly to what I’m experiencing. This has been going on now for a few months. With just 38K on the vehicle, I wouldn’t imagine this type of behavior to be common. Could you please advise if the vehicle should be checked out and if there may be some recall that affects this vehicle? Thank you so much! Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11742295
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2026

Steering sticks in turns when driving. Steering wheel will stay/stick in this same position without any steering needed. Need to use both hands to unstick steering wheel.

NHTSA ID
11741970
Incident
Jun 24, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 1, 2026

Steering sticks. Wont re-center when turning corners. This is a safety issue for sure when it wont steer well at all. Yes. I took it to an alignment shop and the tech drove it and said he nearly hit a curb as the wheel did not re-center when turning a corner. Two independent shops checked it and both thought it was the steering gear box. It has never steered well since it was new. I thought it was just the all wheel drive or something until lately when it started to really just stick. There is a recall for this exact same problem on 2022 &2023 models. Not on the 2021s. Why? Honda even has a service bulletin telling that it is a problem #A2411 I do have an appoint to get the problem verified at a Honda dealer. They were well aware that it is also a problem on the 2022 models

NHTSA ID
11741309
Incident
Apr 15, 2021
Steering
Filed May 26, 2026

My steering wheel sticks especially in highway driving. The steering wheel feels as if it momentarily "locks" or "sticks" in the center position while driving at highway speeds. When I try to correct it, the wheel snaps free, often causing the vehicle to jerk or overcorrect. This is a big safety concern. There is a recall, but my model year of 2021 is not included in the recall. This has been an ongoing issue not just a one-time incident.

NHTSA ID
11740009
Incident
May 18, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed May 25, 2026

The steering wheel is slightly sticking while driving/steering on interstates and highways where mostly noticed, but also noticing on curved backroads. When navigating a curve the steering wheel has slightly stuck and the automatic brake light flashes on very briefly. This has happened several times now and both main drivers of the car have noticed the issue. We are reporting now out of fear that it may become a bigger issue if not addressed, that affects both steering and braking that puts occupants at risk. We are reporting this as of today, which is the most recent incident on May 25, 2026, but this has happens about 4 or 5 times in the last month. We checked to see if this was a known recall issue, but the recall only applies to 2023 - 2025 CRVs for some reason. This sounds like the exact issue/recall that our 2021 crv is having. Thank you!

NHTSA ID
11739934
Incident
May 25, 2026
Steering
Filed May 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable and became difficult to turn and felt very sticky when attempting to steer with no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID
11739598
Incident
May 22, 2026
Mileage
40,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 18, 2026

When driving, the steering wheel sticks and I have to jerk it to correct. Sometimes it overcorrects making it dangerous. I only have 47000 miles on it. It is now doing it really frequently. Was only at high speeds, now all speeds. I took it in but dealer said they couldn't duplicate it. There is a recall but only for newer models. There needs to be one for older models also.

NHTSA ID
11738477
Incident
Aug 10, 2025
Steering
Filed May 17, 2026

Steering wheel sticks at high speeds and after driving longer periods of time. Presents a danger by needing to over correct the steering to “unstick” it

NHTSA ID
11738418
Incident
May 17, 2026
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed May 12, 2026

Steering sticks/locks while driving requires excessive input. Feels like the lane departure is controlling the steering and fighting you for control. There is a recall for the same issue but our VIN is not included. Honda needs to re-evaluate to expand RECALL as this appears to apply to more than the original recalled VIN’s.

NHTSA ID
11737234
Incident
May 12, 2026

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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