2026 Honda CR-V Steering Problems

The steering wheel makes a clicking and knocking noise when turning left or right at any speed. The problem occurs every time I turn the steering wheel and can also be felt when changing lanes. The steering becomes stiff and feels like it catches or binds while turning, requiring more effort to steer. The problem has been occurring repeatedly and has not gone away. I am concerned that the steering could become more difficult to control while driving and create a safety risk. 2023-2025 Honda CRV have been recalled for a similar steering problem.

NHTSA ID

11766320

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

I am requesting immediate assistance with an ongoing safety issue involving my 2026 Honda CR-V EX AWD, VIN [XXX], which I purchased in July 2025. Each time it rains, multiple warning lights come on in my vehicle. The warning message shown includes: “Electric power steering system problem. Steering assist reduced. See your dealer.” The dashboard also shows several other warning indicators, including the battery/charging, brake system, tire-pressure, and other safety-system warnings. This is extremely concerning because it affects a vehicle I rely on every day to transport my two children. I have already brought the vehicle to two Honda dealerships: Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My paperwork identifies [XXX] as the service advisor/signatory. I was told the vehicle received a multi-point inspection and battery test. Honda of [XXX], [XXX], [XXX]. My service advisor was [XXX]. Technician A88 documented stored code P065A-00, an ACG/no-charging malfunction code. The paperwork states that the battery, alternator operation, and wiring were checked, but that further diagnosis would only be needed if the problem persisted. The problem has persisted. I have been told that Honda cannot fix it until it “actually breaks down.” That is not an acceptable response when the vehicle is displaying a reduced steering-assist warning and multiple other warning lights, especially when the issue repeatedly occurs in rainy conditions. A nearly new vehicle should not have recurring electrical and safety-warning problems like this. I should not have to wait for a complete breakdown, loss of steering assist, or another dangerous failure before a meaningful repair is performed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765771

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, and significant effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. There were 2 green parallel lines illuminated on the instrument panel above the odometer with the steering wheel warning light illuminated in the far-right corner during the failure. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted but was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,750.

NHTSA ID

11765062

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Mileage

8,750 mi

While driving on a mountain road/ 2 lane highway, I experienced a sudden momentary freezing of my steering. I saw a warning flash on my dashboard and thought I saw the word "steering". I pulled over, turned my car off and then back on to "reset" the computer. I traveled a bit further, in an attempt to get to the nearest business, so I could pull over and call a tow truck, but before I could do so, I experienced the same thing a second time. I saw a warning flash on my dash again, but did not see the words. Both times it occurred, I could not steer but it unlocked quickly. When these two incidents occurred, I was within the lanes and not crossing over a painted line on the highway. Both times it occurred, I could not move my steering wheel, as if the power steering was no longer active. I had my car towed to the closest Honda Service Center, and they said they could not find a computer code and were not able to replicate it. It was transferred to the dealership and was reassessed, but they had the same conclusion. I was told that it was the "lane assist", but my lane assist setting had never been turned on since I bought the car. I tried to explain that but they insisted it was lane assist. I sent the Service Center Manager some information I found online regarding the previous reports of steering freezing up on the gas powered 2026 Honda CRVs, and he offered to "replace my rack". Today, those repairs should be done, but I am not clear if the replacement parts are the same parts and whether or not that repair will guarantee that the same problem will not occur in the future.

NHTSA ID

11764981

Incident

Sep 14, 2026

I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.

NHTSA ID

11757867

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

After having my car for a month I noticed the steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning going down a parking garage. It made this sound when turning both left and right along with suddenly making it hard to turn the wheel in certain angles. The vehicle was taken to service where I was told that it was normal to happen but would still inspect it, the steering wheel clock spring was replaced but the problem persisted. No warning lamps or messages appeared. Steering wheel every so often makes the sound.

NHTSA ID

11752282

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

The vehicle has difficulty maintaining straight tracking. The vehicle drifts noticeably at highway speeds. I have had it to the dealer twice. Once, the Service Manager did a road test with me. He stated it had tight steering but no solution.

NHTSA ID

11742655

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

While driving, car engine stutters and stops. The infotainment system went black while driving. The system is hard to steer often while turning. The trunk would not open when touching button for it to open. Took out the key fob and it also would not respond. Used the door release from dash and still would not open. Cancel the control unit then tried again and key fob worked that time. I went to dealer and it was reset, and this all happened after the reset. Car was inspected on May 6 at Ed Napleton Honda St. Peters. Miles 8766. Car purchased at 6500 miles. Recall SRS Software was performed.

NHTSA ID

11738269

Incident

May 6, 2026

In December, 2025 my brand new 2026 Honda CRV Hybrid began making a clicking noise on the steering wheel. I had the dealer work on it and they said I had a faulty cable reel and they replaced it. This past week I noticed the same clicking sound in the steering wheel. I had the dealership look at the car again today and they were not able to replicate the noise. The service advisor at the dealership said that they are getting a lot of 2026 Honda CRVs in the shop with this very issue. When my steering wheel made the clicking sound last week, my steering wheel was a little hard to turn so my concern is that my wheel will lock up, which could cause an accident.

NHTSA ID

11717111

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

My car's steering wheel started making a noise when turning at around 2,000 miles per hour, and the steering wheel became very heavy when turning. I took it to the Honda service center twice. The first time, they told me there was nothing wrong with the car. The second time, they fixed the noise, but the heavy steering problem remained. When I drive at around 25/35 mph in a 25-35 mph zone, the steering wheel becomes very heavy, and it becomes extremely heavy above 50 mph. The Honda service center can't solve the problem, but I'm very worried about the possibility of an accident.

NHTSA ID

11701855

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

I've owned my car less than 4 months and it's acted up twice! I turn on the car and it refused to move. A steering wheel icon with an exclamation point displays on the dash. It just remains idle and it will NOT drive. It's a brand new 2026 and it's November 2025. It's extremely frustrating.

NHTSA ID

11700903

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

Steering wheel experienced electrical loss on highway. electrical assisted steering wheel.

NHTSA ID

11693852

Incident

Oct 15, 2025