Honda is hitting the brakes on nearly 1.7 million vehicles due to potential steering problems, which could increase the risk of crashes. The recall, announced recently, affects some of the automaker’s most popular models, including the 2022 to 2025 Honda Civic and 2023 to 2025 Honda CR-V.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was notified about these issues, which could lead to excessive internal friction when steering. This manufacturing flaw stems from the steering gearbox assembly, possibly causing the steering wheel to become unusually difficult to turn. Drivers have reported feeling abnormal noises and experiencing what many described as “sticky” steering.
The specific models included are the Honda Civic—as well as its hatchback and hybrid variations—the Honda CR-V, and the Acura Integra from model years 2023 to 2025, among others. Overall, the recall encompasses all vehicles from model years 2022 to 2025 featuring the faulty steering gearbox assembly.
This issue has been concerning for both the company and consumers. Before this recall, Honda had acknowledged complaints over persisting steering problems dating back to September 2021, when they began to receive reports from drivers. Following these initial notifications, the NHTSA launched an official investigation by March 2023, prompted by over 100 complaints from Civic owners, mostly detailing difficulties with steering at highway speeds.
According to Honda’s statements, the manufacturing issue causes the gearbox's worm wheel to swell when exposed to heat and moisture. This swelling reduces the effectiveness of the grease film between the worm gear and wheel, making the steering feel tougher with increased friction. The preload on the spring associated with the worm gear was also found to be incorrectly set, contributing to steering difficulties.
The good news? Honda has already devised a solution. The automaker will repair the affected vehicles at no charge to owners. Authorized dealers will replace the problematic worm gear spring and apply or redistribute grease as needed to alleviate the friction issues. Honda aims to inform vehicle owners about the details of the recall, including scheduled repairs, with notification letters arriving by November 18, 2024.
There have been no reports of injuries or crashes related to this defect so far, which provides some relief to those impacted. Vehicle owners can check if their car is affected by using Honda or Acura's recall tool or can reach out to their local dealerships for more information.
Honda's recall is one of several rolling out across the auto industry, highlighting the importance of vehicle safety and manufacturer accountability. Just earlier this month, Tesla announced recalls for over 27,000 Cybertruck vehicles due to rear-view camera image delays, which could similarly lead to crash risks. This trend emphasizes the need for constant vigilance and quick response from manufacturers when it involves the safety of their vehicles on the road.
At the end of the day, it is reassuring to know manufacturers are willing to act swiftly when safety issues arise—though it leaves many vehicle owners wondering just how comprehensive their vehicle manufacturer’s quality control really is. Will you be one of the thousands to receive notification of this recall? Keep your eyes on your mailbox and on the road!
