In a shocking development, Honda has issued a recall for nearly 1.7 million vehicles across its Honda and Acura brands due to a potentially hazardous steering issue that could compromise driver safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect stems from the steering gearbox assembly, which may have been improperly manufactured, leading to “excessive internal friction” and causing “difficulty steering the vehicle.”
Affected Models: A Long List of Honda and Acura Vehicles
The recall impacts a wide range of models, particularly compact cars, as they share the same steering component. Here’s the complete list of affected models and their production years:
- Acura Integra: 2023-2025
- Acura Integra Type S: 2024-2025
- Honda Civic: 2022-2025
- Honda Civic Hatchback: 2022-2025
- Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid: 2025
- Honda Civic Hybrid: 2025
- Honda Civic Type R: 2023-2025
- Honda CR-V: 2023-2025
- Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV: 2025
- Honda CR-V Hybrid: 2023-2025
- Honda HR-V: 2023-2025
Despite the vast number of vehicles recalled, Honda suspects that only about 1 percent—roughly 17,000 vehicles—actually possess the steering fault, as reported by Automotive News.
The Defect: Sticky Steering and Dangerous Consequences
The problem originates from the steering gearbox assembly, where excessive friction between parts can result in steering becoming “sticky” or difficult to manage, especially during turns. Drivers may notice a momentary “sticky” sensation when maneuvering their vehicles. While only 1 percent of the recalled cars are expected to have the issue, Honda is taking no chances, offering to replace the worm gear spring and add additional grease to all affected vehicles at no cost to owners.
A Long Time Coming: Complaints and Crash Reports Pile Up
The steering issue is not a new revelation for Honda. The automaker received its first complaint related to the defect in September 2021. Since then, the problem has escalated, with Honda receiving a staggering 10,328 warranty claims. Furthermore, the NHTSA has recorded 13 reports of crashes linked to this defect. Among these incidents, 11 drivers reported losing control before veering off the road. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.
What Should Owners Do?
Concerned your car might be among the nearly 1.7 million vehicles affected? Honda is urging all vehicle owners to visit the NHTSA’s dedicated recall website and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine if their car needs servicing. Honda will cover the cost of repairs, and owners who have already paid for fixes related to this issue can apply for reimbursement.
As this massive recall unfolds, Honda faces the challenge of addressing safety concerns swiftly to restore consumer confidence. The automaker is under pressure to ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired efficiently and effectively.
