2020 HONDA CR-V Steering Problems

When driving at highway speeds, the steering is sticky and can get locked into a certain position. It can be overcome with moderate effort, but will become dangerous to drive if it gets worse. There are no warning lamps or messages related to this issue. I have taken it to the dealer and they refused to accept manufacturer responsibility for this. I took it to a trusted local independent mechanic who confirmed the issue and estimated it would cost roughly $4K to replace the rack and address the issue. Note that this issue has been identified by many other 2020 CRV owners, and the same issue has prompted a recall on 2023-24 Honda CRV models.

The steering wheel is sticking when returning to center when slightly turning left at high way speeds 65mph. There is a recall for this same issue on newer models.

After 4 4/2 years and 26,500 miles the steering became (slightly sticky ) It would take extra pressure to move the steering wheel. It also make clicking and creaking sound while turning at lower speeds 10 MPH or less. The dealer said the entire steering rack needed replacement due to some part that could not be replaced. The the was fine until the steering just started getting tight.

Sticky steering wheel issue like the recent recall on newer Hondas. This 2020 has about 50k and has recently been flashing the EPS / Steering Wheel light when it occurs. After slowing down the vehicle "behaves" normal

Although this 2020 Honda CR-V vehicle is not covered by the “sticky steering” recall we are experiencing the same symptoms reported by owners of newer model cars included in the recall. Our dealer says the only fix is to replace the entire steering box at a cost of $3,000. In addition the timeline to get and fix the problem is unknown because the part is on nationwide back order. The car has 60k miles on it. We have just had new tires and breaks installed, a front end alignment and all linkages checked. The problem unfortunately persists. Clearly there is a problem with the steering on this vehicle. We haven’t yet experienced an accident but the car pulls to the left at high speed and takes considerable force to get it corrected. The vehicle could easily veer into traffic in the other or oncoming lane on its own. The ability to recover in time to avoid an accident is questionable. I am unsure if other owners have reported similar problems with this model and year but I believe this is something the agency should be looking into and discussing with the manufacturer. Given the part is on nationwide back order is a clear indicator of a systemic problem

-Sticky steering with clicking noise and a tight pull -Steering failure would cause an accident -Problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer; stating rack & pinion replacement -6/2025 -Reported October 2024

When driving at highway speeds, steering feels like it is stuck in particular position. Especially while navigating a slight left turn. Needing to use additional force to bring the steering back to center

The steering is binding up when turning and there is a clicking noise. I notice this a low speeds. Local mechanic inspected all suspension and drive train parts and said everything looked ok. He did not check the steering. I see this recall for later year models: The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle. Will Honda extend this recall to cover 2020 CRVs as it seems to be the same problem. This seems to be a known defect and should be covered. I look forward to your reply. Thank you

My 2020 CR-V has developed a problem with the steering. When turning the steering wheel even slightly, the force to turn it increases and there is a clicking sound. The dealership confirmed the steering rack and gearbox need to be replaced. There is a recall for Honda's 2022 and 2023 CR-Vs for this same issue, but there are reports of the this issue going all the way back to the 2017 model. My car only has 50,000 miles. This is a known issue that can affect safety and Honda should extend their recall to include older models with the same steering problem.

Back in April 2025 my 2020 Honda CRV started having an issue with the steering where it would get stuck or it felt like a grab while driving, this happened while driving around 35 mph and on the interstate going around 78 mph, it felt like it could've made me over correct but it went back to "somewhat normal". It happened several times then took it to dealer, they were able to reconstruct the problem. Ended up that I had to put $3300.00 into replacing the steering rack assembly. NO recalls on the 2020 but there are on the newer models.

Sticking steering wheel.Steering wheel sticks causing me to jerk wheel when turning curve.Yes, I took to Honda dealer and they ran test confirming problem. They said I need steering gearbox replaced. No warning lights occurred. About May 2024. It has gotten so bad now that I am afraid to drive it over 10 miles.

The steering started having a sticky/pulling problem on 5/22/25. When driving and taking a left curved road at 30 mph, the steering tries to pull me back to the right. This can be felt in the steering wheel and another person confirmed this same issued that I described. I checked online and found that some 2020 Honda CRVs are on a recall for an issue with the worm gear expanding causing this same problem. My VIN doesn't show up on the recall list. I purchased the car new on 4/25/20 and have kept up on all maintenance, including fluid changes.

Subject: Recurring Steering Issue in Honda CR-V – Potential Inclusion in Recall In early 2023, we began experiencing a steering issue with our Honda CR-V. The steering would intermittently feel sticky or resistant, particularly at higher speeds and when navigating curves or corners. Over time, this issue was accompanied by a clicking noise. We took the vehicle to our local Honda dealership; however, they were unable to replicate the problem at that time. As the issue progressed, the vehicle became increasingly unsafe to drive. Eventually, the dealership acknowledged the problem and replaced the power steering rack under the manufacturer’s warranty. Approximately 18 months later, the same symptoms have reappeared: sticky steering at higher speeds, clicking noises, and an overall unsafe steering feel. Once again, the dealership has been unable to replicate the issue and has advised us to return when the problem becomes more consistent, which is concerning and unsafe. Upon researching, we discovered that Honda issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign#: 24V744000) affecting 1.7 million vehicles, including certain 2023–2025 CR-V models, due to a steering gearbox defect that can cause excessive internal friction and difficulty steering . While our vehicle’s model year is not currently included in this recall, the symptoms we are experiencing seem similar to those described. Request: We urge the NHTSA to investigate whether earlier model years of the Honda CR-V may also be affected by this steering defect. The recurrence of this issue, despite previous repairs, raises significant safety concerns. We believe our vehicle may warrant inclusion in the existing recall or prompt a separate investigation into similar steering-related safety issues in earlier CR-V models. Or at minimum help us resolve this continuous issue as we feel unsafe to drive our vehicle.

Sticky steering wheel - the steering sticks making it difficult to keep the vehicle driving straight. Vehicle has been taken to a local Honda dealership and we we're told the gearbox needs to be replaced and it would cost $5,000 to repair but there is currently a recall on the same vehicle 2 years and older with the same issue.

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making slight right turns, the steering wheel was sticking and required to be manually steered to the center. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had progressively gotten worse, requiring the driver to use more physical force to turn the steering wheel to the center. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the ABS module and the rack and pinion; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Mileage: 29,000

A warning on the dash that read, "All Wheel System Drive Problem," came up several times during the past few days on my 2020 Honda CRV with only 70,000 miles. It came without any prior warning and power was diverted from all four wheels to just the front wheels. It posed a safety risk because it came so suddenly, but I was able to drive carefully to the dealership. There is a Service Bulletin with Honda with the NHTSA (#23-031) located at [XXX]. This is a known problem with both Honda and the NHTSA, yet there is no active recall. The dealership charged $1260 to have this repaired, even though it's a drivetrain issue and not a common maintenance item. I would like the NHTSA to request a recall with Honda so that I can be reimbursed for this. I have attached a copy of the invoice that Honda provided for the services rendered. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

After warming up, the vehicle’s steering becomes a bit tight, and there's a spot where it feels sticky. At higher speeds, when I need to make slight adjustments to the steering, I notice this stickiness, which forces me to overcorrect momentarily. I'm concerned that if I have to overcorrect too much to compensate for the sticky steering, it could lead to a dangerous situation, especially on the highway.

LAST 2 MONTHS THE STEERING WHEEL IS LIKE CATCHING ON SOMETHING. IT'S BEST DESCRIBED AS A STICKY STEERING. IT'S A HARD TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT LINE SPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY. CAR HAS 60K MILES. WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEELS YOU CAN HERE AND FEEL CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING RACK.

Steering wheel sticks while changing lanes making lane changes difficult, especially at highway speeds. Honda dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty EPS Gearbox that requires replacement. Vehicle has 29,951 miles.

It all begins with sticky steering wheel and got worse. Took to the dealership they first diagnosed as "transmission mount". After working on the car they said "Power Steering Rack" needs replacing. I am the single owner of this vehicle with only 28000 miles and just over 3 years of ownership. I am stunned at the cost of this repair (not covered by Honda) and the fact that this part may not be available for a long while according to dealership and it is unsafe to drive the vehicle. This is for sure a defective vehicle to lose a power steering rack at 28K miles and just over 3 years. Thank you!

I’m not 100% sure but it seems like something to do with the power steering . When turning the steering wheel sometimes it feels stuck in place and needs a little force to free it . If making a turn you can let go and it will maintain the turn. I have tried it with lane assist on and off and it doesn’t seem to make a difference . Sometimes it drives normal without sticking. I’m taking it back to the dealer where it was purchased to have the service center see if they can pin point it. No warning lights or codes are on.

While travelling home from Champaign, IL on [XXX] towards Springfield, IL, we had been on the road for approximately an hour, when there was a loud metallic bang & I lost all steering control. The CR-V violently jerked to the right and exited the interstate at approximately 70mph (I was on cruise control), travelled down an embankment hitting several trees and came to a stop in trees on the edge of a farm pond. All airbags deployed, and per the Tow company, the engine and transaxles departed the vehicle and were found a short distance in front of the vehicle. The car stayed upright and continued straight after departing the roadway. what component failed & is it available for inspection - steering, exact component unknown. unknown if available for inspection, vehicle released to state farm 1/29 how was safety put at risk - caused severe crash with serious injuries. total loss of control could have been fatal if traffic was heavier has the problem reproduced - no has the vehicle been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance etc - unknown, vehicle was released to state farm 1/29 were there any warning lamps or symptoms? - no INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and coming to a stop, the steering wheel became loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was 17,000.

Mileage: 17,000

The steering is sticking intermittently durning slight right turns. it takes a little effort to straighten out the wheel in those instances. This happens in only right hand maneuvers. unfounded by the dealer.

I PURCHASE A HONDA CR-V 2020 ON FEBRUARY 3 2020 TWO MONTH LATER I STARTED TO HEAR A CLICKING AND CLOCKING NOISE WHILE STEERING AND DRIVING ALONG ALSO ON BUMPS IT WAS TAKEN TO THE SHOP ON APRIL 22 2020 TO CURRY HONDA ON APRIL 23 2020 I RECEIVED A CALLED FROM CURRY THAT IT WAS THE FRONT SIDE AXLE THEY REPAIRED THE AXLE AND THE NOISE OCCURRED. CURRY HONDA CHECK SWAYBARLINK AND REMOVE THEM AND THE NOISE STILL OCCURRED THEN CURRY HONDA SAID IT WAS THE STRUCK ASSEMBLY AND THEY SAID THEY REINSTALLED THE STRUCK AND THE NOISE STILL HAPPENED CURRY HONDA THEN ADVISE ME THEY HAVE TO CONTACT TECH LINE TO SEE IF A ENGINEER CAN COME TO LOOK AT VEHICLE THE ENGINEER FOUND IT WAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION MOUNT ON MAY 5 2020 I PICK UP MY HONDA CR-V STAYING THE VEHICLE WAS FIX ON MAY 9 2020 THE NOISE OCCURRED AGAIN I RETURNED THE VEHICLE AGAIN ON MAY 11 2020 [XXX] SERVICE MANAGER HAD MASTER TECH TEST DRIVE MY 2020 HONDA CR-V TO VERIFY THE NOISE THE TECHNICIAN DROVE AROUND THE PARKING LOT CAME BACK IN VERIFIED THE NOISE [XXX] SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY NEED TO GET THE HONDA FILLED ENGINEER BACK TO CURRY TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE SO ON MAY 14 2020 DROP MY CAR OFF FOR THE SAME NOISE CAR WAS THERE UNTIL MAY 20 2020 STATED IN WAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION MOUNT THAT WAS REPLACED ON MAY 21 2020 I STARTED TO HEAR THE SAME NOISE SLIGHTLY WHEN STEERING AND HITTING BUMPS NOW I'M WAITING ON HONDA CORPORATION TO DO WITH THIS MATTER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

SOON BEFORE DRIVING MY NEW VEHICLE, IN A PRELIMINARY INSPECTION, I FOUND EXTENSIVE RUSTING AROUND THE EXHAUST PIPES AND SYSTEM. THE MECHANIC FROM THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT WAS NORMAL. JUST BEFORE DRIVING, THE MILLAGE SCREEN READ AS 000019. THE DEALER TOLD US THIS IS 0.019 OF A MILE. SOON AFTER I DROVE MY CAR OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP, I EXPERIENCED 4 EPISODES OF CAR BECOMING UNSTABLE, FLIPPING FROM ONE SIDE OF ROAD TO THE OTHER. THIS OCCURRED OVER A 23 MILES OF DRIVING IN HIGH WAY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. THEY DISMISSED IT AS NORMAL. AT ARRIVAL, AFTER DRIVING 23 MILES, THE MILEAGE SCREEN READ 42 MILES. THE DEALER THEN ADMITTED THE INITIAL READ WAS IN FACT 19 MILES NOT 0.019 MILE.

Mileage: 19