2021 HONDA CR-V Steering Problems

I own a 2021 Honda CR-V with approximately 47,011 miles. I’ve noticed that when I hold the steering wheel perfectly straight, the vehicle pulls slightly to the right. This happens on flat, level roads and is most noticeable at speeds over 45 mph, especially on highways. At higher speeds, the drifting becomes more pronounced, and the car feels unstable. It seems like the vehicle is fighting against my steering input, which raises a serious safety concern, especially during long highway drives or in emergency situations. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership, and they diagnosed a failing steering rack, which they say needs to be replaced. The repair estimate is $4,478. This seems unreasonable for a vehicle with under 50,000 miles and no accident history or modifications. The steering rack is a critical safety component, and its failure at this mileage suggests a potential defect. I am filing this complaint to report the issue and urge NHTSA to investigate whether this is an isolated case or part of a wider problem. If others are experiencing the same failure, I believe a safety recall may be warranted. I also request that Honda be required to assist affected customers.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Mileage: 42,000

On highway driving steering wheel seems to stick

Sticky steering/stiffness in steering. Steering sticks in place and then when forced the car jerks quickly to either side. This has put my family and others at risk as it is hard to control the steering and causes sudden movements from side to side. No warning lamps or messages appear on the dash. The Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the vehicle has an internal failure to steering rack and will require replacement. Replacement cost is $4,204.17. The vehicle is one year out of warranty. The large Honda steering recall is for model years 2022 and newer. Honda would not cover this repair under the current recall and will only do so if the recall is extended. I called American Honda to see if they would offer any goodwill and after their internal review they decided against any goodwill unless the recall is expanded as the vehicle is out of warranty. This is our first and last Honda. We will share our experience with our friends and neighbors - Honda seems to not understand what customer service means but they do know how to lose current and future customers.

Sticky steering, clicking on turning and needed to hold on tight while driving. Changing lanes on highway felt unsafe like the car would lose control. Car was recently at Honda for a recall on passenger seat sensor for the airbags. During the repair, a tire bulge was noticed and Honda dealer recommended we get that tire replaced ASAP. (Manager at LEA HONDA said not necessary to replace all 4 on AWD. ?.? ) Shortly after, the steering problem began whether or not related. We had our reliable private mechanic replace the other 3 tires and found the steering gear box defective and had to replace it and quite an expense. We kept the old one. There have been recalls on the steering gear box and this should be added. 2021 SHOULD be on the recall with the others.

The power steering rack failed making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The problem steadily grew worse over several months and was verified by a dealer service center. Clearly, faulty steering is a safety risk and one that Honda is aware of, having previously recalled 1.7 million vehicles similar to mine. The dealer merely changed out the power steering rack rather than actually investigating to determine the specific problem (i.e. opening the power steering gear box). The following is a synopsis of my complaint: 1) Honda produced a defective part which clearly impacted the safety and performance of my vehicle after only 53,000 miles. 2) Honda refused to acknowledge the defect in this particular vehicle despite recalling 1.7 million others. 3) Honda advised that if the defect is acknowledged in the future, only vehicles repaired by a Honda dealership may be eligible for compensation. 4) Honda technicians, upon performing the necessary repair did NOT investigate whether the problem was caused specifically by the same gearbox issue that warranted recalling the other vehicles. The faulty power steering rack was not inspected by anyone. It is currently in my possession. There were no warning lamps or messages. There was difficulty steering the vehicle. There was a "sticking" sensation in the steering wheel which grew worse and eventually kept the vehicle from being able to be steered smoothly at speed.

Dear National Recall Team, I am writing to report a recurring and potentially hazardous issue with my vehicle that has not yet been addressed through a recall. Since July 2024, I have experienced a problem with the steering wheel intermittently getting stuck, accompanied by a rattling noise from the left side of the vehicle. During a routine oil change, I asked the service technician to inspect the issue, but I was told everything appeared normal. Despite this, the problem has continued. I followed up with several phone calls but was consistently told that no issues could be found. I brought the vehicle back in again on Friday, where they replaced the brake fluid, yet once again reported no findings. Unfortunately, the steering issue and rattling noise persist, and I am increasingly concerned for my safety while operating the vehicle. When I contacted customer service, I was informed that only vehicles from model years 2022–2024 are currently covered under a recall for steering-related problems. As my vehicle does not fall within that range, I was told I do not qualify for assistance — despite experiencing similar symptoms. I respectfully request that this issue be investigated further, as it appears to pose a serious safety risk. I am happy to provide additional documentation or bring the vehicle in for inspection if needed. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, there was an abnormal popping sound, with an abnormal tug of the steering wheel in the same direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the electric power steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,753.

Mileage: 32,753

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Mileage: 17,000

The Power Steering Rack/Gearbox has been determined to be faulty and needs to be replaced. It will keep getting harder to steer. The dealership said that another had recently been replaced. There has not been any inspection by Honda, only the dealership who diagnosed the issue. There has been a recall of later models by Honda. October 9, 2024 — TORRANCE, Calif. Approximately 1.7 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. affected by a defective part in steering gearbox Issue can cause increased steering effort and difficulty that can increase risk of a crash or injury Free repair of steering gearboxes will be completed at authorized Honda and Acura dealerships American Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.7 million 2022-2025 Acura and Honda vehicles in the U.S. for a free repair of a defective part in the steering gearbox that could result in an increased risk of a crash or injury. 2023-2025 Honda CR-V. It seems unreasonable that a model 4 years old and less than 63,000 miles will need $3,450 repair for a safety issue related to steering the vehicle. It occurs at all speeds. The steering problem appears to be very similar to the issue related to the 2023 models.

Steering sticks and will not return to center without correction. I am told there is a recall for 2022 models for this same issue.

During wet conditions or after a car wash, the steering get stuck and requires force to free it up. Usually resulting in overcorrecting and erratic steering. I believe there is a recall for the same issue on CRV models but not in my year range.

When parallel parking, steering became extremely heavy making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This was followed by heavier-than-normal steering when driving at speeds ranging from 25-45 mph.

Steering sticks intermittently. Recall for same issue and make of vehicle from 2022 forward to 2025. My car is a 2021 model

The steering is sticky and makes a grinding noise as it is turned to its neutral position. Notice more during a right turn. But overall steering is not smooth.

The steering wheel sticks.

The steering wheel sticks when beginning to turn it. Occurs at all speeds and seems to be more prevalent at warmer temperatures.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver observed that the steering wheel stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that that power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

The steering wheel sticks during turns causing the wheel to jerk back into place afterwards. There were no warning lights to alert of this issue. The dealership says that the entire power steering system needs to be replaced and quoted me $3500. I bought the car 6 months ago with 27000 miles on it. I have now learned that this issue is common on the CRV and that newer models have been recalled. I'm hoping that the 2021 can be added to the recall.

The steering wheel was sticking when steering to the left then back to center, almost like it was catching on something. Took to the dealer and they replaced the electric rack due to the steering issue.

Steering sticking at highway speed

Sticky steering wheel. It catches when beginning to turn(i.e. when changing lanes or turning corners). Right now, it doesn't keep me from continuing to turn, but issue is getting worse in terms of frequency of occurrence. It occurs every time I take the car out. Currently, the car has less than 14,000 miles on it. Problem has not been examined nor confirmed by dealer. There have been no warning lamps, messages, or other symtoms prior to problem occurring.

When turning (any direction and any speed) the steering wheel will get stuck requiring more effort to turn the vehicle. It was initially intermittent but has recently become more frequent. After searching online this appears to be a common issue with newer Hondas.

Excess friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Sticky steering wheel. Happens when temperatures get above 75 degrees. Feels like the steering wheel might not turn.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was informed that the repair of the vehicle would be an out-of-pocket expense. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Mileage: 18,000

The steering sticks really bad when going around a curve or turning. It has been doing it for months, but it keeps getting worse.

I have noticed an issue with the steering wheel in my vehicle. It feels sticky and does not turn as smoothly as it once did. Specifically, it sticks at certain intervals when steering at highway speeds, such as when making long right or left turns. Additionally, when making sharper/ slower turns, like when turning into a parking space, I hear cracking or popping sounds coming from the steering wheel as I turn.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the seat belt and the steering wheel were deteriorated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that it was normal wear and tear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Mileage: 33,000

I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2021 Honda CR-V EX. For approximately a year and a half, I have experienced a persistent issue with the steering system that has progressively worsened. Specifically, my vehicle exhibits a “sticky” steering sensation, making it difficult to smoothly turn or change lanes. This issue occurs most prominently when I first start driving and persists whenever I make turns to either the left or right. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall for steering problems in certain models, but my vehicle has not been included in the recall. Given the severity of the issue and the potential safety risks involved, I am extremely concerned. This problem affects my ability to control the vehicle properly, and I fear it could lead to an accident if it continues to deteriorate. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further, as multiple owners of the 2021 Honda CR-V have reported similar complaints. If necessary, I am willing to provide additional details or documentation regarding my vehicle’s condition. Please advise on the next steps I should take to ensure this issue is properly addressed. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Steering is sticky at highway speeds. Momentary inability to turn steering wheel while driving.

Last September my lane assistance caused me to hydroplane and spin out of control. My airbag was deployed and I was injured. I was on the outside left lane, the roads were a little wet from a past rain event, I felt the car run over a slick spot and its wasn't until my lane assist beeped and turned my wheel and I instantly began spinning, I hit a concrete wall. Prior to this I experienced my lane assist feeling sticky or like it drives to autosteer itself too much. I expressed this to my insurance and they said I couldnt prove it and did nothing about it. 2 weeks ago, my car braked to a complete stop because someone was on the sidewalk to the left and I was almost rear ended. Last week, the car infront of me swerved to avoid a 2x4 in the road and I tried to do the same but my lane assist beeped and took control and forced me to run it over now I am going through another insurance claim because my electrical system is broken now due to the new damage.

February 5, the car infront of me swerved to avoid a 2x4 in the road and I tried to do the same but my lane assist beeped and took control and forced me to run it over now I am going through another insurance claim because my electrical system is broken now due to the new damage. Since my last accident, even my passengers can feel when the car resists my steering and when I try to correct it by turning the steering wheel slightly more, it just lets go and causes me to have to correct the over maneuver. I drive 60+ miles a day and I feel my car resist my steering too often, I do not feel comfortable. I purposely since my last accident don't even have my lane features turned on and it still over corrects.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and she was steering to make a lane change the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that it was taking more effort than normal to turn the steering wheel and it was also jerking as she turned. The contact stated that the failure occurred when she was turning either right or left. The contact stated that the failure was happening at any speed and that the failure was recurring. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

Mileage: 27,000

While driving vehicle at highway speeds, steering wheel feels sticky at center position. It feels unsafe while driving. The problem is not noticeable at low speeds or city driving. My vehicle has 50,000 miles and just started noticing this issue. I drove it to the Honda dealer (Rick Case Honda In Weston Fl) to report the issue, but they notified me that there is no recalls for 2021 Honda CR-V sticky steering issues. Any help will be appreciated. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gearbox was defective and was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was informed that half of the repair cost or the full repair cost would be covered if the part was placed under recall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the recall, but the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

Sticky steering on 2021 Honda CRV. Very unsafe issue Honda and Honda has not recalled 2021 models.

Steering clicking when turning while driving. Intermittent stiffness occurs while driving at various speed causing the driver to over correcting them increasing risk of accidents. Local auto shop recommends replacement of steering gear rack and pinion assembly.

My vehicle (2021 Honda CRV EX-L, 47,000 miles) is currently out of factory warranty. However, issue with the steering rack has caused issues with sound and sticky steering. This is a known issue with this specific model. Honda diagnosed an issue with my vehicle as being power steering rack being faulty. A manufacture defect they added. This was after replacing a axle they suspected turned out it was not the issue. They will not honor a full replacement of this faulty part. At the moment after going back and worth, they are agreeing to take care of half the repair amount which we feel is unacceptable knowing that this issue is a manufacture defect. We are aware of a current investigation with the NHTSA that's looking into this matter but we wanted to reach out and ask if Honda should be liable for the cost of the repairs regardless of the warranty expired. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN : Steering wheel feels sticky or stuck when driving around slight turns. The wheel will jerk once it is made to go straight. Dealership couldn’t find any issues but did feel it when driven.

My car began making a popping noise when I would make a slight left turn and began to straighten back out. It would also have a slight tug on the steering wheel when the popping noise would happen. It started out random and got worse and more frequent as time went on. I do feel like it was a safety concern because of the tug in the steering. I took my car to the dealership and they confirmed that it was the power steering rack and that they had had some problems with the manufacturer they were using and that the new manufacturer they were using had the part on back order. They just called me two weeks ago and replaced it on August 22nd. Since it has been replaced the steering issue and noise has not occurred again. The vehicle did not ever give me any warning indicators.

COMPONENT IS THE POWER STEERING RACK. THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO STEER AND SEEMED TO STICK WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE STEERING FAILS TO RESPONE AS EXPECTED WHEN YOU ARE TURNING THE WHEEL. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND WHEN I CONTACTED HONDA THEY VERIFIED THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY OTHER MESSAGES FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHEN THE MANUFACTURE WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY A REPLACEMENT PART DUE TO BACKORDER THE DEALER PROCURED THE PART FROM ANOTHER DEALER. AFTER THIS PART WAS INSTALLED I EXPERIANCE A GROULING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND QUICKLY EXPERIANCED THE SAME STICKING WHILE TURNING THE WHEEL. THE DEALER IS STILL WAITING FOR ANOTHER REPLACEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURE.

The car has the sticky steering issue that has already been reported by numerous owners of Honda Civic and CRV. The dealer said the unit needs to be replaced and the car is not safe to drive. There are no parts available and the car has been at the dealership for two months. If it involves a manufacture defect, why has there been no recall by Honda.

While driving at highway speeds my steering wheel gets stuck to one side requiring manual assistance to move it back to center after turning.

When turning the vehicle to the left, the electronic system freezes the steering requiring a substantial "jerk" of the wheel to come out of the turn. Obviously, having to overcorrect the steering has bad potential outcomes. The Honda dealer described it as a failed electronic steering unit. There were no warnings. The vehicle has 50,000 miles. Parts are on back order and we have no idea when it will be repaired. The local Honda dealer that has the car is Fred Anderson Honda, 330 Woodruff Rd, Greenville, SC 29607 864-565-7535

Experiencing freezing/sticking of the steering wheel during driving at both slow and fast speeds. After inspection by a Honda dealer, the problem was able to be reproduced was determined that the vehicle requires a new steering gearbox. There were no warning lamps or messages that appeared to indicate this issue.

2021 CRV EX experiences sticking when steering. Vehicle was purchased used as Honda Certified and problem noted at 13,800 miles of usage. When driving at approximately 40-45 mph, the steering wheel requires additional effort to return to center position, especially noticable when turning left. There is also a noticable clicking sensation and sound coincidental to this anomaly. There are no apparent error codes and LKAS is enabled. I have not yet taken the vehicle to Honda Service

The steering wheel began sticking some time ago. It seemed to come and go, so I didn't pay a lot of attention to it. It mostly would stick when I steered to the left and then back to the right. It would stick coming out of a curve or after it had been driven straight for a while. Mostly it's left to right. I took it to the dealer yesterday and was told that the steering rack at a cost of $3600.00. Unfortunately, the car is no longer under warranty. Additionally, the part is on national back order and may not even be received until November. This feels like a dangerous issue and in my opinion, there should be a recall.

When I am driving sometimes I feel the steering wheel “sticks” and I have to apply more pressure to “break” the lock in order to steer it. I have noticed it at highway speeds and even on some curves which I believe makes it easier to accidentally over correct. It has the potential of creating an accident if on a curved road where one has to apply more pressure to break the steering wheel and accidentally over correct which could cause the vehicle to stray into an adjacent lane or barrier. The problem has not yet been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I believe the vehicle needs to be driven for a while and at highway speeds in order to recreate it. No other entity has inspected the vehicle in relation to this issue. No warning lamps, or messages were shown prior to this issue.

Steering feels sticky and temporary requires extra force to get the wheel to turn

The steering is sticking. It takes effort to correct the steering. There is also a clicking sound when the wheel sticks. This can make steering the car more difficult.

The steering sticks and there is an increase in the steering effort. Part No. 53620-TLA-A30 was diagnosed by the dealer to need replacement. The dealer informed me that this part is out of inventory in the entire Honda organization and there is no date as to when this part will become available. Since this is my only vehicle I am currently driving a car with a known safety issue and no expectation as to when it can be repaired. I also have a copy your ODI Resume Investigation EA23003 which describes the exact same problem on other Honda CRVs and indicates that there are reported crashes and injuries.

Steering sticks momentarily when turning the steering wheel. This could be a potentially fatal problem. I just called the dealership, and there are no recalls although the problem has been widely reported online. No warning lights.

The steering is sticking when turning left and not returning to center. It makes an audible clicking when it happens. It does not happen with right turns, is not speed related, and is intermittent. Seems to happen more frequently after the car has been driven for awhile or when the weather is warmer as it’s been happening for over a year.

Steering is very noisy Hard to drive Lane departure comes on And makes car drive out of lane of traffic Then brake assist kicks in And stands me on my head I have taken to dealership They can’t get the car to do it They tell me turn off all the features and drive it I feel very unsafe in it I want the problems fixed Or I will call my attorney

Sticky steering while driving.

The steering wheel will "lock up" and need to be pushed in order to gain full control of the vehicle. This happens most often in turns where the steering wheel will not respond to normal pressure and require excessive force to be used to straighten move the wheel back and forth.

2021 Honda CR-V EX. When making a slight steering correction, the steering wheel and car will make a slight jerking motion. This will happen when turning in either direction. The result is I am constantly steering and trying to drive a straight line - and can't -. Very disturbing. The auto only has approx. 10,000 miles. The problem only started at about 9,000 miles. The DEALER has NOT inspected the unit as of today. There is no warning or indicator - it happens constantly when driving at any speed. ( you can also feel the jerky motion when setting still and slightly putting pressure on the steering wheel.)

UNKNOWN. While driving on the highway at 60MPH for 30+ minutes, the steering wheel began to stick when making small adjustments to stay in the lane or when driving through curves. It was over 80 degrees outside during both instances of this happening. No warning lights were on, lane assist was OFF, cruise control was ON. The possibility of over-correcting into the opposite lane or off the road is high, especially in inclement weather with less traction. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The dealership is attempting to reproduce the issue.

When driving on highways at speeds greater than 45 to 50 miles per hour when I turn the steering wheel, I have to apply greater than normal pressure to get it to turn back straight forward. This has just started over the past couple of weeks and is getting worse each time I drive it. I am getting afraid to drive the car as I am concerned it will cause me to wreck if I can't get it to turn back straight or if I have to jerk it back too hard and over correct.

Steering sticks/EPS failing. While driving, steering wheel randomly has excessive resistance & then frees up. While at hide speeds on the interstate, it causes over correction & near accidents on several occasions. NUMEROUS repost of this on various forums & recalls on other models with EXACT SAME system, but my VIN Isn’t included!!?

Loss of power steering when stationary and turning the steering wheel.

My steering wheel jerks me back when I try to turn right and other times it will stick when I turn right and I have to jerk the wheel back straight. It is also jerky when traveling straight down the highway - just worse when turning right. After taking it to a mechanic, he found nothing. I took it to the dealership and was told I have to replace the entire steering system. I see there have been LOTS of reports of this and there is now a lawsuit against Honda. I have an open case with Honda and am trying to get them to pay for the repair. They can't give me any reason for the "failure". My car is almost 2 years old!

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND EXCEEDING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHOOK ABNORMALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE TO THE RIGHT AND TO THE LEFT WITH AN ABNORMAL FRICTION SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA SANTA MONICA (1301 SANTA MONICA BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90404, (310) 961-3998) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150.

Mileage: 150