Home · 2016 Honda Civic Type R · Complaints

What 1,061 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Honda Civic Type R

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,061)Crash / fire / injury (43)Steering (428)Electrical system (117)Engine (94)Brakes (93)Visibility & wipers (67)Body & structure (48)Transmission & drivetrain (36)Lights (30)Fuel system (29)Airbags (28)

428 of 1,061 complaints match · Steering · clear filters · page 7 of 18

Jun 10, 2024Steering

Steering feels sticky when driving on highways. It required some force to move it slightly.

NHTSA ODI 11593345

Jun 7, 2024Steering

After driving for about 15-20 mins and driving at highway speeds, the steering becomes "sticky" to the point that gentle force meets resistance and more force has to be applied for correction. There is resistance to the wheel that has to be overcome. Standard steering controls. The advanced driving assisted steering is NOT an option on this model. The wheel resists the gentle input at first and greater force has to be issued until enough pressure is exerted and then an over correction happens. This overcorrection has lead to "lane drift" and then has to be corrected AGAIN...and with same sequence....gentle input with locked response then greater force....this has to be done quickly to avoid collision in heavy fast moving traffic which is ALL I drive in. I bought the car certified used 3 years ago while this issue was present but this is a KNOWN issue by you. NO warning lamps.

NHTSA ODI 11593166

Jun 6, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact research and learned that it was a known issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592854

Jun 4, 2024Steering

Steering becomes “sticky” when ambient temperature is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit or after driving from 30 minutes. Small adjustments in steering can not be done because steering sticks in position and causes more force to move it. This causes an over adjustment and swerving to keep the car in the lane.

NHTSA ODI 11592514

May 31, 2024Steering

While going down the highway the wheel will stick you have to push it to put back in line with the road. Kinda like sticky steering.

NHTSA ODI 11591793

May 29, 2024Steering

The steering becomes sticky or stuck in position at higher speeds causing me to have to jerk the wheel back and forth to keep the car in the lane. It's very unsafe at highway speeds.

NHTSA ODI 11591185

May 29, 2024SteeringElectrical system

Car suffers from sticky steering like the other newer civics and it is a very scary issue. My car does not drive straight and as it is getting hotter in Louisiana my car is acting up more. I am constantly swerving to keep it straight. Almost hit car in another lane and I have to fight against the wheel to make it stay straight. There are no warning lights. I have regular maintenance done. It also tried to turn another way when I go from a slow to fast speed, making merging or turning into an interstate feel dangerous. Honda dealership checked it and found “no issues” they just did an alignment and said that was it. Well the sticky steering still exists and is getting worse. Please make a recall I do not feel safe.

NHTSA ODI 11591368

May 29, 2024Steering

“Sticky steering” The steering wheel will “stick” while driving causing the driver to over compensate to “unstick” it. I have owned the vehicle since new from dealer and it has always been a problem to some degree. In the beginning it would happen very sporadically maybe 1 or 2 times a year for very short periods. The longer it has gone the worse it has gotten and is now to the point of happening every time it is driven. It will starting pulling slightly in one direction and then when you jerk it to pull it back it wants to pull in the other direction. It’s a constant fight to keep it on the road and I have had many close calls so much that I am not comfortable driving it and took it to the Honda dealership for diagnosis. They came back stating that the steering gearbox had an internal fault and needed to be replaced. Honda is aware of the issue with this make and model but is not willing to correct the it. This, needs to be addressed as it is truly a safety hazard not only for the driver of the vehicle but also other drivers on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11591394

May 25, 2024Steering

Sticky and jerky steering at all speeds requiring overcorrection left or right from center and left at about 10 o'clock. No warning lights on dashboard. Dealer confirmed symptoms and replaced steering rack assembly part #53650-TBC-A22.

NHTSA ODI 11590709

May 17, 2024Steering

The steering wheel, when turning either left or right, even slightly, gets stuck almost feels like it locks and when steering to opposite side, you need to tug/jerk the steering wheel to get it unstuck. When you jerk the wheel to get it unstuck, the car wants to veer sharply in the the direction being pulled. There were several close calls evading striking a car in the lane next to my car due to the veering trying to unstick the steering wheel. This locking happens in all modes of driving - straight, fast, slow, and on curves. It does not appear at speeds under 25 mph. The sensation of losing total control of the steering is overwhelming especially when traveling on the highway at highway speeds. The sensation of losing total control is enhanced when in a curve. There is also the sensation of potential total loss of the steering. My first car was purchased in 1968 and over the years I have learned to take notice of potential dangerous conditions in vehicles. I am not a happy camper with the steering on this vehicle. The internet gossip is that it is a known issue. I do not want to wind up injured or causing injury to others because of a manufacturers defect.

NHTSA ODI 11589337

May 14, 2024Steering

Driving down the road while at higher speeds the steering wheel sticks in one spot for minor adjustments. This can cause over corrections on the drivers part and may cause a wreck involving other vehicles. It has been documented on many forums online, about others having problems with the steering with the 2016 Honda civics. This is no exception.

NHTSA ODI 11588654

May 13, 2024Steering

The steering becomes sticky after driving for about 15 minutes or so and seems to occur more on warmer days (above 70F). this occurs both at highway speeds and also at lower speeds. For example when making a slight turn to the left or right the wheel will stick at that position and you will need to force the wheel to go back to center. This can cause you to over steer and end up out of your lane. Additionally at highway speeds making the steering whell will get stuck when making slight adjustments to keep the car in its lane. forcing the wheel each time causes you to ping pong within your lane and sometimes veer out of your lane. This is very dangerous and also makes it look like you are distracted or drunk driving. Issue was confirmed by a honda dealer and indicated that the entire rack needed to be replaced. No warning lights or codes stored for the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11588405

May 7, 2024Steering

My civic (2016) is having the same 'sticking steering wheel' issue as the later year cars that are currently being recalled. This is well documented in the Honda civic forums and YouTube videos. This can lead to a very serious accident as the car can be uncontrollable. The steering wheel 'sticks' then to get it unstuck you have to apply more pressure to 'unstick' the steering wheel which results in the car swerving in the lane, it is very dangerous...

NHTSA ODI 11587385

Apr 30, 2024SteeringWheels

My steering wheel is very sticky. Doesn't happen until I've been driving at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes. It's also worse when it's warmer. My steering wheel is so sticky to the left to the point where I don't feel safe and feel like I could fly off the curves if don't drive under the speed limit (ie feel need to drive 60mph around bends on a 70mph highway).

NHTSA ODI 11586000

Apr 29, 2024Steering

-Steering seems to stick after long periods of highway driving, yes the car is available for inspection. -Need to overcorrect and at high speeds this could be dangerous. -No, I have taken it in to Honda for service and they cannot reproduce. I don't think they are driving it enough, I only notice it when driving for long distances. -No -No warnings

NHTSA ODI 11585863

Apr 18, 2024Steering

steering is sticking causing over correction when occurs. Most noticeable at highway speeds. Has been happening last 10,000 miles or 8 months.

NHTSA ODI 11583932

Apr 14, 2024Steering

I have noticed my steering wheel sticking consistently for the past year or so. I mostly notice this when driving on the highway at higher speeds. It requires a forceful tug in the right direction, which causes the car to jerk slightly.

NHTSA ODI 11582851

Apr 14, 2024Steering

When driving at high speeds on straight roads, the steering wheel “catches” or feels sticky when it hits the middle and makes it hard to keep the car straight and requires extra effort to turn it further. This can be quite dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11582859

Mar 7, 2024Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and was sticking while turning in direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more noticeable while driving at highway speeds, and caused the vehicle to drift to either side, causing the driver to make additional adjustments to keep the vehicle driving straight. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11575980

Feb 25, 2024Steering

Power steering locks up a bit after driving for 20-30 mins. The steering is notchy and hard to turn the wheels. Dealership said the power steering assembly needs replacement which is cover for 2017 and later. Not 2016. Even it’s the same generation and same symptoms. This is a safety issue and 2016 year model should be recalled as well.

NHTSA ODI 11573841

Feb 10, 2024Steering

Steering wheel stocks after about 20 miles of highway driving. Very hard to maintain lane. Major safety issue. Purchased for teen driver now I’m scared to death to let her drive. No warning lights. Lots of complaints on line. This is a major safety concern and should be investigated and a recall for repair. This is unfair to consumers

NHTSA ODI 11571224

Feb 4, 2024Steering

When driving at highway speeds, the power steering seems to stick when the wheel has not been turned for a few seconds (as in driving on a straight away). When minor corrections are needed, the steering wheel sticks, which results in a slight over correction. The conditions under which this happens is: warm air temperature, driving time over 15 minutes, and driving at highway speed.

NHTSA ODI 11569734

Feb 4, 2024Steering

When driving freeway speeds, steering is very loose and difficult to control. When driving more than 30 minutes or more, the steering locks up and have to give it a jerk to gain control of steering. Mileage on 2016 Honda Civic is 58272 as of inspection by Honda on 1/17/24. Honda verified issue is Steering Rack which thousands of 2016 Honda Civic owners are reporting same issue. Original issue began in 2019 and reported to Honda at that time. Please review complaint. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11569805

Dec 2, 2023Steering

My steering wheel sticks when the engine has been warmed up, requiring extra force to begin turning it. This can make small adjustments on the road difficult, and means I have to overcorrect all the time and have trouble staying in my lane. It happens after driving ~20 minutes on warm days (above 70 degrees). The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic, and I was told the only solution is replacing the entire steering rack. No warning lights have come on. This is NOT an isolated incident-- it happens every time the vehicle is driven for 20+ minutes on a warm day, and gets worse the longer it's driven.

NHTSA ODI 11558108

Nov 17, 2023Steering

As others have stated, steering becomes very sticky at highway speeds, especially on sweeping curves. When trying to straighten car back out, the steering sticks and requires extra pressure to get the steering wheel to turn. Once it comes free it causes the car to veer in the other direction. It is at times very difficult to put minor corrections into the steering to maintain the car in my lane. Honda dealer says it is the “torque sensor magnet” sticking and would require a steering rack replacement in the neighborhood of $4000. I have been back and forth with Honda corporate and they have denied any extended warranty or customer good will on this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11555573

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Working with the data? Download all 1,061 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Honda Civic Type R verdict →