What 598 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Civic Si

Steering gear box does not return to center

NHTSA ODI 11661113

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the steering wheel seemed to be sticking, requiring the steering wheel to be manually returned to center. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11661050

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly and seemed to be sticking, requiring the steering wheel be manually returned to center after making a turn. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ODI 11660718

My steering wheel was sticking. At speeds above 45 it was much more noticeable. When I was driving in a strait line and had to move the steering slightly the steering wheel would stick. It would cause the car to pull to one side and when you adjust the wheel to in the opposite side it would do the same thing. You where driving in a straight road constantly over correcting , playing ping pong to keep your car in the lane. When I looked on the internet this seems to be a common problem. I had my car looked at a Honda dealership. They told me there was no recall. My only choice was to get it repaired. It cost me 4,546.35 to be repaired. I bought a Honda for dependability and feel they should take responsibility for this before someone gets seriously injured.

NHTSA ODI 11660530

steering sticks while trying to stay in lane, makes driving tedious and uncomfortable Honda tech test drive found that steering sticks at 38 and 48

NHTSA ODI 11659623

2018 civic ex-t has sticky steering wheel, yes it is available for inspection upon request. The sticky steering wheel which seems more severe during warmer creates severe handling problems on all roadways, especially the highway. Not sure why Honda hasn't included this year of civic in their sticky steering recall? vin# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11658519

I purchased the vehicle December 29 of 2020 and it was already stiff and difficult to drive. When driving above 20 mph the steering wheel gets stiff/ sticky and starts making clicking noises. It becomes harder to turn and remain in the lane. You have to jolt the steering wheel. There are no visible indications that there is an issue with the steering. Dealerships have conducted many multi point inspections and fail to address this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11658030

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle was still drivable; however, the contact stated that the steering wheel locked occasionally. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657196

When driving at highway speeds, a slight turn to left causes to steering wheel to get "stuck" where it takes more than normal force to get it back to center. It's hard to keep car going straight. Reported to Honda and they say there is a steering recall to some 10th Gen Civics but not mine. It's 3300 to fix and this issue has been happening since 50k miles. Plus turning steering wheel to left "clicks". This should be part of a recall and not force people to pay for an expensive repair that is a manufacturer defect. Plus it's a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11656215

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer to the left or the right. Additionally, the steering wheel failed to return to the original position as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11655757

There is an issue with my steering. There is a cranking/clicking noise and the wheel gets stuck when turning or switching lanes. There was a recall for the steering gear box but I my car wasn’t part not included but not sure why. I took it to the dealer when I first got it but they couldn’t mimic it. It’s not safe when driving if I can’t fully control the steering wheel. I took it to a mechanic who stated the issue was the gear box but was hoping I was part of the recall. No warnings just gradually sticking more and cranking more.

NHTSA ODI 11655295

This is the transcript of a conversation with NHTSA. This is a huge safety issue that should include my VIN. Honda was also contacted, and they explained that my VIN was not covered. Does anyone care that this safety issue could result in a fatality? Info: Please wait for a site operator to respond. Info: Agent 'AnnMarie' has joined the Desktop Sharing session AnnMarie: Thank you for contacting the Dept. of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline, How may I assist you? I own a 2018 Honda Civic, VIN [XXX] . It has 1 unrepaired recall showing, and that is for the fuel pump module. I have another issue with this vehicle: The steering wheel will jerk at certain points, which results in overcorrection and, in my opinion, is a huge safety issue. Honda says the steering recall does not include my VIN. I've read where it is the steering gear box. How do I get Honda to make this repair as a recall? Certain VINs are covered, but for some reason, mine is not. Please advise. AnnMarie: Recalls are VIN-specific so in order for your vehicle to be included in a recall the VIN must be selected by the manufacturer as a vehicle with the potential defective problem. AnnMarie: If you are experiencing a failure with your vehicle that relates to a recall, you may file a complaint regarding your failure and reference the recall. To do so, please call our Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you or you may submit it online by visiting the following link: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA AnnMarie: You may contact your manufacturer Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit [XXX] with your VIN to determine if there are any open recalls, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), extended warranty programs, or special campaigns or to obtain the recall, independent recalls, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), extended warranty programs, or special campaigns repair history on your INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11654692

I’m calling about my 2018 Honda Civic the steering column is experiencing sticky and stuck positions preventing the car from turning properly. There was a recall on certain models from 2016 to 2021. I believe I took it in for service and they replaced the fuel pump when my initial Complaint was the steering. I was told that it would cost me $250 for a diagnosis to determine if the steering box is at fault I would like to speak to somebody at your soonest available time because my wife refuse to drive the car and she has gotten a rental car. Phone number is [XXX] area code [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] is listed as the owner my wife. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11654484

The steering wheel is sticky and takes some effort to steer. The issue makes the vehicle dangerous to drive, as maintaining control of the vehicle is more difficult. I brought the issue to the attention of the service department at Honda of the Avenues in Jacksonville, Fl, on 5/26/2023. The response was that they could not see the problem. Now, on 4/5/2025, I again brought up the same issue. This time they say there is an issue.

NHTSA ODI 11652943

Steering wheel sticks while driving down the interstate, having to use more force to turn wheel then have to over correct. There is already a recall on this issue just not for this VIN and it needs to be included

NHTSA ODI 11652397

The steering 'sticks' especially at speeds 60mph and results in over correction to move the direction of travel back to center. This makes it very difficult to safely drive and maintain lane position especially on wet or slippery roads. Coggin Honda of St. Augustine performed an inspection of the vehicle for the issue on March 27, 2025. Here is their diagnosis and identifies the Steering Gearbox be replaced: Steering Gearbox Replacement: c/s wheel sticks with small inputs turning left or right, confirmed issue, present at higher speeds when attempting a lane change. The steering wheel is attached to the steering gearbox by the steering shaft. As the driver moves the steering wheel, the steering gearbox, through a series of linkages, steers by pushing or pulling the front wheels of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11651444

sticky/notchy steering - this issue is the same as what is widely reported and already recalled on 11th generation honda civic and acura models. very widely reported in online forums and message boards. acknowledged by dealer service departments with recommended action of replacing steering rack. usually after warmup, the steering wheel is "sticky" or "notchy' when trying to make small inputs from a center orientation or "12 o'clock" position. this results in too much movement when the steering "breaks" from the sticky/notchy condition, often resulting in necessitating an overcorrection back to center. this results in swerving on the road and causes unpredictable and erratic steering action

NHTSA ODI 11650967

component: steering rack steering sticks all all speeds including highway speeds vehicle has been inspected by a certified honda dealership they confirmed it needs a steering rack. no warnings. vehicle only has 54,000 when problem started.

NHTSA ODI 11651215

I am driving south into warmer weather and the steering is suddenly sticking while driving at highway speeds. It takes more pressure that normal to overcome the resistance and results in awkward swerving.

NHTSA ODI 11650003

At approximately 25k miles, the steering became "sticky" at all operating speeds. Extra effort was required to maneuver the vehicle or to simply keep it within the travel lane. The car was not safely operable prior to repair. A local dealership replaced the steering rack and pinion (at my cost). Issue was resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11644295

June of 23' I took my car to the dealership Honda. My steering was locking and causing the car to drift left and right. They diagnosed the car as needing a steering gearbox. It behaves in the same manner as the previous year Honda with a magnet problemThe recall states only 54 cars have this recall which seems like there may be more out there and I am one of them. It I was quoted many thousands of dollars to repair "the electronic steering gear box assembly. I have still not fixed the car. It continues to drift left and right and feels like a locking magnet catches. Honda states they will not stand behind the part and require me to pay for the fix. I believe that the defective part was not of my doing or fault and that Honds should honor the recall for this vehicle. This is not the first time I requested your help. I have paperwork I can send as I am unable to send attachments. Please let me know what you need from me and I will get it Thanks [XXX]

NHTSA ODI 11643539

The steering wheel sticks when it is at center while driving down a straight road or a slight bend and I have to push the steering wheel past the center. But I mostly experience this issue when driving down a straight road and the steering wheel is in the center position and I have to turn the steering wheel slightly to the right or left to bring the car back to the center of the lane due to car moving left or right of lane because of road crown, wind, etc. My safety is at risk when I adjust the steering wheel to the left or right of center and get resistance (sticky). When I push past the resistance the steering wheel goes further to the left or right than desired and jerks the car in that direction causing an erratic motion in the direction I'm pushing the steering wheel. The erratic motion could be a safety issue if the road conditions are not good. This could put the safety of others at risk, specifically other drivers who see the erratic movement of the vehicle and react to it. I called the Honda dealership and scheduled a service for next week. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this. This issue appeared several months ago and seemed to go away and then returned.

NHTSA ODI 11640048

I’m having a problem with my steering, the steering wheel is sticky and jerky feeling when driving, the wheel more often on highway driving will get stuck to one side causing you to have to yank and jerk it to dislodge it. I checked with a few local mechanics and do not see anything with tie rods or anything and point to the steering rack, I did some research online and saw multiple others having similar issues due to faulty steering rack magnets.

NHTSA ODI 11634132

Two components failed safety inspection: 1. replace steering wheel assembly. Steering gear is faulty. 2. Alignment- 4 wheel alignment- required with steering gear replacement. Yes, available for inspection upon request. Diagnostics ran 12/9/2024. This is a repeat problem as this occurred in 1/2023, as well. Safety concern: I am a single mom and three instances while my child was in the vehicle the car has self corrected it’s steering towards other vehicles in traffic. Yes, problem has been reproduced. Both codes received from service center 12/2/2024 and diagnostics ran by dealer 12/9/2024 (first available appointment.) Honda dealership has diagnosed (can provide documentation) and Honda Corp has been made aware of this 12/3/2024 initial contact to NHTSA & Honda Corp with suspected issue and called both 12/9/2024 with confirmation upon receipt of diagnostics. This occurred in January 2023 and the entire steering system was replaced. Upon replacement the issue has not acted up again until around 11/29/24. The replacement did not make a full two years before reoccurring failure.

NHTSA ODI 11629776

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that when purchasing the vehicle, while test-driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of an issue with the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking and jerking abnormally, and the steering wheel would self-correct. The contact reached out to the Hyundai of Wesley Chapel where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact was referred to Honda of Bay County where the entire steering system was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, after two years the failure recurred. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING) as a possible remedy for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the recent failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11628529