What 253 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Honda Civic Hatchback

my new car with 3k miles has the steering lock while going straight at 40MPH plus . it must be over powered which at that time will dart left or right. this just started and has gotten worse in one week and my wife will no longer drive our new car

NHTSA ODI 11568143

intermittent issue, but steering becomes sticky;maintaining car in between lanes can become difficult and overcorrection becomes frequent. stickiness can occur at highway or city speeds. Took car for routine maintenance to dealer and they confirmed problem with steering gear.

NHTSA ODI 11568219

Starting at roughly 10,000 - 11,000 miles, while going 45+, and after driving for 10+ minutes, the steering has seemed to become sticky and no longer has a smooth operation. It almost seems like it gets jerky/slightly stuck for a split second each time you start to move the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11568246

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds the vehicle had experienced a sticky steering wheel and would not immediately respond when turning in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568034

The problem I am experiencing is with the steering on my 2023 Civic. I have seen it referred to online as "sticky steering". Basically, the steering wheel/system initially resists attempts to turn the wheel from its present position. Once this initial resistance is overcome, required turning effort is smooth until the turn or correction is complete. Then the steering seems to take another set and the initial resistance must be overcome again. I first noticed this problem in late October or early November 2023 when the car was about 4 months old. I subsequently received a recall notice from Honda for a potential steering rack assembly issue that I thought might be causing the problem. I brought the car in to the local Honda dealership for the recall, but found that the recall issue was not causing the "Sticky Steering" (See Attachment). Instead, my Civic was experiencing a different problem common with 2022 - 2023 Civics and already known to Honda. However, there does not appear to be a recall on this "sticky steering" issue. The local dealership ordered a replacement steering gear box to fix the issue (see attachment). The replacement gear box was due in by December 31, 2023. Recently, I contacted the dealership and found out that the replacement gear box was delayed until February 28, 2024. In my opinion, this is not acceptable for an issue that could result in an accident if extra precaution is not taken while operating the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11567874

This vehicle currently has 10100 miles on it. I noticed that at highway speeds, the steering wheel is sticky/stiff while going straight and requires extra effort to keep the car straight. The steering is not smooth like it should be.

NHTSA ODI 11567415

My vehicle's electronic steering system sticks while driving. I am unable to maintain control of the vehicle while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11567225

Steering wheel sticks in position. More apparent on highway when trying to make minor steering corrections. Sometimes taking significant force to free the wheel from its stuck position.

NHTSA ODI 11567329

My 2023 civic steering wheel seems to stick when I'm driving. If the wheel is kept straight for a second it "sticks" and requires a good bit of force to become "unstuck". When driving at highway speeds getting it unstuck usually causes it to jerk and in turn overcorrect constantly. There are no warning lights and I currently have an appointment to take it to the dealer for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11567382

The steering wheel of my 23 Honda Civic EX sticks. It feel like teeth in the steering wheel. At lower speeds it's very simple to do a slight turn of the steering wheel and feel it "click". At higher rates of speed, the steering wheel sticks and I can literally take my hand off the steering wheel and the car will continue its turn as the steering wheel looks into place. This has caused me to fight the steering wheel and not veer into another lane or oncoming traffic. No lights illuminate and trying to get to the dealership to have it looked at. This has been an ongoing issue but more prominent today than it has been. Research online shows Honda knows about it but isn't fixing the problem and my VIN isn't in the range of steering columns they are fixing for other issues.

NHTSA ODI 11566617

This steering wheel is having a “sticky steering” problem. The wheel tends to get ‘stuck’, and the steering wheel needs more adjustment to correct the issue, however, another overcorrection is needed to compensate the initial steer, which increases the likelihood of an accident. I have not had an accident, but I have had 2 close calls with other vehicles on the highway. I will cite the most recent one below. The dealership has reproduced my issue and is planning on implementing a fix. I have provided the dealership Service Bulletin 23-037. No warning lights/lamps illuminate whatsoever. According to the car, this is treated as ‘normal’ behavior.

NHTSA ODI 11566208

At approximately 15,000 miles we started noticing steering issues. We've had the steering wheel lock up on the highway. I was attempting to make a minute correction to stay in my lane and was unable to move to the steering wheel. I had to grab the wheel with both hands and jerk forcefully to free the wheel up. Most of the time the steering issue is more subtle. Varies between momentary locking to momentary steering lash. The dealer stated no service bulletins or recalls affecting my VIN. No vehicle warning lights associated with the steering issue. I have not yet had the dealer test drive it. I feel the issue is too subtle most of the time for someone who had not been driving the vehicle since new to notice.

NHTSA ODI 11566232

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Civic. The contact stated that shortly after the vehicle was purchased brand new, the vehicle would start independently and the doors would unlock independently. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the auto Stop-Start feature was engaged. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated independently, causing another vehicle to crash into the rear driver's side door of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. On the driver's side, the roof-rail air bags deployed. The contact stated that he was able to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the collision might have increased the intensity of the injuries he had sustained from a previous accident. The contact did not seek medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not determine whether the failures occurred due to the vehicle's computer system being hacked. The vehicle was not diagnosed and repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to the left and the right while driving. The contact stated that while driving 20-25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact stated that while pulling into the nearest parking lot, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound. The contact stated that he engaged the electric parking brake and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ball joint was fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

NHTSA ODI 11565830

Steering wheel sticks. Noticeable on highway

NHTSA ODI 11565638

My 2023 Honda Civic Sport Touring Hatchback which I bought new in May 2023 which now has 10700 miles driven and was serviced by my Honda dealership in Fall 2023 now exhibits a "sticky" or "notchy" steering wheel sensation off of dead center steering at straight line highway speeds. It is gradually becoming more noticeable so I am going to report it to my dealership. There are no warning messages. I've turned off the lane crossing safety warning device because this symptom resembles that sensation. I've ensured my tires are at the recommended PSI. I'm not comfortable driving it for long distances on the interstate because this sensation increases with time and mileage driven.

NHTSA ODI 11565078

When going around 50mph+, the steering wheel tends to feel "stuck" in the middle, which causes you to overcorrect it to the side, causing the driving to feel super unstable. When I take it to the dealership, they keep saying there are no warnings on diagnostics, so I get the car back with the same issue still happening at random times. Please help! There are tons of online posts about this same issue with the same model of Civic and it doesn't seem like dealerships know what to do about it. It's a very uncomfortable way to drive a car and feels very unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11564934

Intermittently, and only within the past 2000 miles or so, the steering will begin to have a notchy feel during highway driving. The steering requires excessive force to move the wheel and then the wheel jerks and causes the steering to do the same. It is very dangerous and unsettling at highway speeds. The issue seems to only occur above 45mph, but again, it is not happening every time I drive above 45mph.

NHTSA ODI 11564469

When I was driving my new 2023 Honda Civic Touring’s the engine started running rough and the check light indicators came on with the following items to “See your dealer” despite this car being less than 3 months old and with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer: - Brake System Problem… - Electric Power Steering System Problem… - Electric Parking Brake System Problem… - Tire Pressure Monitor System Problem… - Emission System Problem… Some of these above items negatively affect the safe operation of the vehicle and increase risk to the occupant(s). After coordinating with the Honda dealership where we purchased this Civic and the Honda Roadside Assistance, they towed our disabled Civic to the closest Honda dealership. A Honda Service Advisor informed us our Civic had a major engine issue (cracked engine block) which was a manufacturer's defect. After 36 days they completed the major warranty repairs totaling over $6,000 (primarily replaced the engine short block which eliminated the above listed issues). It should be noted, the two local Honda dealerships and Honda Roadside Assistance (1-800-864-5211) were very professional and helpful. However, to our surprise the American Honda Motor Co, Inc; Honda Automotive Customer Service, [XXX] ) has been unresponsive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11564259

I have a steering wheel that sticks at highway speeds around 50-70 mph while driving straight, my steering wheel sticks. The honda dealership says it's fine. I believe they greased something during my recall inspection that made my steering not as noticeable. He said everyone has sticky steering but that honda has no fix. My tires are balding at an extreme rate and very uneven wear. I have been arguing with the dealership and have given up. I also have a valve cover that is leaking oil. My car has 35k miles

NHTSA ODI 11563995

Steering wheel feels stiff while driving on the road and difficultly keeping car in lane

NHTSA ODI 11563700

When driving the wheels feels sticky and would sometimes get stuck in positions only when driving highway speeds above 30 mph. Making minor adjustments while driving feel harsh.

NHTSA ODI 11563840

Steering is sticky in nature. Is not stuck but demonstrates small temporary resistance to steering wheel inputs. Steering wheel then snaps free and is easily moved about. Honda Dealer Reno, NV found no discrepancies with steering. No codes set. Problem seen is mostly freeway speeds and when moving steering wheel to stay in lane or to change lanes.

NHTSA ODI 11563650

About 30 minutes into a drive the steering wheel or electronic steering will begin to malfunction. When driving at high speeds, you are unable to make small minor corrections to stay center in your lane due to the steering wheel feeling like it’s sticking in one direction. It takes a considerable amount of force in order to make the correction resulting in an over correction. When traveling at high speed this can put the driver and passangers at risk because an over correction can cause the car to lose traction with the road. I’ve taken the car into Honda and it is currently being inspected. They told me yesterday that they were ‘having trouble replicating the problem’ which doesn’t mean the problem isn’t there. As far as I know and seen there have no being any light indicators on.

NHTSA ODI 11563406

On my 2023 Honda civic sport the steering wheel is sticking specially during freeways speeds. I took the vehicle to Stockton Honda in Stockton Ca . According to the tech he was unable to reproduce the sticky steering wheel. (To be noted the car had the same miles as when I dropped it off at Stockton Honda ) this vehicle is unsafe for me to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11562502

Sticky steering at highway speeds. Seems to be worse when turning the wheels slightly to the right. Started right before 12k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11562221