2016 Honda Civic · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 76owner reports
- 46,493median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
445 of the 1,081 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 76 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 76 reports
Power steering loss on other Civic years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (30 reports) and the EPS motor or module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Civic
Momentary increased steering effort. Closed jan 28, 2025, led to recall 24V-744.
Momentary increased steering effort. Closed nov 30, 2023.
Alleged steering lockup. Closed dec 30, 1994.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
16 of the 76 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,550 to $4,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 33,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 40 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Failed power steering gearbox. Rack and Pinion. Steering wheel gets stuck at center position when driving 4k+ repair quote”
Filed Jul 21, 2025
“Steering sticking while driving. Took it to the Honda dealer and was told that power steering failure is common on Civics. Cost around 4K.”
Filed Jun 27, 2025
“power steering rack ( part # 53560-TBA-A01. Steering is sticking when on highway driving 55+ and hard to correct. Noone at dealership can duplicate issue, however my daughter and husband have also experienced sticky steering and hard to correct. No warning lights. Diagnostic tests show nothing wrong. Honda Forums helped me figure out issue.”
Filed Jul 23, 2024
“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 itâs the same generation and same symptoms. This is a safety issue and 2016 year model should be recalled as well.”
Filed Feb 25, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 76 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 354 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 214 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 94 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 48 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 39 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 39 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 28 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 27 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 27 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 27 reports