2017 Honda Civic · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 38owner reports
- 47,574median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
171 of the 596 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 38 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 38 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 (9 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the steering system covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged.
All 6 recalls on the 2017 Honda Civic, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
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 2017 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 36,700 and 85,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle electronic power steering system failed at 35,000. When driving, it becomes extremely difficult to turn the vehicle. I was told this issue is common among 2017 Honda vehicles, though there are recalls for only 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles, this model Honda Civic.”
Filed Oct 10, 2024
“The steering starts to stick in place after driving for about 10-15 minutes. I was advised by my Honda dealership that the entire electronic power steering rack needs to be replaced at the cost of $3400.00”
Filed Aug 11, 2024
“The power steering âsticksâ and ârequires slight, but manual forceâ to free it while driving causing the car to unexpectedly lose maneuverability. It has not been inspected yet, but it is easy to confirm as it happens almost all the time.”
Filed Mar 28, 2024
“Steering of car becomes stuck intermittently causing difficulty with adjusting of steering and over corrections when I have to force the steering wheel past the stuck area. Honda tech told me it is an issue with the electronic power steering unit of the vehicle”
Filed Oct 3, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 38 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 134 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 123 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 37 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 28 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 27 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 26 reports