Diagsheet

2017 Honda Civic · symptom sheet

Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks

  • 122owner reports
  • 56,817median miles
  • $3,500median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 1, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

170 of the 591 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 122 of those describe sticky steering. Only A/C failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 122 reports

113
45
66
15
17
16

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (28 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.

18V-663Sep 27, 2018
Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. 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. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.

Risk and remedy
Risk: The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Civic

EA23-003opened Nov 29, 2023
Steering · model years 2022 to 2024

Momentary increased steering effort. Closed jan 28, 2025, led to recall 24V-744.

NHTSA summary
On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles). The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians’ quick test drives. The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear of these vehicles is aided by an electrical power assist unit. This power assist unit inputs force on the steering rack via a worm gear and worm wheel assembly. During PE23005, Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this power assist unit. First, during manufacturing, the steering worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes cause internal stress and strain within the steering worm wheel. This strain is slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain causes deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This catching results in the dri
PE23-005opened Mar 17, 2023
Steering · model years 2022 to 2023

Momentary increased steering effort. Closed nov 30, 2023.

NHTSA summary
On March 17, 2023, The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE23-005) to access the alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic vehicles. The complaints report that the momentary increase in steering effort (described as "sticky steering") occurs mostly at highway speeds after driving for a certain amount of time. The reports have been received over the past 2 years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage. The steering gear contains a unit that includes a worm gear and a worm wheel. Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this unit. During manufacturing, the worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes. These processes caused internal stress and strain within the worm wheel. This strain was slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life. Over time, the released strain caused the deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel. This results in the consumer’s momentary increased in steering effort. Also, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and therefore, some vehicles within the scope received too little grease which contributes to the momentary increase in steering effort. Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition occurs early in the vehicle’s life primarily in winter mont
PE94-055opened Jul 20, 1994
Steering · model years 1993

Alleged steering lockup. Closed dec 30, 1994.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2017 model year.

What owners paid

6 of the 122 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,300 to $3,516.

$2,300$3,500$3,516
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 41,000 and 90,594 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.

419
220
421
322
2223
4024
3025
1726

What owners wrote

“The steering wheel has started to jerk left then comes center and goes right. (Likely sticky steering). Under 100k miles and happens mostly on the highway but has started to be on slower roads. No accident as of now, but common issue with this vehicle.”

Filed May 5, 2026 · 100,000 miles

“The steering wheel has sticky spots and still continues to require extra effort to do small movements to remain on center. I’ve noticed this has happened to other Honda Civics. I would like my vehicle to get recalled to replace my steering. My car is under 100,000 miles and should not be having issues this early. It’s also a safety issue and needs to be recalled. I have complained about this before.”

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · 100,000 miles

“Car has only 45,000 miles. Steering suddenly “sticks” on the highway. You have to apply pressure to break it out of sticking in the middle position. Seems to be EPS system. Saw on line that it’s a known issue.”

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · 45,000 miles

“I have a 2017 Honda Civic 90594 miles and within the last month; I have noticed when I reach highway speeds my steering sticks as I change lanes. This is a danger to anyone who drives on highways and Interstates.”

Filed Jul 16, 2023 · 90,594 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 122 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.

Other problems on this car