2018 Honda Civic · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 76owner reports
- 50,000median miles
- $3,760median quote
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Sep 5, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
312 of the 742 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 (34 reports) and the column (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the steering system covers the 2018 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 2018 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 2018 model year.
What owners paid
12 of the 76 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $4,133.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 31,879 and 80,000 miles, from the 33 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Steering wheel gets really loose and very stiff at random while driving. I get power steering failure notifications on dash. I spoke with Honda dealership and was told my vehicle doesnât belong to the recall. I have all the symptoms of the power steering recall issue.”
Filed Jul 14, 2025
“When Iâm driving at highway speeds the steering wheel feels stiff like the power steering isnât working then it kicks in and over steers so you are going back and forth in your lane. If you donât use both of your hands the car can get away from you and you will end up in the next lane.”
Filed Nov 3, 2024
“The power steering sticks when driving at highway speed in straight line. Any steering corrections are difficult and could cause over correction and loss of vehicle control.”
Filed Sep 30, 2024
“Steering becomes jerky while driving and sticks to the left and right. This is dangerous at higher speeds because it becomes tough to maintain my own lane. This is a documented problem in both 10th and 11th generation civics and has to do with the power steering. Vehicle was just inspected 3 weeks ago and passed tests and no warning lights related to issue have activated.”
Filed Mar 30, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 239 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 102 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 54 reports
- Fuel pump failure 36 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports