2018 Honda Civic · symptom sheet
Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks
- 239owner reports
- 50,000median miles
- $4,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
312 of the 742 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 239 of those describe sticky steering, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Civic.
Tick what matches of 239 reports
Sticky steering 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, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Sticky steering is a wheel that catches or hangs for a moment before it turns, then moves in a small jerk. It's different from a wheel that's simply heavy: owners here describe a notch, and many say it's worst when making small corrections at highway speed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (88 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
42 of the 239 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,500 to $4,300.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 34,300 and 77,000 miles, from the 66 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Internal failure of the gearbox as diagnosed by the Honda dealer. Repair completed July 24, 2026. Car has less than 36,000 miles. Steering was binding and sticking. Unable to steer vehicle properly.”
Filed Jul 25, 2026 · 36,000 miles
“At approximately 25k miles, the steering became "sticky" at all operating speeds. Extra effort was required to maneuver the vehicle or to simply keep it within the travel lane. The car was not safely operable prior to repair. A local dealership replaced the steering rack and pinion (at my cost). Issue was resolved.”
Filed Feb 22, 2025 · 25,000 miles
“Steering sticks when driving, causes over correction, and unsafe driving. Purchased the car used with 41k miles on it and just thought it was misaligned, but new tires and alignment done and issue is still VERY present. Honda needs to recall all vehicles affected and make this right because a 4k repair bill for their issue is just insane!”
Filed Jul 11, 2024 · 41,000 miles
“Daughters steering wheel sticks and is jerky while driving down the road. I took it to my honda dealer and it got diagnosed with faulty rack and pinion. This car is a 2018 honda civic with only 27k miles...no way these parts should fail that quickly and the part is backordered (which tells me others are having same issue). Cost estimate is $4200 to replace. Ridiculous!!”
Filed Jul 24, 2023 · 27,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 239 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 102 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 76 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 54 reports
- Fuel pump failure 36 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports