2023 Honda Civic · symptom sheet
Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks
- 129owner reports
- 10,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report May 16, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
192 of the 255 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 129 of those describe sticky steering, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2023 Civic.
Tick what matches of 129 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 (21 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the steering system cover the 2023 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty steering the vehicle.
The steering rack may have been incorrectly assembled, which can allow the tire to chafe against the lower suspension or tie rod end, possibly resulting in tire damage.
All 4 recalls on the 2023 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.
What owners paid
5 of the 129 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $180 to $4,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 6,000 and 15,000 miles, from the 32 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“This vehicle currently has 10100 miles on it. I noticed that at highway speeds, the steering wheel is sticky/stiff while going straight and requires extra effort to keep the car straight. The steering is not smooth like it should be.”
Filed Jan 24, 2024 · 10,100 miles
“Intermittently, and only within the past 2000 miles or so, the steering will begin to have a notchy feel during highway driving. The steering requires excessive force to move the wheel and then the wheel jerks and causes the steering to do the same. It is very dangerous and unsettling at highway speeds. The issue seems to only occur above 45mph, but again, it is not happening every time I drive above 45mph.”
Filed Jan 9, 2024 · 2,000 miles
“Sticky steering at highway speeds. Seems to be worse when turning the wheels slightly to the right. Started right before 12k miles.”
Filed Dec 28, 2023 · 12,000 miles
“No warning lights. Around 10k miles my car began being hard to steer, requiring more force on the highway to maintain the wheel. It was sticking. I took it to the honda dealership who told me nothing is wrong with the car and did nothing about it. It is under warranty. I feel unsafe when driving at high speeds and being able to maintain my lane.”
Filed Dec 24, 2023 · 10,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 129 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 36 reports