Diagsheet

2018 Honda CR-V · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 79owner reports
  • 49,000median miles
  • $4,000median quote
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Aug 17, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

325 of the 2,132 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 79 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 79 reports

2
34
2
6
53

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (44 reports), the EPS motor or module (5 reports) and the column (4 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.

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 CR-V

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

None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.

What owners paid

25 of the 79 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,427 to $4,500.

$3,427$4,000$4,500
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 34,400 and 70,000 miles, from the 50 reports that gave a mileage.

419
220
421
122
1123
1524
2625
1626

What owners wrote

“Power steering issue with vehicle wanting to veer left and having to jerk the wheel back to keep from crossing the center line. There was a previous recall by Honda (18V663000) but my vehicle is not listed. This began at about 75K miles. For the year, this is a low mileage car and this is becoming dangerous to drive because of the steering issue.”

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · 75,000 miles

“Sticky steering making driving difficult from faulty power steering gearbox. Experienced unusual steering while on the highway that cost lost of control without an accident. Please reference Service Bulletin 18-103 attached.”

Filed Sep 7, 2024

“Steering sticks in position while driving down the road. Have to overcompensate with pressure while turning the steering wheel to get it to release. Very dangerous when going around curves. Car wants to go off the road. Car was taken to Honda dealership where mechanic confirmed issue and recommend electric power steering rack be replaced.”

Filed Jun 10, 2024

“Electronic Power Steering Rack. The internal failure in the EPS caused rough steering and sometimes steering would get stuck putting my self as well as other motorists and pedestrians at risk of being injured. The problem was confirmed by a Honda dealer. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to this failure.”

Filed May 10, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 79 reports involved a crash and 2 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.

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