2018 Honda CR-V · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 80owner reports
- 49,000median miles
- $4,000median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
330 of the 2,145 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 80 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 80 reports
Power steering loss on other CR-V 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, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 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 (45 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.
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 5 recalls on the 2018 Honda CR-V, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the CR-V
Momentary increased steering effort. Closed jan 28, 2025, led to recall 24V-744.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
27 of the 80 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,427 to $4,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 34,400 and 70,000 miles, from the 51 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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
“At highway speeds with the lane assist off the steering will fight you to return to center after steering on a corner. It feels like the steering could stay locked causing an accident not having full control of the steering. The car starting having issues around 55,000 miles.”
Filed Jun 8, 2023 · 55,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 80 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. 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
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 244 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 219 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 212 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 196 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 130 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 128 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 126 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 109 reports
- Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out 96 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 94 reports
- Fuel pump failure 89 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 84 reports
- Fuel smells, leaks, or the gauge reads wrong 77 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 73 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 70 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 58 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 51 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 46 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 44 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 32 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 30 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 29 reports