2018 Honda CR-V Steering Problems

Steering wheel feels sticky, heavy and not always returns to center. Increased steering effort makes it harder to steer increasing the risk of a crash. Honda Dealer indicated my vehicle was not under recall and would cost approximately $3000 to fix the steering rack.

The steering wheel feels as if it is sticking while driving, forcing me to use slightly more pressure to force the wheel past the "sticking" point. This causes me to overcorrect my steering, making the car jolt to the left or right depending on which way I'm moving the steering wheel. I feel this mostly at speeds higher than 65, but it has happened at lower speeds as well. This has been happening several times a week for the past 3 weeks. My mechanic checked the car and was unable to diagnose the cause as he doesn't have the ability to put it on a machine. I called my local Honda dealer and prices start at 150 for diagnostics. Upon research I found that this same complaint has been filed on other makes and models the same as mine, however my VIN is not included. I have had no accidents due to this issue but it is happening more.

I began experiencing "sticky" steering at highway speeds, requiring that I use force to keep the vehicle from drifting out of its lane. The problem worsened until, roughly one month later, the cruise control system went out without warning and refused to come back on. I took the car to the Honda dealership in Port Charlotte, FL on 3/30/26 where they were able to duplicate the problem immediately and recommended I no longer drive the vehicle until the steering rack/gear box is replaced. Honda steering is sensitive. Overcorrecting is a very real danger in addition to the possibility that it may lock up at high speeds in traffic. No warning lights ever indicated a problem. I am aware that other 2018 CRV's were recalled for this issue to have the racks replaced. My VIN was not included in that recall, but clearly, my vehicle is having the same issue. I spoke with corporate Honda on 3/30/26

Recently I started noticing some issues with the steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V EX, VIN [XXX] . It makes a noticeable sound when turning to the right, and sometimes feels like it is getting stuck or caught on something when turning right. I brought the vehicle to Headquarter Honda in Clermont, FL and was told the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and was quoted $4800 for the repair. Due to the high cost, I took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion. The mechanic confirmed the diagnosis, but stated that there was a recall for this issue in 2018 CR-Vs and suggested I reach out to Honda before paying for the repair. I contacted Honda and was told that yes, there was a recall for this issue in 2018 CR-Vs, but that my VIN is not included in the recall. The person I spoke with on the phone said there was nothing they could do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The power steering on my 2018 Honda CRV XE is sticky or sticks when I when I try to keep my CRV is the middle of the lane and/or change lanes a majority of the time on the freeway/highway. At times, the CRV will slides/drifts from one side to the other. The CRV is going in this week for an inspection / evaluation at a Honda dealership. There were no signs or warnings when I purchased the CRV from a private party. I will make the CRV for inspection.

Steering pulls and clicks at highway speeds. Engine misfire due to faulty fuel injection issues.

The contact rented a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at unknown highway speeds, the lane departure malfunctioned. The vehicle was jumping while driving and became uncontrollable. The steering wheel had unknown damage. The wheel cover was removed, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that there seemed to be a torque sensor issue, the tires had low tread and the tire service light was illuminated. Additionally, there was an illegal tint on the windows. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the steering wheel was clicking while attempting to turn to the left or the right, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. In addition, the contact was advised that if the failure was recall-related, the vehicle would be covered; however, the repairs were denied. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,796.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while her mother was driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn while making left or right turns or while driving straight. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced, as well as the rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 2 18-103 (2017-18 CR-V: Steering Gearbox); however, the VIN was not included in the bulletin. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was 53,000.

The car model year is 2018 and has 49,580 miles when it was taken to the Honda dealer for inspection. The steering wheel was 'sticking' as if it were in a groove. Turning the steering wheel became somewhat difficult. It was if the steering wheel needed to be turned with enough force to get it up and over the lip of the groove so the car would turn. It also made a ticking or cracking sound when turning the steering wheel. Dealer test drove the car and was able to duplicate the concern. They found the power steering rack assembly had failed and stated so on the invoice. The entire unit needed to be replaced, and a 4-wheel alignment would then be required. The cost of the unit was $5,813.75, and the cost of the alignment was $139.95. This is a serious safety issue when the steering rack assembly fails.

The steering has started sticking. The sticking makes it difficult to control the vehicle in turns. According to mechanic, it's the steering gearbox. There have been recalls on the 2018 crv for this very issue and somehow this vehicle does not fit into the recall.

The steering sticks. The sticking is making it difficult to control the vehicle without excessive jerking. According to mechanic, it's the gearbox.

The contact’s mother owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact’s mother stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was unintendedly jumping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,439.

To Whom It May Concern: ​I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a serious and recurring safety defect in my 2018 Honda CR-V EX, VIN# [XXX] . I have experienced at least four incidents within the last two months involving both sudden, unintended braking and intermittent steering lock-ups. These are not isolated events and pose a significant risk to the safety of myself and other motorists. ​The sudden braking issue, often referred to as "phantom braking," occurs when the vehicle's Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) activates without any obstacle or danger present. The car abruptly comes to a full stop, without warning, on a clear road. This is extremely dangerous and has nearly caused multiple rear-end collisions. ​In addition to the braking problem, the steering has also become intermittently stuck. This happens without warning and makes it difficult to turn the wheel, which could lead to a loss of control, especially at higher speeds or on curves. ​I have already reported these issues to two authorized Honda dealerships: ​Curry Honda in Atlanta, Georgia ​Honda AutoNation in Columbus, Georgia ​On each occasion, the dealerships have been unable to replicate the problem and have told me they cannot find anything wrong. Despite their inability to diagnose the issue, the problems are very real and continue to happen. ​These defects are not just an inconvenience; they are serious safety hazards that could lead to a crash. I am concerned that if this problem is happening to my vehicle, it may be affecting other 2018 Honda CR-V owners as well. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent potential accidents and injuries. ​Please contact me if you require any additional information. ​Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering keeps sticking while cruising down the highway, which is a problem but supposedly not on my vin number. Manufacturer claims it’s a problem just not on mine. This happens constantly not on specific date below.

Sticky steering. At times, the steering wheel feels stuck, and it takes greater force to break the turn, causing a jerking motion. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN KEEPING THE CAR IN THE CURRENT LANE OR WHEN CHANGING LANES, THE STEERING STICKS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking while attempting to make a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Steering grabs and is tight then loose. Grabs on highway loose back and forth difficult to control steering back and forth always having to correct to maintain on roadway. The electronic steering box had been recalled on this vehicle but not my vin number. I had to have the vehicle repaired in order to continue to drive it safely. When repaired the vehicle had 47,199 miles and the cost for the gear box part was over 3,600 dollars and total to repair was 4,373.00 I see by your complaints I am not the only person to complain about this problem and for safety reasons had to have the vehicle repaired.

Rack and pinion required repair/replacement. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it. Issues appeared several weeks ago. Repair was just completed because of issues with steering. Repair was done due to safety concerns.