Steering Trouble: Honda Recalls 1.7M Vehicles in U.S.
Published: October 10th, 2024.
Honda Motor Co. has announced a recall affecting approximately 1.7 million vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential steering defect that could significantly increase the risk of crashes. The recall involves various models from Honda and Acura brands, covering production years 2022 to 2025.
The NHTSA issued the recall notice on October 10, following Honda’s report to federal regulators about an improperly manufactured component in the steering gearbox assembly. According to the NHTSA, the steering assembly may contain a faulty worm wheel and improperly set spring preload, leading to “excessive internal friction.” This defect can make the vehicle more difficult to steer and heighten the likelihood of crashes, prompting the safety recall.
The recall impacts a wide range of Honda and Acura vehicles, including:
- 2023-2025 Acura Integra
- 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
- 2025 Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid
- 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell EV
- 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
Drivers of affected vehicles may notice unusual noises or a “sticky” feeling when attempting to steer. These are warning signs that indicate a potential issue with the steering gearbox. While Honda has not reported any injuries or accidents related to the defect, the NHTSA began investigating after receiving numerous complaints from drivers earlier this year.
Honda will notify registered owners by mail starting on November 18, 2024. The notice will advise them to visit an authorized dealership to receive repairs at no cost. Dealerships will replace the defective worm gear spring with an improved part and, if necessary, redistribute or add grease to ensure smooth steering.
Additionally, owners who have previously paid out-of-pocket for these repairs may be eligible for reimbursement. Honda has a reimbursement plan on file with the NHTSA, which outlines the process for claiming these expenses. For further assistance, owners can contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138.
This steering defect emerged in 2021 when Honda received their initial complaint regarding steering difficulties. Following increased reports, the NHTSA launched a preliminary evaluation in March 2023 to investigate these issues, primarily involving Honda Civic models. Despite the absence of reported injuries, the defect was serious enough to prompt further analysis. After extensive investigation, Honda issued a recall on September 26, acknowledging that the steering problem could pose a significant safety risk.
Honda has since revised their production process to address this issue. According to the automaker, changes include updating the worm gear’s spring preload specifications and improving the grease application process. These adjustments are intended to reduce friction within the steering mechanism and prevent future defect occurrences.
Vehicle owners can verify if their vehicle is affected by this recall by visiting the NHTSA’s recall lookup tool, where they can input their VIN.
For added assurance, Honda urges impacted model owners to prioritize this recall and arrange for repairs as soon as they receive the official notification. The NHTSA’s recall number for this case is 24V-744, and Honda’s internal reference numbers are SJS, MJU, QJT, and VJV.