2018 Honda Civic

There is an issue with the steering in my 2018 Honda Civic. The vehicle is available to be inspected as long as it won’t cost me anything. My steering wheel sticks after driving and the engine has a change to get warm. It seems to stick slight off center and I cannot drive straight or make the minute adjustments needed to maintain my lane. Once I go over 25 mph and the sticking begins I have to constantly over compensate to stay in my lane. This issue has made it nearly impossible to stay in my lane while driving, could cause a crash this putting myself, my child, and anyone on the road in danger. I have not been able to bring my car to a dealership to replicate the issue or to evaluate it because I can’t afford the cost of that. The car has not been inspected by any third party. There are no warning lights or messages.

At highway speeds the steering sticks or hangs up. This car has an early version of electronically assisted steering and research shows Honda has recalled some models for this issue ... but not my VIN. That doesn't make sense. Honda tells me that recalls are based on manufacturing facility which doesn't make sense on a safety issue. So, when driving at highway speeds, the steering will stick, pulling to the left. I have to pull it back to the right to correct this. The result is that I am basically weaving down the road, appearing not to be able to hold my line. It is certainly a safety issue to the point that I won't let others drive the vehicle. I don't understand why Honda has repaired this issue on some vehicles but not all. I want there to be a record of this in case of the worst case scenario. The car has about 72,000 miles now and the problem started at about 55,000 miles. I have contacted Honda several times to no avail. They say there is no recourse through Honda.

After approximately 15 minutes of driving the steering becomes sticky. At highway speeds the steering does not self center. The slightest left/right movement will cause the vehicle to continue in that direction until driver input to counter the motion. Steering rack is making clicking/groaning noise when the steering wheel is turned more than 45 degrees either direction when the vehicle is sitting still. This has been an ongoing problem since approximately 2022.

When driving highway speeds (50-70 MPH) the steering wheel feels "notched" between 11 and 1 positions. This will cause me to oversteer in making minor adjustments. The problem is more consistent in daytime traffic with the temperatures at the hottest. In morning commutes, the issue arises about 15 minutes into the commute. Looking at online forums there have been many instances of other drivers experiencing the same problem however most could not have the issue resolved due to licensed dealers not fixing the faulty device but instead saying this is a compliant design.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Electronic Power Steering. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? You are not able to comfortably drive in a straight line with this component not working. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No Warning

The problem I have is with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) rack on my 2018 Honda Civic Si. My safety is at risk because the EPS rack causes the steering wheel to stick at the 12-o clock position while driving in ambient temperatures above 60F. The vehicle is difficult to keep driving straight, and the sticking causes me to have to jerk the wheel from side to side to overcome the sticky spot. This is a common issue on 10th and 11th Gen Hondas and Acuras. My vehicle has not been inspected yet by Honda as they would charge me to diagnose the issue, or simply deny any problem exists. I am a shadetree/at-home mechanic who has determined this issue from my own research and mechanical knowledge. The symptoms first appeared 1 year ago during the summer after I bought the car.

Steering feels rough. When traveling down highway, resistance is felt when trying to make steering adjustments right or left. The pressure required to make adjustments causes the car to weave, as each adjustment right or left requires pressure to overcome resistance. I also have had steering bump against my input going around a corner. This is a dangerous defect and is well documented. Honda should recall these defective electronic steering units.

When merging over left to right my steering wheel seems to stick like a magnet is pulling it. I've taken it to 2 different shops and they say that "it's the electronic rack and pinion. Nothing to be fixed as this is normal." What I see here is a safety issue because when the steering wheel releases from the "magnet" it makes me feel like over correcting my turn because it pulls hard to whichever direction it's being pulled.