Aside from brake malfunctions, an abrupt steering mishap can induce intense fear while behind the wheel. Owners of specific 2022 and 2023 Honda Civic variants have noticed their steering wheels potentially getting stuck while driving, leading the NHTSA to launch an investigation.
According to a report from AP News, the issue appears to be affecting recent Honda Civics with very few miles on them. Drivers of the 11th-generation models have stated that their steering wheel can become “sticky” occasionally, demanding more effort to maneuver. The sudden increase in required steering force can be unpredictable and heighten the risk of an accident. The NHTSA has amassed 145 complaints related to this problem in the past 11 months, with most concerning vehicles with low mileage.
“While driving at high speeds in this vehicle, the steering feels ‘sticky.’ To realign the wheel to its central position, you have to adjust, potentially leading to excessive correction and a possible collision,” shared a complainant with the NHTSA. Another driver mentioned that their steering “jerks at high speeds” and highlighted that “performing adjustments at high speed poses extreme danger.” Struggling consistently with the steering, one owner expressed, “It’s like I’m trying to correct the steering of an intoxicated driver.”
The complaints do not point to a clear root cause. A driver observed that maintaining the steering wheel in a fixed position seemed to trigger the problem. “While driving straight or during turns where the wheel stays stationary for a few seconds, the steering wheel occasionally sticks,” as outlined in their complaint. They also made a point to mention that this occurred even with the Civic’s lane-keeping assist deactivated.
On the flip side, another driver has raised a worrisome concern about jerking. “When I try to make slight adjustments to the wheel, it feels like someone forcefully twists it,” cited the complaint, underlining that this issue hadn’t manifested in freezing temperatures.
Presently, the NHTSA is delving into the matter while Honda conducts an internal evaluation regarding the dilemma. Honda has indicated that the issue might not necessitate a recall. Approximately 238,000 vehicles spanning the 2022 and 2023 model years are under the NHTSA’s scrutiny concerning this issue.
An unpredictable or rigid steering situation can pose significant dangers, especially at elevated speeds or on slippery surfaces. The root cause remains uncertain currently, but further inquiry may shed light on whether the source of the issue is mechanical, electrical, or software-related. In the interim, Honda has advised owners to reach out to their dealership if they suspect something is amiss with their vehicle.
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