2018 HONDA CIVIC Complaints

There is an issue with my steering. There is a cranking/clicking noise and the wheel gets stuck when turning or switching lanes. There was a recall for the steering gear box but I my car wasn’t part not included but not sure why. I took it to the dealer when I first got it but they couldn’t mimic it. It’s not safe when driving if I can’t fully control the steering wheel. I took it to a mechanic who stated the issue was the gear box but was hoping I was part of the recall. No warnings just gradually sticking more and cranking more.

This is the transcript of a conversation with NHTSA. This is a huge safety issue that should include my VIN. Honda was also contacted, and they explained that my VIN was not covered. Does anyone care that this safety issue could result in a fatality? Info: Please wait for a site operator to respond. Info: Agent 'AnnMarie' has joined the Desktop Sharing session AnnMarie: Thank you for contacting the Dept. of Transportation Vehicle Safety Hotline, How may I assist you? I own a 2018 Honda Civic, VIN [XXX] . It has 1 unrepaired recall showing, and that is for the fuel pump module. I have another issue with this vehicle: The steering wheel will jerk at certain points, which results in overcorrection and, in my opinion, is a huge safety issue. Honda says the steering recall does not include my VIN. I've read where it is the steering gear box. How do I get Honda to make this repair as a recall? Certain VINs are covered, but for some reason, mine is not. Please advise. AnnMarie: Recalls are VIN-specific so in order for your vehicle to be included in a recall the VIN must be selected by the manufacturer as a vehicle with the potential defective problem. AnnMarie: If you are experiencing a failure with your vehicle that relates to a recall, you may file a complaint regarding your failure and reference the recall. To do so, please call our Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 and a Customer Service Representative will be happy to assist you or you may submit it online by visiting the following link: Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA AnnMarie: You may contact your manufacturer Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or visit [XXX] with your VIN to determine if there are any open recalls, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), extended warranty programs, or special campaigns or to obtain the recall, independent recalls, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), extended warranty programs, or special campaigns repair history on your INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I’m calling about my 2018 Honda Civic the steering column is experiencing sticky and stuck positions preventing the car from turning properly. There was a recall on certain models from 2016 to 2021. I believe I took it in for service and they replaced the fuel pump when my initial Complaint was the steering. I was told that it would cost me $250 for a diagnosis to determine if the steering box is at fault I would like to speak to somebody at your soonest available time because my wife refuse to drive the car and she has gotten a rental car. Phone number is [XXX] area code [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] is listed as the owner my wife. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1.Component or System Failure: •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The air conditioning (AC) system in my 2018 Honda Civic has malfunctioned. Initially, the AC compressor failed and was replaced under warranty in 2018. However, the AC never functioned properly afterward. Recently, the AC failed completely, and the dealership diagnosed a leaking evaporator. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2.Safety Risk: •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The malfunctioning AC system poses a significant safety risk, especially considering the high temperatures in the Central Valley of California. Driving without a functional AC in extreme heat can lead to driver fatigue, reduced concentration, and potential heat-related illnesses, increasing the risk of accidents. 3.Problem Reproduction: •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership. They diagnosed the issue as a leaking evaporator and provided a repair estimate of $2,520.16. 4.Inspection by Others: •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? •The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Honda dealership, which diagnosed the issue. There have been no inspections by police or insurance representatives. 5.Warning Indicators: •Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the AC failure. The only symptom was the AC’s inability to cool the cabin effectively, which persisted since the initial compressor replacement in 2018 and culminated in complete failure recently.

When i tried to open my gas tank on the neighborhood station to put gas it got locked and cannot be opened, the other drivers tried to help me and the station attendant. But to no avail I have to bring it to the local Honda dealership where I bought my car and it cost me almost $300.00, the problem was there was no way it can be opened manually, one driver even tried to Google it. Also, with this model, I received a recall notice about the Fuel injection and tried to call the Honda dealer about the situation they always told me no parts available yet, but I am quiet scared because I don't want to get accident associated with the recall parts. The technician always said, "you are safe the car won't stop" but for how long? I also told them "How come they keep sending recall notice but every time I bring my car to the shop, they answered was "no available parts"

The steering wheel is sticky and takes some effort to steer. The issue makes the vehicle dangerous to drive, as maintaining control of the vehicle is more difficult. I brought the issue to the attention of the service department at Honda of the Avenues in Jacksonville, Fl, on 5/26/2023. The response was that they could not see the problem. Now, on 4/5/2025, I again brought up the same issue. This time they say there is an issue.

Steering wheel sticks while driving down the interstate, having to use more force to turn wheel then have to over correct. There is already a recall on this issue just not for this VIN and it needs to be included

The steering 'sticks' especially at speeds 60mph and results in over correction to move the direction of travel back to center. This makes it very difficult to safely drive and maintain lane position especially on wet or slippery roads. Coggin Honda of St. Augustine performed an inspection of the vehicle for the issue on March 27, 2025. Here is their diagnosis and identifies the Steering Gearbox be replaced: Steering Gearbox Replacement: c/s wheel sticks with small inputs turning left or right, confirmed issue, present at higher speeds when attempting a lane change. The steering wheel is attached to the steering gearbox by the steering shaft. As the driver moves the steering wheel, the steering gearbox, through a series of linkages, steers by pushing or pulling the front wheels of the vehicle.

component: steering rack steering sticks all all speeds including highway speeds vehicle has been inspected by a certified honda dealership they confirmed it needs a steering rack. no warnings. vehicle only has 54,000 when problem started.

sticky/notchy steering - this issue is the same as what is widely reported and already recalled on 11th generation honda civic and acura models. very widely reported in online forums and message boards. acknowledged by dealer service departments with recommended action of replacing steering rack. usually after warmup, the steering wheel is "sticky" or "notchy' when trying to make small inputs from a center orientation or "12 o'clock" position. this results in too much movement when the steering "breaks" from the sticky/notchy condition, often resulting in necessitating an overcorrection back to center. this results in swerving on the road and causes unpredictable and erratic steering action