2018 HONDA CIVIC Complaints

The vehicle steering wheel sticks when turning, makes a noise, sometimes it doesn’t. Feels like when turning the steering wheel is like stuck and doesn’t return to the straight position. It happens only in one direction, turning right. This has been happening for at least 5 years. Took it to the dealer at least 3 times. They changed left side ball joint, in warranty. But still doing it. After the third time i gave up. Last year a mechanic outside the dealer changed the left cv axle, nothing changed. Changed sway bars, shock absorbers, still doing it. Today went to a different shop, they say is the rack and pinion or EPS?. I have been having this problem for a really long time, even before the warranty was over.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was firm and was sticking while turning. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V663000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,700.

The vehicle experienced a failure of the steering system, specifically the steering gearbox. The steering intermittently sticks, binds, and resists input, followed by sudden release, causing unpredictable response and difficulty maintaining control. The vehicle also pulls unexpectedly, creating a serious safety hazard, especially at highway speeds. The vehicle is unsafe to operate and is currently at a dealership for inspection. Prior to failure, symptoms included increasing steering resistance, inconsistent feel, and intermittent sticking, which worsened over time until the vehicle became undrivable. The issue has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized dealership, which determined the steering gearbox requires replacement. The dealership indicated the failure was not due to misuse, damage, or lack of maintenance. There are similar steering-related failures reported in comparable vehicles; however, this vehicle is excluded based on VIN eligibility. Despite similar failure, no recall coverage has been provided. This failure creates a high risk of loss of control and potential crash, with no warning lights or alerts prior to failure. The estimated repair cost exceeds $4,300 including parts and labor. The manufacturer has been contacted, but no resolution has been provided. This failure occurred during normal operation and was not caused by driver input or external damage. The sudden loss and return of steering control creates a dangerous condition that could result in a crash without warning. Given similar reported issues, this warrants investigation into a potential safety defect.

After Honda Safety Recall 24-027 (“Replace the fuel pump motor”) was performed on my 2018 Honda Civic Si at an authorized Honda dealership, the vehicle began exhibiting fuel-system-related issues that did not exist prior to the recall work. Within one day of the initial recall repair, the vehicle developed hard-start/extended-crank behavior. The dealership later reported they had pinched an O-ring during the recall work and replaced it. Next, I detected a fuel odor. After multiple refueling cycles to isolate the source, I reported the issue, and the dealership replaced an unspecified seal. Approximately one week after that repair, the vehicle developed a rich-running condition and illuminated the check engine light with DTC P0172. On 2026-03-27, the dealership diagnosed the issue as failed fuel injectors and recommended replacement of all injectors, the fuel joint pipe, and associated seals. Their testing showed: EVAP system functioning normally; no induction leaks; MAF swap produced no change; fuel rail pressure at idle ~500 psi; and cylinders 1, 2, and 4 running rich relative to cylinder 3. Because the fuel system was disassembled multiple times immediately before the onset of the rich condition, and because the dealership acknowledged that contamination during recall work could plausibly cause injector malfunction, I am concerned that the post-recall defect may be related to the recall procedure or subsequent rework. The dealership's alternative rationale was that fuel injector failures are so common on this platform that the failure was coincidental. That would imply the need for a fuel injection system recall. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle developed fuel-system performance and emissions issues only after the recall repair and subsequent rework, and the root cause remains uncertain. I request that NHTSA document this case and evaluate whether the recall procedure or related components may contribute to downstream fuel-system failures.

The A/C evaporator core failed on my 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback with approximately 67,000 miles, confirmed by an authorized Honda dealership in April 2026. This is my second major A/C system failure in under one year on this vehicle. Approximately one year ago, the same dealership replaced the A/C condenser and compressor shaft seal. Now the evaporator core has failed and requires full replacement at a cost of $1,741.58, plus $381.99 already paid for diagnosis. The failed component is currently at the dealership and available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by the dealership’s technician and documented in the repair order. Safety risk: The A/C system completely stopped producing cold air with no prior warning lights or symptoms. In Atlanta, GA summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity. Complete loss of cabin cooling poses a serious heat-related safety risk, particularly for children and elderly passengers. This is a known widespread defect across 2016-2019 Honda Civics. Hundreds of owners have reported identical evaporator failures. Honda has acknowledged the pattern through case-by-case goodwill assistance but has not issued a formal recall. A goodwill assistance case is currently open

Steering is sticky during highway driving, causing a lack of confidence and a tendency to overcorrect. It makes the driving experience less secure and more open to harm.

I have noticed a slight resistance or “sticky” feeling in the steering, especially when driving at highway speeds or while making gentle turns. The steering does not always feel smooth when making small corrections near the center or during curves. At times, the steering wheel feels like it briefly resists movement and then releases, requiring a small additional input to continue turning smoothly. This has occurred intermittently and is more noticeable during continuous driving. The vehicle remains controllable, but the steering does not always return as smoothly as expected, which can affect driving comfort and precision.

Problem presented in April 2026 at 34,300 miles on odometer. The vehicle steering sticks or locks at the 12 o'clock position at highway speeds. A high degree of effort is required to overcome the steering stiction resistance to make small steering adjustments to maintain vehicle course. This anomaly results in overshooting the desired steering adjustment which could potentially cause a accident such as a sideswipe crash or loss of control leaving the roadway. There have been no dashboard warning indicators. The local Honda dealer inspected the car and stated that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced at an estimated cost of $4,025.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering wheel is constantly getting stuck, then unstuck. Vehicle can be inspected upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? my safety was questionable on highways when trying to switch lanes or on long turns. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer confirmed but they are not sure why its happening. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, no accident reported on my vehicle as of yet. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No Car wheel sticks on long turns or when im switching lanes or just trying to straighten the steering wheel. It is so strange. Just sticks and unsticks but HARD enough to make the car jerk.

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.