Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Honda Accord steering problems
severe 48 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
48
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
6crashes
5fires
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 48 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 48 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer message - On September 27, 2012, Honda notified NHTSA of a Stop Sale order and Safety Recall for some 2003-2007 Accord V6 units to address power steering feed hoses that may deteriorate due to high under-hood and fluid temperatures, potentially leading to leaks, smoke, and possibly under-hood fire.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗POWER STEERING MOANS OR WHINES -- WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2006 Honda Accord has a persistent power steering high-pressure hose failure that develops cracks and holes, typically near the connection above the catalytic converter. When the hose fails, steering fluid sprays or drips onto hot exhaust components, producing smoke and a distinct burning smell. Onset is often sudden—owners report driving trouble-free one day and finding the reservoir empty the next, with fresh fluid spots on the driveway.
The primary hazard is fire. Multiple owners report dark smoke pouring into the cabin and under the hood; one fire caused over $200,000 in home damage and personal injury. Another fire occurred roughly 12 minutes after the owner left the dealership following a recall repair, suggesting the repair itself or the hose may have failed again immediately.
Honda issued recall 12V222000 for 2003–2007 V6 models, but 4-cylinder Accords with identical failure modes are excluded. Owners with 4-cyl variants found their vehicles have the same hose design and similar part numbers, yet Honda refuses to cover them. Repair costs for the hose alone run $136–$400. Secondary failures are common: pumps that lose pressure after running with a faulty hose, and rack-and-pinion assemblies damaged by prolonged fluid loss. In one recall service, the pump and reservoir began leaking after the dealership completed the hose repair, with follow-up repairs estimated at over $600—and Honda denied responsibility. Steering also locks up or becomes uncontrollably stiff in some cases, creating loss-of-control incidents. One owner was in a low-speed parking-lot incident; another survived a collision at 20–25 mph after steering locked during a turn.
Same Honda Accord steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering high-pressure hose failure and leaking
The high-pressure power steering hose develops cracks, holes, or splits, often at or near the connection above the catalytic converter or firewall. Fluid sprays or drips onto hot exhaust components causing smoke, burning smell, and potential fire hazard. Many owners report sudden onset with no prior warning.
When: Typically occurs between 48,000 and 158,000 miles; several cases reported on vehicles with relatively low mileage below 30,000 miles or after recall repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to turn; Steering wheel shudders or shakes when backing or turning slowly; Smoke or dark smoke coming from under hood; Burning smell from engine compartment; Power steering fluid sprays or drips onto exhaust system or catalytic converter; Fluid spots on driveway or under vehicle; Power steering fluid level drops immediately after topping off
Codes mentioned: 12V222000
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement costs reported at $136–$400 for part and labor. Some owners replaced hose themselves. In at least one recall service case, pump and reservoir leaked after repair work was completed, with additional repairs estimated at over $600.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V222000 issued for 2003–2007 V6 models; does not cover 4-cylinder variants despite similar failure mode and part numbers. Honda has denied coverage for non-V6 models citing VIN not included in recall. Some owners report Honda initially offered cost offset then rescinded the offer and closed files.
Power steering pump failure
The power steering pump fails, loses pressure, or develops leaks. Some instances appear linked to prolonged operation with a faulty hose causing the pump to overwork or run dry.
When: Reported at 48,000 miles and higher mileages; can occur in conjunction with or following hose failure
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering pressure loss during turning and parking maneuvers; Pump leaks at seals; Steering becomes difficult to maneuver; Pump noise or whining
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement costs reported at $314 (used part, not disclosed as such) and higher. One dealer charged $400+ for pump repair. Owners question whether pump failure is a secondary consequence of defective hoses or unrelated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer determined that recall repair could not be performed on vehicles with aftermarket power steering pumps installed. One owner's claim was filed but manufacturer offered no assistance. Honda has not acknowledged or recalled pump failures.
Steering rack and pinion failure
The steering rack and pinion assembly develops leaks or fails, often attributed to power steering fluid damage from a leaking hose.
When: Reported at 90,000–145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaks; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Grinding or creaking noise when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement quoted at $934.77. Owners report grease accumulation on CV joints from power steering leak. Warranty expired before failure became apparent, leaving owners responsible for costs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or warranty extensions issued for rack and pinion failures. Manufacturer declined to extend warranty coverage.
Steering flex coupler noise and stiffness
Clicking and creaking noise in the steering wheel area; steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. Duration of issue reported as 2–3 years before complaint.
When: Onset timing varies; complaints submitted after years of intermittent issues
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise in steering wheel; Steering wheel very stiff; Creaking noise when turning left and right
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair cost reported in complaints. Owners request recall or warranty extension, citing similar issues on Kia vehicles that were recalled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension issued. Honda has not addressed this failure mode.
Steering system fire events
Power steering fluid leaked onto the catalytic converter or exhaust system, igniting and causing vehicle fire. In one documented case, fire caused over $200,000 in home damage and personal injury. Another vehicle fire occurred shortly after completing recall repair.
When: Fires documented at 62,000 miles and 132,000 miles; one fire occurred ~12 minutes after recall repair completion
Symptoms owners cite: Dark smoke pouring into vehicle interior and from under hood; Vehicle fire with heavy smoke; Burning smell; Smoke from catalytic converter area; Complete vehicle destruction in some cases
Codes mentioned: 12V222000
Repairs/costs cited: Fire damage totaled vehicles. One owner's home sustained damage exceeding $200,000; owner suffered injury. The owner reported at least four other drivers experienced similar fires.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V222000 notification sent to owners after fire occurred, acknowledging the defect could result in under-hood fire. Forensics investigation suggested faulty repair procedure or faulty repair by mechanic during recall service work.
Loss of steering control and collision
Steering wheel locks or becomes immovable, causing loss of vehicle control. One documented instance involved steering wheel becoming stuck during a turn at low speed, preventing vehicle from turning and resulting in collision with oncoming traffic. Another involved vehicle moving in uncontrolled semi-circle in parking lot after shifting to reverse.
When: Incidents occurred at low speeds (10–25 mph) during turning or backing maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or stuck; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to maneuver; Vehicle cannot turn or veers uncontrollably; Loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was not repaired after loss of control incident. Dealer stated no repairs were possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declined to investigate one steering-lock incident because vehicle could not be inspected. Owner sustained rib fracture in resulting collision and was advised manufacturer could do nothing.
Synthesized from 48 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
When backing down from driveway, steering wheel makes awful noise and hard to turn, esp. When backing and turning. Also before this happens, fluid leaking and a part popped out.
Vehicle was traveling 45 MPH on firestone, affinity tires with less then 20,000 miles on them. While traveling on dry, good pavement the right rear tire experienced a complete blowout causing the vehicle to turn violently to the left and come to a complete stop in a bar ditch. The tire was intact, but had crawled off the rim. Tire pressure was checked two days prior and was well within proper…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Honda Accord?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 48 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 87,000 and 141,000 miles, with the median around 108,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 87,000; a quarter make it past 141,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Honda/Accord.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.