Unknown
2006 Honda CR-V steering problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1fire
1injury
The failure pattern owners describe
This cluster documents serious steering and suspension failures across 17 complaints on 2006 CR-Vs. The dominant issue is a persistent rightward pull unrelated to alignment: owners have submitted vehicles for multiple alignments, Honda technical involvement, and 90,000-mile service inspections, yet the pull persists and worsens under acceleration or on crowned roads. Some owners describe the vehicle drifting across lanes in 3–4 seconds with no input.
A documented NHTSA recall (12V-124) addresses insufficient weld strength on the passenger-side front lower arm bushing collar, causing separation and potential loss of steering. One owner reports the part failed twice on the same vehicle.
Owners also report a stripped steering wheel hub that causes the wheel to slip loose with up to 90-degree off-center positioning under moderate force—a direct loss-of-control hazard. One case involved steering lock-up paired with brake hardening when coming to a stop, repeating on subsequent drives despite dealer diagnostic attempts. Another owner experienced sudden power steering failure followed by vehicle fire; the fire department attributed it to electrical failure.
A driver-side rear trailing arm separated from the frame, causing sudden loss of control. A dealer failed to notify an owner of suspension issues identified at 90,000 miles, including torn ball joint boots and a worn compliance bushing. Complaints span diverse mileages and ownership periods.
Same Honda CR-V steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Vehicle pulls severely to the right (PTTR)
Persistent rightward pull unrelated to alignment. Multiple alignment attempts and Honda technical interventions fail to correct it. Worse on crowned secondary roads and with acceleration. Vehicle crosses lanes uncontended within 3–4 seconds on interstate.
When: From date of purchase; observed at low and high mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rightward steering pull; Vehicle drifts across lanes without input; Worsens with acceleration; Exacerbated on crowned roads; Persists after multiple alignments
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced 3 times including alignment, 5-day Honda technical oversight, 4-day dealer visit with Honda recommendations—problem unresolved. Owners report tire and rotor replacement did not fix issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda technical involvement and recommendations provided; BBB claim and arbitration filed; Honda denied replacement/repurchase request.
Front lower arm weld separation (Recall 12V-124)
Insufficient weld strength on passenger-side front lower arm bushing collar. Collar separates due to vibration, causing loss of steering control. Owner reports part failed twice on same vehicle.
When: NHTSA recall issued 03/22/2012; remedies began April 17, 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Steering loses stability during turns; Loss of steering control potential
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 12V-124, Honda Campaign ID S33
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealers inspect production lot stamp on passenger-side front lower arm and replace if necessary, free of charge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recall 12V-124; free replacement remedy; owners contact Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009.
Steering wheel hub stripped threads
Steel insert where steering wheel mounts to steering shaft becomes stripped. Under moderate pressure the steering wheel becomes loose with no steering response. Off-center steering wheel by up to 90 degrees.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes loose; Off-center steering wheel (up to 90 degrees); No steering response under pressure; Loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel requires replacement.
Power steering malfunction with vehicle fire
Power steering suddenly malfunctioned; steering wheel became very difficult to turn before vehicle shut off. Vehicle caught fire immediately after. Fire department determined electrical failure caused the fire.
When: At 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering sudden malfunction; Steering wheel very difficult to turn; Vehicle shut off; Vehicle fire
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no report filed.
Steering lock-up with brake hardening
Steering wheel locks up when coming to a complete stop; brakes become hard. Steering remains locked until driver releases brake pedal. Condition repeats on subsequent test drives. Dealer unable to diagnose.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks when braking to stop; Brakes become hard; Steering will not move until brake pedal released
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to find or diagnose issue.
Rear trailing arm separation from frame
Driver-side rear trailing arm broke free from frame, resulting in sudden loss of control.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of vehicle control; Near accident
Vehicle instability on uneven pavement
On uneven asphalt, vehicle pulls and shifts left and right as if it will topple over. Diagnosed at 40,000 miles. Dealer provided no notification of failures during service.
When: At 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls and shifts left and right; Feels like vehicle will topple over on uneven pavement
Steering wobble and shake at highway speed
Steering wheel shakes at highway speeds accompanied by rightward vehicle pull.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes at highway speeds; Vehicle pulls forcefully to the right
Noise and awkward steering feel
Consistent noise from steering system with awkward driving experience. Problem persists after three dealership visits including wheel switches, alignment, and steering wheel straightening attempts.
When: Noticed shortly after purchase in October 2006
Symptoms owners cite: Consistent noise from steering; Awkward driving experience; Rightward pull with acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Wheels switched, alignment performed, steering wheel straightened—problem unresolved.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Honda CR-V?
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 CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 45,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 92,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/CR-V.
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.