Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 Odysseys & Pilots, 2010 & 2013 Accord V6s with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Honda Accord steering problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 18 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 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 - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 Odysseys & Pilots, 2010 & 2013 Accord V6s with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 Odysseys, 2010 & 2013 Accord V6s & Pilots with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 Odysseys, 2010 & 2013 Accord V6s & Pilots with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - American Honda (AHM) is investigating certain 2010 & 2013 Accord V6s, Pilots & Odysseys with a complaint of the steering wheel vibration and pulsation/vibration in the front brake when braking. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Eighteen complaints center on steering failures in 2010 Accords. Owners consistently describe steering wheels that don't return to center after turns, forcing constant correction while driving straight. Several report steering racks cracking or shearing—one owner discovered a cracked steering rack at 62,201 miles after a rocking noise from the front end; another reported a sheared steel rack with no warning. Multiple owners say steering wheels lock or seize, leaving them stranded; one woman was left unable to start the car five times and required strangers' help pulling the wheel.
Highway vibration is pervasive above 60 mph. Owners report dealerships replacing motor mounts, tires, and re-balancing/aligning repeatedly without fixing the shake. One owner tested tires from three other 2008–2010 Accords on the lot—all three exhibited the same vibration, suggesting a design issue Honda dismisses as "characteristic."
Steering effort is inconsistent: some report excessive force needed to turn at low speeds, especially during parking. Others describe steering wheel noise—clunking, popping, and screeching—starting at very low mileage (4,500–5,000 miles). One owner noted engine RPM rises abnormally when the steering wheel moves. A few owners mention steering racks and pumps replaced without full resolution. Dealerships often blame tires, alignments, or user behavior; owners remain skeptical.
Same Honda Accord steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel difficult to turn / excessive force required
Power steering pump and/or steering system unable to provide adequate assist, forcing driver to use excessive force to turn the wheel at low speeds.
When: Reported at 85,000 miles; owner reports ongoing since purchase on another vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel difficult or stiff to turn; Excessive force required to turn vehicle; Symptoms present at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel pump replaced at dealership; failure not corrected by repair
Steering rack cracking or shearing
Steering rack assembly (rack and pinion) develops cracks or shears internally, creating clunking/popping noises and potential loss of steering control.
When: Reported at 62,201 miles (crack discovered); another at 5,000 miles (4 months old); one report without specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rocking or knocking noise from under front of car when braking or slowing; Popping noise felt when moving steering wheel side to side; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Loss of steering control potential
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack and pinion assembly replaced; outer tie rod ends replaced; torsion arm bushings replaced; lower control arm bushings replaced (cracked on both ends)
Steering wheel does not return to center
Steering wheel fails to naturally return to center position after turning, creating a safety hazard and erratic handling.
When: Present since vehicle purchase; ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering does not return to center; Wheel turns left and right when brakes applied; Wheel turns left and right when going over bumps; Uneven handling when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering components replaced (struts, shocks, shocks and struts), alignments performed multiple times; problems persist
Steering wheel locks or becomes stuck
Steering wheel seizes, locks, or becomes immobilized, preventing the driver from starting the vehicle or steering. Requires force or restart to unlock.
When: Multiple instances; one instance while backing out of driveway on a hill
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to turn steering wheel to start vehicle; Steering wheel locks up while operating; Steering wheel becomes stiff then locks; Vehicle unable to start due to wheel lock
Repairs/costs cited: Honda service recommended pulling hard on steering wheel toward chest; owner reported needing assistance from strangers; turning vehicle off and restarting unlocked wheel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda blamed customer for 'leaning on steering wheel' while exiting; no corrective action offered
Highway vibration / shaking over 60 mph
Sustained vibration and shaking at highway speeds (over 60 mph), likely steering or suspension-related but not fully resolved by standard diagnostics.
When: Reported at various mileages from early ownership through 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shakes and vibrates at speeds over 60 mph; Steering wheel and front end shake; Vibration occurs at various intensities; Shaking when steering wheel is turned sharply
Repairs/costs cited: Front and side motor mounts replaced; tires rebalanced, aligned, rotated, and replaced; no improvement. Multiple alignments and suspension work performed without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Factory tech attributed issue to 'bad tires'; Honda reportedly labels issue as characteristic of the vehicle
Steering system noises (clunking, popping, screech)
Various noises emanating from steering system, including loud cranking at startup, clunking during turns, and screeching, suggesting internal wear or misalignment.
When: Reported at low mileage (4-5,000 miles) and throughout ownership; screech at first start and occasionally after
Symptoms owners cite: Loud cranking noise lasting about 2 seconds at startup; Popping noise felt in steering rack; Screech at first start and sometimes at other times; Whining noise from 0-45 mph when turning; Knocking noise at low speed 5-10 mph
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented for noises; dealership attributed one to i-VTEC engine after warranty expired
Engine RPMs increase when steering wheel is turned
Engine RPM rises abnormally when steering wheel is moved, particularly at idle or when vehicle is stopped or barely moving.
When: Reported at 5,200 miles; issue has worsened
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPMs go up when stopped or barely moving if steering wheel is moved; Issue worsens with driving
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repair; dealership stated behavior is normal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership said behavior is normal; factory was supposed to contact owner but did not
Steering wheel off-center / alignment issues
Steering wheel does not align straight when wheels are straight, causing the vehicle to pull or drift and requiring constant correction.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; reported at 71,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel is 5 inches to the right when wheels are straight; Vehicle is extremely uneven when turning; Vehicle pulls or drifts requiring constant correction
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignments paid for by owner; problem persists
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2010 Honda accord. Consumer writes in regards to power steering rack and pump replacement. *smd
Had steering trouble with your 2010 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 2010 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. 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/2010/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.