2013 Honda Accord steering problems

The electric power steering system loses functionality intermittently or completely, causing the steering wheel to become either extremely difficult to turn or to turn on its own without driver input. Owners report the steering wheel pulling sharply left, spinning uncontrollably, or locking up. The failure often occurs with no warning lights, or lights appear after the loss of control. Restart sometimes temporarily restores steering, but the condition recurs.

When: Failures reported at mileage ranging from under 1,000 to 115,000 miles. Most failures occur between 20,000 and 85,000 miles. Onset can be sudden with no prior symptoms.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel pulls sharply to the left or right without driver input; Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn; Steering wheel spins freely or turns on its own when vehicle is idle or moving; Steering feels jerky, inconsistent, or skips during turns; Steering system loses power temporarily, then returns; EPS warning light may or may not illuminate; Vehicle drifts into adjacent lanes due to uncontrolled steering; Turning effort is erratic—sometimes very hard, sometimes very loose

Codes mentioned: DTC 53-01, DTC 53-02, DTC 53-03, DTC 85-01, DTC 34-05

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report repairs ranging from $1,200 to $3,750+. Typical repair involves replacement of the entire EPS rack assembly (steering gear), which costs $2,000–$3,500 in labor and parts. Some owners report Honda dealerships attempted a software reprogram or torque sensor relearn, which provided temporary relief or no relief. Replacement of EPS control module or VSA modulator also cited. One owner reported an $8,500 bill that included additional work on shock absorbers, ball bearings, and exhaust system deemed necessary by the dealership.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Service Bulletin 15-056 extending the EPS Torque Sensor warranty from 5 to 13 years for 2013–2014 Accords, but coverage is limited to vehicles that display diagnostic codes DTC 53-01 or DTC 53-02. Many owners report their vehicles do not generate these specific codes despite exhibiting identical symptoms, resulting in denial of warranty coverage. Honda has refused coverage in numerous cases, citing lack of diagnostic codes. Some dealerships offered partial payment (e.g., covering 50% of repair cost) as a goodwill gesture. NHTSA investigation was reportedly closed due to lack of reports, though owners cite an active or ongoing investigation.

The VSA modulator fails, disabling anti-lock braking (ABS) and stability control. Multiple warning lights illuminate on the dashboard (ABS, VSA, traction control, brake system), masking or obscuring other safety warnings such as power steering failure. This compounds the danger if EPS also fails, because the driver may not receive a power steering warning light.

When: No specific mileage range cited in complaints; failure timing varies.

Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminates; VSA/traction control light illuminates; Brake system warning light illuminates; Loss of anti-lock braking function; Loss of stability control (vehicle does not respond to stability interventions); Erratic or compromised braking behavior; All dashboard warning lights remain illuminated, obscuring specific fault indicators

Codes mentioned: VSA Solenoid Valve Malfunction codes, Modulator Control Unit Power Source Circuit (IG) Low Voltage

Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of VSA modulator unit typically costs $2,000–$3,000. One owner reported the failure occurred immediately after a driveshaft recall repair, suggesting a possible connection to service work.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls for VSA modulators exist for 2022 Accords but have not been extended to earlier model years (2013–2017) despite identical complaints. One owner reported VSA modules have been recalled and replaced by Honda in other countries but not in the United States.

The steering column, motor, and wiring become heavily corroded or degrade prematurely, rendering the electric power steering non-functional. One owner reported corrosion severe enough that Honda dealership believed the steering column would snap or break. Electrical connectors or components fail due to corrosion despite the vehicle being properly maintained.

When: Reported at ~81,500–85,000 miles on well-maintained vehicles with regular service.

Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering despite electrical system functioning; Steering column and motor visibly corroded; Starter motor fails repeatedly (replaced twice in one case); Windows and other electrical systems intermittently malfunction alongside steering issues

Repairs/costs cited: One owner's repair bill escalated from $3,000 to $8,500 over several weeks. Initial estimate was to replace the steering motor and wiring. Additional issues (knuckle/ball bearings rusted, shock absorbers needing replacement) were discovered and claimed to be required for vehicle inspection passage. Dealership also replaced entire exhaust system ($3,000) to access the steering column.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned; dealership work was performed under paid repair, not warranty.

The power steering fails intermittently, with the EPS warning light appearing during failure but disappearing when the vehicle is restarted. The failure recurs repeatedly over short periods and at varying speeds, making diagnosis difficult. Dealerships often cannot reproduce the fault or cannot retrieve diagnostic codes.

When: Failures reported at 36,500 miles to 115,000 miles; can occur multiple times in a single day.

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering at highway speeds (50–70 mph); EPS warning light illuminates during failure; EPS light disappears after vehicle restart; Steering difficulty returns intermittently after restart; Fault cannot be duplicated during dealership diagnostic; No stored diagnostic codes present despite repeated failures

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs cited as $2,000–$3,000+ for steering rack replacement. One owner reported Honda dealership and engineers instructed that if power steering does not fail within 500 miles of a software fix, it will not recur; however, failure recurred within 400 miles. Multiple owners report dealerships clearing fault codes and sending them home without repair, instructing them to return if problem recurs.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda engineers have been consulted by dealerships regarding transitory failures. In one case, Honda instructed dealership to clear the fault code and monitor. Software updates have been attempted as a fix, with mixed results. No formal recall issued for this condition.

The steering wheel locks up or becomes immobile during parking, backing, or low-speed turns. The vehicle cannot be steered despite engine running. Restart sometimes restores function. Warning light may be present.

When: Reported at low mileage (~20,000 miles in one case) and higher mileage (80,000+ miles).

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks and will not turn while backing or turning at low speeds; EPS warning light illuminates when steering locks; Steering control restored only after vehicle is turned off and restarted; Vehicle cannot be maneuvered away from traffic or obstacles without restart

Codes mentioned: DTC 53-01, DTC 53-02

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealership quoted $1,200 for a defective electric rack-and-pinion replacement. Another paid $2,900 for EPS rack replacement after repeated locking incidents.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response indicated in complaints. Dealerships have diagnosed as defective rack-and-pinion and recommended replacement.