Service Bulletin - When a failure is detected, the EPS control unit goes into back-up mode. The new software provides partial assist during back-up mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Honda Accord steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Honda Accord have filed 138 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 58,645 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
138
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Accord | 18 |
| 2011 Accord | 20 |
| 2012 Accord | 51 |
| 2013 Accord | 497 |
| 2014 Accord (this page) | 138 |
| 2015 Accord | 77 |
| 2016 Accord | 30 |
| 2017 Accord | 24 |
| 2018 Accord | 58 |
13crashes
1fire
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 138 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Honda Accord, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 138 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.
Among the 18 model years of Honda Accord in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
ServiceNews Article - When removing and installing a cable reel, you need to keep both the cable reel and the steering angle sensor in position. If you don't , the VSA indicator may come on along with one or more VSA DTCs. And when you run the Neutral Memorization Procedure in the i-HDS, it won't complete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer letter - The Electric Power Steering (EPS) torque sensor in a small number of 2013âÂÂ14 Accord, 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid, and the 2014 Accord Hybrid vehicles may contain a manufacturing defect. If the EPS control unit detects a torque sensor failure, it is programmed to generate an error code and will disable the power assist. A software update is available that will change the control unit to allow partial power steering assist in the event of a torque sensor failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - American Honda is extending the warranty coverage on all electric power steering torque sensors to 13 years from the original date of purchase with no mileage limit. This only applies to vehicles with EPS DTCs 53-01 torque sensor (low/ high check) or DTC 53-02 torque sensor (average check).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer message - Today, American Honda is announcing a product update campaign and warranty extension affecting 28,934 model year 2013-2014 Accord, Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-in Hybrids. This is an expansion to a product update that was launched on August 21, 2015, affecting 285,623 model year 2013-14 Accord vehicles. This product update is to address an issue with the electrical power steering (EPS) control unit. In addition, American Honda is also extending the warranty coverage 13 years/unlimited mileage for all affected vehicles to cover steering gearbox replacements in cases where DTC 53-01 (Torque Sensor (Low/High Check)) or 53-02 (Torque Sensor (Average Check)) is set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The steering complaints fall into a handful of critical failure patterns. Most common is the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) control unit failing suddenly—steering becomes impossible to move or locks mid-turn, sometimes while driving 60+ mph. Owners report the steering wheel shaking, jerking, or stiffening without warning, with the EPS light popping on the dash. Turning it off and restarting temporarily fixes it, but the problem returns unpredictably over weeks or months. One owner's car lost steering at 70 mph on a highway, veered across three lanes, hit a guardrail, rolled, and trapped her upside down. Another had complete steering lockup at low speed that required brute force to escape.
The second major failure is VSA modulator malfunction, where the stability control module fails and cascades warnings across multiple safety systems—ABS, brake, power steering, and tire pressure all light up together. These failures cluster around 34,000–42,000 miles, right at the end of warranty. Owners report the car swerving unpredictably in rain or wind, ABS engaging when it shouldn't, and brakes feeling low. Dealership replacement costs run $1,263–$1,920, but Honda has not issued a recall for the 2014 Accord despite documented problems on earlier model years.
A third pattern is steering pull to one side that persists after multiple alignment corrections. Owners have brought cars in four, five, or more times for alignment; the problem returns within weeks. Several owners cite potential OEM tire issues or suspension defects Honda won't investigate.
Lastly, software glitches following recall updates trigger multiple warning lights with no clear fault codes, or fault codes that disappear after restart, only to reappear. One owner spent $6,007 on repairs over four years with no resolution.
Same Honda Accord steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) System Failure – Loss of Assist or Lockup
EPS control unit or module fails, causing complete loss of power steering assist, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs without warning and can happen at any speed, from traffic lights to highway driving. Steering becomes stiff, wheel locks or jerks unexpectedly.
When: Varies from early in ownership (observed at 15,000 miles) to 79,000+ miles; most commonly reported around 35,000–66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff or locks up; EPS warning light illuminates on dashboard; Loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel jerks or shakes when turned; Clicking or chiming noises when turning wheel; Problem resolves temporarily after turning off and restarting engine, then returns; Intermittent failures over months or years
Codes mentioned: EPS warning light, No fault code found (in some cases), Related to TSB 15-055 (EPS Software Update)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics confirm EPS control unit failure. Repairs include: battery replacement (ineffective), control unit replacement, EPS motor/rack replacement. Estimated costs range $2,140–$3,500+. In at least one case, entire steering rack and assembly replaced for $3,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda advised out-of-warranty claims would not be covered; referred customers to dealer; one corporate representative stated the rattling-noise defect had no resolution and engineering was working on a fix; TSB 15-055 (EPS Software Update) issued but some failures persisted after update
VSA Modulator Failure – Multiple System Cascade
VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) modulator fails, triggering simultaneous warning lights for EPS, ABS, brake system, and sometimes tire pressure monitoring. Modulator controls power steering, anti-lock brakes, and stability control; failure disables these safety systems or causes them to malfunction intermittently.
When: Occurs around 29,000–86,000 miles, with cluster around 34,000–42,000 miles (near end of warranty period)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, EPS, VSA, brake, and tire pressure warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Lights come on and off intermittently; Loss of steering accuracy or difficulty turning at low speeds (below 5 mph on full lock); ABS engages inappropriately at low speeds or at random speeds (10–25 mph); Vehicle swerves too easily on rainy roads or in crosswinds; Brakes feel low or spongy; Steering feels loose or vulnerable; Clinking or clunking from suspension area
Codes mentioned: 85-01 VSA system malfunction, 81-20 Central Processing Unit internal circuit malfunction, 121-11 VSA Solenoid Valve Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of VSA modulator valve assembly (part number 04571-T2F-L11 or 04571-T2F-L01). Dealer-quoted cost: $1,263–$1,920. Some dealerships have experienced parts backorders.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2014 Accord despite similar failures on other Honda models (e.g., 2013 Accord under investigation). Honda has not extended VSA modulator recall to 2014 Accord model. Warranty denials after 3 years or 36,000 miles common.
Steering Pull to One Side – Persistent After Alignment
Vehicle persistently pulls or drifts to the right (occasionally left) even after multiple alignments and steering wheel resets. Occurs at highway speeds and low speeds. Recurs within weeks to months after dealer alignment correction.
When: Observed early in ownership, as few as 1,160 miles; occurs repeatedly throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls or drifts to the right at highway speeds; Vehicle sways and pulls to the right; Difficult to keep car driving straight; Pull recurs after alignment is corrected; Steering wheel reset required by dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed alignment adjustments and steering wheel resets multiple times without permanent resolution. Dealers attributed issue to road crown; one owner questioned OEM Goodyear tire quality (V6 models came with Michelin and did not exhibit pulling).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismissed problem or blamed road crown; one corporate response dismissed as 'not a real problem'; owner contacted Honda Corporate but no resolution provided
Dashboard Warning Light Cascade – Mixed Electrical/Software Issues
Multiple warning lights (ABS, EPS, VSA, brake, tire pressure, lane departure, forward collision warning) illuminate intermittently or permanently, often triggered by or associated with software updates. Some cases show no underlying fault code; others linked to ABS/VSA module or firmware bugs.
When: Varies; some incidents occur shortly after recall service/software update (TSB 15-055); others occur months or years into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights come on simultaneously without apparent cause; Lights flicker or blink erratically; Lights turn on and off unpredictably; Loss of multiple functions: steering wheel buttons, cruise control, cell phone Bluetooth connectivity, radio display functions; Temperature and screen display scrambled at startup; Condition improves briefly after subsequent software update, then returns
Codes mentioned: TSB 15-055 (EPS Software Update) suspected as source in at least one complaint, Firmware version mismatch or corruption noted in one case (39990-T2F-A010 vs. 39990-T2F-A020)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed software updates (TSB 15-055) but intermittent failures persisted or recurred. One owner reported $6,007.23 in repairs across multiple years (2016–2020) with no permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service attempted firmware updates; one owner reported Honda service dept. confirmed a defect with no resolution planned at that time. Warranty denials common for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Sudden Steering Loss at Highway Speed – Crash Risk
Vehicle loses steering control suddenly while driving at highway speeds (60–72 mph), causing uncontrolled veering and lane departure. One case resulted in rollover accident and injury. Another caused veering into guardrail and median.
When: Multiple incidents; one at 70 mph, another at 72 mph (approx. 3 hours into highway drive), one after 60k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes inoperable or unresponsive; Vehicle veers suddenly to left or right; Driver unable to correct steering despite applying braking; Vehicle swerves across multiple lanes; Steering locks or becomes extremely difficult; Check engine and multiple warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check engine warning light, EPS or power steering warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required complete steering rack replacement. Another case: dealer tested multiple times without reproducing problem; control module assembly later diagnosed as failed but not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in these narratives; one owner stated CHP officer indicated he had seen similar accidents with poor outcomes
Steering Wheel Lockup – Physical Obstruction or System Freeze
Steering wheel locks up completely or becomes immobilized while driving, preventing turning. May occur during turns or while parked. One case involved clicking noises; another involved grinding or jamming sensation.
When: Occurs at various mileages and driving conditions; one incident while making U-turn at 20 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or will not turn; Series of clicking noises from dashboard at moment of lockup; Vehicle cannot be steered in either direction; Lockup occurs when accelerating after turning wheel; No prior warning or symptoms; Unlocks after restart in some cases, but may lock again upon turning wheel
Codes mentioned: EPS light illuminates during lockup events
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed EPS control unit failure. One repair involved EPS control unit replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised this was a known issue and performed control unit replacement
Intermittent Power Steering Failure – Recurring Over Months/Years
Power steering assist cuts out intermittently, then returns. Failures are unpredictable and recur throughout vehicle's life despite repairs. Vehicle may function normally for weeks, then fail again. Temporary fix via restart; permanent fix requires rack or computer replacement.
When: Recurring from mid-ownership through high mileage; one case spanned 11 months of recurrence; another spans months or years with 2–3 incidents per week
Symptoms owners cite: Steering suddenly becomes very difficult without warning; EPS warning light illuminates; Power assist drops out temporarily; Steering returns to normal after restart; Failures occur in parking situations and low-speed turns; Failures can occur at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: EPS warning light, Fault code for steering (erased and rebooted by some dealers)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced battery (ineffective), reset computer/rebooted system (temporary fix), eventually replaced entire power steering rack for $2,140–$3,500. One owner reported issue resolved after steering rack replacement; another reported replacement of EPS unit at Honda dealer but problem returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Out-of-warranty claims denied; one owner stated Honda told them 'these cars don't have steering problems'
EPS Computer/Control Module Failure – Cold Weather Susceptibility
EPS computer system fails suddenly, most notably in cold weather (below freezing). Steering becomes stiff and unresponsive. Vehicle received one recent recall service for unrelated component, raising question of software interaction.
When: Incident occurred in January during snow/freezing temperatures; another incident occurred suddenly without seasonal correlation
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn; EPS warning light appears after startup or during drive; Steering becomes extremely stiff in freezing conditions; Steering wheel locked during turn attempt at low speed; Problem appeared to be triggered or worsened by cold weather
Codes mentioned: EPS warning light / yellow light indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Body shop initially suggested software error; dealer confirmed electronic power steering computer system was bad. No repair details provided; customer indicated report pending.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda declined to pay repair (out of warranty at 6 years); body shop and dealer both recommended addressing computer system issue
Synthesized from 138 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Electronic power steering failure at less than 90,000 miles. Had we been driving at a higher speed, we and others on the road would have been seriously injured or killed. Without any warning, the electronic power steering failed and it was nearly impossible to steer. It took all my strength to turn the steering wheel.
Went christmas shopping, came out of best buy and started car to go home, noticed that the steering wheel would not turn. Turned car off, restarted and noticed the same thing. While trying to turn it, it pulsates, as if the system is acting up. Used uber to get home. Came back the next day, the same thing. Did some research on google, the only way to bypass power steering is to pull the fuse so…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Honda Accord?
It's a meaningful issue. 138 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 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 26,975 and 79,000 miles, with the median around 58,645. A quarter of owners report trouble before 26,975; a quarter make it past 79,000. 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/2014/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.