Dealer message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2016-2018 Civics with a customer complaint of excessive vibration and/or noise due to a broken side engine mount. The vibration can be felt through the steering wheel or floor at idle. The noise can be described as clunking or banging. To fully understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda Civic steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Honda Civic have filed 165 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 47,000 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
165
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Civic | 37 |
| 2014 Civic | 15 |
| 2015 Civic | 20 |
| 2016 Civic | 431 |
| 2017 Civic (this page) | 165 |
| 2018 Civic | 224 |
| 2019 Civic | 80 |
| 2020 Civic | 27 |
| 2021 Civic | 56 |
3crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 165 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.
Steering accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Honda Civic has a persistent steering issue that centers on the electric power steering (EPS) rack becoming sticky or notchy, particularly during minor highway corrections in warm weather. Owners report the steering wheel resists movement from center, then suddenly breaks free, causing overcorrection and lane weaving. The problem typically emerges 20–30 minutes into driving, worsens above 45°F ambient temperature and speeds over 40 mph, and disappears in cold weather or short city drives.
Owners cite a known Honda recall (Campaign 18V663000, 4V-744) covering similar symptoms in some 2016–2018 Civics, yet many complainants report their VINs are excluded despite matching the symptoms exactly. Honda customer service has consistently refused to expand recall scope or cover repairs under warranty. Dealerships often cannot reproduce the issue during testing, though some owners provided video documentation. Repair costs range from $2,000 to $2,300 for steering rack replacement; one narrative mentions a goodwill discount at 75% cost.
A secondary issue involves rodent damage to the soy-based wiring harness, which disables power steering and multiple electrical systems. Honda acknowledges the material attracts rodents but denies warranty coverage. Some owners experienced repeat damage within weeks of the first repair.
Complete EPS system failures—sudden total loss of power steering while driving—have also been reported, sometimes correlating with wiring damage or sensor failures, causing difficult vehicle control at speed.
Same Honda Civic steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack Sticking/Jerking
The electric power steering rack becomes sticky or notchy, particularly during minor steering corrections on straight roads or highways. The steering wheel requires extra force to move from center, then suddenly releases, causing overcorrection. Issue occurs after the engine warms (typically 20–30 minutes of driving) and at ambient temperatures above 45°F or highway speeds over 40 mph. Problem progressively worsens over time and mileage.
When: Typically after 20,000–85,000 miles. Most commonly reported between 20,000–44,000 miles. Occurs 20–30 minutes into driving, especially in warm weather (above 45°F) and at highway speeds (40+ mph). Does not occur in cold (freezing) temperatures.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks or feels notchy when making small adjustments from center; Steering resists initial input, then breaks free with a jerk; Over-correction and weaving side to side while trying to maintain lane; Heavy, stiff steering that feels like tension or a magnet sticking; Steering becomes progressively worse with time and mileage; Condition worsens in higher ambient temperatures; No warning lights or diagnostic messages appear; Condition improves or disappears in cold weather or short city drives
Codes mentioned: 18V663000, 4V-744
Repairs/costs cited: Owners and dealers cite replacement of EPS steering rack assembly (part 53650-TBC-A02 cited in one narrative). Costs reported: dealership estimates $2,000–$2,300+; some mention Honda goodwill discounts at 75% of cost. Some owners report sticking recurs after replacement with what appears to be another defective rack. Dealers often unable to reproduce the issue during diagnostic visits, despite owners providing video evidence in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda has issued recalls (Campaign 18V663000, 4V-744) covering certain 2016–2018 Civics and more recent 2022–2025 models for similar steering issues. However, many owners report their VINs are not included in recall scope despite having identical symptoms. Honda customer service has refused warranty coverage and denied expanding recalls, citing VIN-specific recall limitations. Some dealers refuse to service vehicles reporting this issue if not on recall list. One narrative mentions a class action lawsuit dating back to 2010 for similar defects.
EPS System Electrical Failure – Complete Loss of Power Steering
The electric power steering system loses all functionality while driving or upon startup, resulting in loss of power steering assist. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously (VSA, EPS, TPMS, brake system warnings). Vehicle becomes extremely difficult or impossible to steer. Power steering may return after restart, but failures recur intermittently.
When: Reported at 13,000–69,600 miles. Some failures occur after vehicle has been parked for several days; others occur during driving at various speeds (30–65 mph).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assistance while driving; Multiple warning lights illuminate: VSA, EPS, TPMS, brake system, hill start assist, electric parking brake; Steering wheel becomes extremely heavy or unresponsive (requiring manual force to steer); Vehicle difficult or impossible to maneuver safely; Power steering may temporarily return after vehicle restart; Failures recur on subsequent driving or startup; Some narratives describe steering becoming 'limp' (too responsive) before jerking hard to one side
Codes mentioned: 18-102
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, the issue was traced to a rodent-chewed wiring harness (part 53682-TSA-A01); repair cost $370 (part cost $20). In other narratives describing complete EPS failure, no repair details provided because vehicles were not diagnosed or repaired by dealers. One narrative mentions replacement of EPS rack assembly following sensor failure and Lane Keep Assist system malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs explicitly mentioned for this failure mode in the narratives. One narrative references a recall for 2017 Civics that the owner believes should apply to their vehicle but their VIN is not included. Dealers have performed diagnostics but in most cases have not repaired the vehicles. One narrative indicates Honda customer service dismissed the case.
Rodent Damage to Wiring Harness – Loss of Power Steering and Electrical Systems
Rodents chew through the soy-based wiring harness, causing multiple electrical system failures including complete loss of power steering, TPMS warnings, brake system warnings, ABS, traction control, and other critical systems. Honda acknowledges the soy-based wiring material attracts rodents but does not cover the damage under warranty. Issue has occurred repeatedly to multiple owners, sometimes recurring within 2–3 weeks of repair.
When: Reported at 13,000–20,000 miles. Some vehicles damaged after being parked in yard/driveway for 1–3 days. Recurrence reported within 2 weeks of first repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness visibly chewed by rodents; Multiple warning lights illuminate: EPS, TPMS, brake system, traction control, ABS, airbag, hill start assist, electric parking brake; Complete loss of power steering; Vehicle shaking or loss of engine function; Multiple critical electrical systems disabled; Repetitive failures after initial repair (rodents return to same area)
Repairs/costs cited: Parts affected: wiring harness (part 53682-TSA-A01 cited). Repair labor costs: $268–$500 reported; part cost only $20–$28. Honda offers 'spicy tape' (rodent-deterrent tape) as a preventative wrap at additional cost, though one service manager stated it 'really doesn't work.' Repairs not covered under Honda warranty. One owner reports a class action lawsuit filed for this issue dating back to 2010.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledges the wiring is made from soy-based material that attracts rodents. Does not cover damage under warranty and offers only a after-market deterrent tape (spicy tape) for additional charge. One service manager told owner the tape is ineffective. No recall issued. Honda customer service described as 'indifferent' to the issue despite known material problem.
Transmission Speed Sensor / EPS System Interaction Failure
Transmission speed sensor malfunction (replaced twice in one narrative) correlates with EPS system failure. When the speed sensor fails, the speedometer displays 0 mph despite vehicle being in motion, the EPS light illuminates on cluster, steering becomes 'limp' (excessive assist), and then jerks hard to one side.
When: Reported at approximately 84,000 miles in the specific narrative provided; however, this may be coincidental rather than mileage-dependent.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer displays 0 mph while vehicle is in motion; EPS warning light illuminates on instrument cluster; Steering initially becomes 'limp' (extremely easy to turn, excessive assist); Steering then jerks extremely hard to the left (or one direction); Problem recurs despite replacement of transmission speed sensor twice
Codes mentioned: 18-102
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission speed sensor replaced twice without resolving the issue. Vehicle submitted for diagnostic testing but repairs not completed as of complaint submission.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: There is a recall (not specified in narrative) that does not affect the complainant's specific VIN, though symptoms match recall criteria. Service bulletin 18-102 referenced. Dealership unable to find root cause despite multiple visits and sensor replacements.
Synthesized from 165 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Steering is sticky and jerky Dangerous at high speeds bc it’s difficult to keep the car in the lane because of significant jerking
When driving straight on a highway, probably 40+ mph, the steering wheel does not respond to small left or right adjustments to maintain a straight line. It feels like the steering wheel is sticky, and takes extra effort to break through the "stickiness." This results in an overcorrection when the steering system finally does respond. This can cause the vehicle to veer slightly into another lane…
The steering on my vehicle has spots where it sticks and I have to use more force to continue. I took it to my local dealer and was told the rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. I was also told the part I needed was out of stock and they did not know when it would be back in stock. They said they would order the part when it became available and I have heard nothing from them. My…
Steering wheel gets sticky with slight turns; car drifts while driving highway speeds and the sticky steering causes over correction which causes vehicle to move all over the road. Research done on this shows that this is a known issue with Honda Civics and the fix is to replace the steering rack. Local dealership confirmed this.
Had steering trouble with your 2017 Honda Civic?
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 2017 Honda Civic?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 165 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 27,500 and 86,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,500; a quarter make it past 86,000. 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/2017/Honda/Civic.
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.