The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and coming to a stop, the steering wheel became loose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not…
2020 Honda CR-V steering problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 steering complaints filed for the 2020 Honda CR-V, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 31 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 CR-V steering system shows a pattern of premature failure centered on the power steering rack and gearbox assembly. Owners describe steering that progressively feels sticky or locked, requiring extra force to turn—especially on hot days, at highway speeds, or during slight curves. Most report clicking, creaking, or crackling noises accompanying the stiffness. The problem surfaces anywhere from two months to 4.5 years into ownership, commonly between 23,000 and 60,000 miles, and worsens over time from intermittent to chronic.
Dealerships diagnose the issue as a faulty power steering rack or EPS gearbox requiring full replacement at costs of $3,000–$5,300. Parts are on nationwide backorder, creating extended delays. Honda issued recall 24V744000 for 2023–2025 CR-V models with identical symptoms, but excludes 2020 models despite identical complaints. One owner experienced catastrophic steering failure at 70 mph resulting in a severe crash. Others report dealerships unable to replicate the sticking during diagnostic visits, leading to delays. One transmission mount was replaced multiple times without resolving the steering complaints. One owner's steering rack, replaced under warranty, developed the same symptoms again within 18 months.
Same Honda CR-V steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Sticky/Sticking Steering Rack with Excessive Internal Friction
Power steering rack develops excessive internal friction causing steering wheel to feel sticky, resistant, or locked in position, requiring increased manual force to turn. Intermittent initially, progresses to constant. Often accompanied by clicking, creaking, or crackling sounds from steering assembly.
When: Onset ranges from 2 months to 4.5 years of ownership; most commonly reported between 23,000–60,000 miles. Some reported after 10-minute highway drives on hot days.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels sticky or resistant to turn; Steering wheel locks or binds in certain positions; Excessive force required to center steering wheel; Clicking, creaking, or crackling noises during turns; Problem worsens on hot days or at highway speeds; Intermittent initially, then becomes chronic; Occurs on slight turns or during curve navigation; Vehicle pulls to one side (left or right)
Codes mentioned: EPS (Electric Power Steering) light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships diagnose as faulty power steering rack or EPS gearbox requiring full replacement. Owners cite replacement costs of $3,000–$5,300. Parts reported on nationwide backorder, causing extended repair delays.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued recall NHTSA Campaign #24V744000 affecting 1.7 million 2023–2025 CR-V models for steering gearbox defect. Service Bulletin #23-031 exists but no active recall for 2020 models. Earlier model years (2017–2020) not included despite identical symptoms.
Intermittent Steering Loss or Catastrophic Steering Failure
Sudden, complete loss of steering control while driving at highway speed, resulting in violent vehicle movement. One reported incident involved loud metallic bang followed by total steering failure and severe crash with engine/transaxle separation.
When: Occurred at approximately 70 mph on interstate highway; timing and mileage not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic bang or noise; Complete loss of steering control; Vehicle violently jerked to one side; Vehicle exited roadway uncontrollably; Engine and transaxle reportedly separated from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was total loss; towed by state farm. Engine and transaxles found separated from vehicle body.
Steering Component Misdiagnosis / Recurring Defect After Repair
Dealership repairs (transmission mount replacement, sway bar link removal, strut assembly reinstallation) fail to resolve clicking/clocking noises. Steering rack replaced under warranty but identical symptoms return within 18 months. Dealers unable to consistently replicate issue during diagnostic visits.
When: Initial symptoms at 2 months of ownership (April 2020); repair attempts through May 2020; recurrence 18 months post-repair (2023). Another case: symptoms return within days of transmission mount replacement (May 2020).
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or clocking noises while steering and driving; Noises worse on bumps or uneven surfaces; Steering feels sticky or resistant; Intermittent nature prevents dealer reproduction during inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission mount replaced multiple times; steering rack replaced under warranty. Noises and stickiness recur despite repairs. One owner reports engineer involvement to diagnose faulty transmission mount.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered initial steering rack replacement; dealership unable to provide consistent resolution.
All-Wheel Drive System Fault with Power Loss
Dashboard warning 'All Wheel System Drive Problem' appears without prior warning, causing power to divert from all four wheels to front wheels only. Sudden loss of all-wheel drive capability poses safety risk during highway driving.
When: 70,000 miles on 2020 CR-V; occurred multiple times over several days in 2024.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning: 'All Wheel System Drive Problem'; Power diverted from all four wheels to front wheels only; Sudden occurrence without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair cost $1,260. Owner provided invoice referencing Honda service bulletin.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin NHTSA #23-031 exists; known problem to both Honda and NHTSA but no active recall issued.
Steering Looseness or Slack
Steering wheel develops excessive play or looseness, particularly during low-speed maneuvers or coming to a stop. Vehicle steering becomes imprecise or unresponsive.
When: 17,000 miles at time of complaint.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes loose while driving at low speed (10 mph) and coming to stop; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic inspection found no cause; vehicle not repaired.
Synthesized from 31 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 2020 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 2020 Honda CR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 31 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 23,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.