Service Bulletin - While driving at highway speeds, customers may find that the steering wheel does not automatically return to center.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Honda CR-V steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 Honda CR-V have filed 320 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 10,000 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
320
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 CR-V | 184 |
| 2020 CR-V | 32 |
| 2021 CR-V | 102 |
| 2022 CR-V | 122 |
| 2023 CR-V (this page) | 320 |
| 2024 CR-V | 117 |
| 2025 CR-V | 47 |
| 2026 CR-V | 7 |
6crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 22 model years of Honda CR-V we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 320.
Steering accounts for 63% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 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 core complaint is a sticking or binding sensation in the electric power steering gearbox that develops within the first 15,000 miles. Typically, owners notice the problem after 10–30 minutes of highway driving, especially above 40 mph. The steering wheel resists turning during minor corrections, requiring extra force to overcome resistance before suddenly releasing with a jerk that can cause overcorrection and lane drift. The issue worsens as the car warms up and is less noticeable when cold.
Owners describe the sensation as the wheel being "stuck," "locked," or "catching," making it harder to maintain lane control. The problem is not lane-keeping assist—owners confirmed it persists with that system disabled. Some owners experience complete steering lock at traffic lights or curves, requiring engine restart to regain control. In one documented crash, a 2023 CR-V hit a tree at 25 mph when steering became difficult; airbags did not deploy.
Dealerships confirmed the defect involves a faulty electronic power steering gearbox or rack assembly (Part No. 53620-3A1-A13). Honda issued recall 24V-744 and TSB 23-037 (greasing the gearbox), but replacement parts have been on indefinite back order since early 2024, with delivery dates repeatedly pushed from April to September 2024 and beyond. Some owners report Honda Techline instructing dealers the issue is "normal and not a safety concern"—a response contradicted by owners' safety concerns and dealerships' own assessments that the vehicles are unsafe to drive. Loaner vehicles are inconsistently offered, and when provided, are sometimes downgraded models. No refunds or compensation have been offered despite months-long wait times.
Same Honda CR-V steering reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Sticky/Binding Steering (EPS Gearbox Malfunction)
The electric power steering gearbox develops a sticking or binding sensation, particularly when the steering wheel is held at center or making minor adjustments. Owners report needing extra force to overcome resistance before the wheel suddenly releases, often with a jerky motion that can cause overcorrection. The issue typically emerges after 10-30 minutes of highway driving or at speeds above 40-60 mph, though it also occurs at lower speeds. Some owners describe it as the wheel 'locking' or 'catching.' The problem is progressive—worsening over weeks or months of ownership.
When: Typically appears between 5,400 and 16,500 miles; develops after 10-30 minutes of driving, especially at highway speeds; gets worse with warm-up and extended driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks or binds when centered or during minor steering corrections; Extra force required to turn wheel, followed by sudden release and jerky overcorrection; Vehicle drifts left or right when driving straight, requiring constant small corrections; Steering feels 'sticky,' 'tight,' 'catching,' or 'locked' at highway speeds (40+ mph) more than local streets; Resistance in steering position that locks the wheel unless overcome with force; In extreme cases, steering locks completely, requiring engine restart to regain control; Problem worsens as vehicle warms up and is less apparent when cold; Lane-keeping assist active or inactive makes no difference to the binding
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have confirmed the problem requires replacement of the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox and/or power steering rack assembly (Part No. 53620-3A1-A13 cited). Some owners report the dealership performed TSB 23-037 recall (additional greasing of gearbox with special tool) without fully resolving the issue. Parts have been on back order since early 2024 with repeatedly delayed ETAs (April 2024 became 9/1/24; some cases pushed to December 2024 or beyond). Costs not specified by owners. One owner (#43) reported steering improved after rack replacement in April 2024 but issue recurred after 5-6k miles; recall 23V-704/YFW performed in December 2024 with temporary improvement followed by recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate confirmed vehicles with defective steering racks; EPS gearbox recall (24V-744 / TSB 23-037) issued but parts unavailable. Multiple owners report Honda Techline instructing dealers not to perform repairs because the steering issue was 'normal and not a safety concern.' Dealers told owners to keep driving unsafe vehicles or offered only loaner vehicles (sometimes downgraded models). Honda case numbers issued for some owners but no expedited resolution. Parts remain on indefinite back order. One owner (#35) reported Honda tech line advised dealership not to do repairs, suggesting the issue was normal. Some owners received different service responses: one dealership (#13) performed the greasing recall but owner concerned spring was not replaced as specified in TSB.
Complete Steering Lock/Loss of Control
In isolated but serious incidents, the steering locks completely or the vehicle makes unintended hard turns without driver input, rendering the vehicle undrivable and creating immediate crash risk. One owner experienced a hard right turn with the child in the vehicle; another had steering lock requiring engine restart at a traffic light; a third experienced steering difficulty during a mountain curve at highway speed.
When: Sporadic; occurs at various mileages (9,500-15,000 miles documented); can happen at any speed including city driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks completely, immobilizing it until engine restart; Vehicle makes hard turn without driver steering input; Steering becomes 'difficult to return to center' at highway speeds; Loss of steering control on curves requiring excessive force or causing vehicle to drift toward roadside
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required. Owner (#48) reported vehicle at dealer since December 14, 2023 being unsafe to drive. Owner (#36) had crash into tree at 25 mph; airbags did not deploy, wife suffered chest/back/neck pain. Dealer did not diagnose or repair; manufacturer not informed of failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No proactive response. Owner (#36) with crash documented stated recall parts not yet available at time of incident. Case #24 owner reported manufacturer (American Honda) confirmed limited part availability is NOT mentioned in recall bulletins and should not be an issue, yet dealers consistently cite lack of parts.
Steering Column/Rack Assembly Defect (Loose Components)
One documented case of a faulty sway link with nut loose from factory, resulting in clunking noise and loss of steering control risk. TPMS light appeared and reappeared after dealer retightening, suggesting underlying assembly issue.
When: Early ownership (reported at 8/12/2023 on new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud clunking noise near right front tire; TPMS light illuminated; Risk of loss of steering control
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer retightened loose sway link nut and reset tire pressure. TPMS light reappeared after pickup, indicating either incomplete repair or recurrence of loose fastener.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Inspector confirmed faulty sway link from factory. No broader recall or systematic inspection mentioned.
Lane-Keeping Assist System Malfunction (Associated)
Several owners report lane-keeping assist malfunction warnings appearing simultaneously with or prior to sticky steering onset. One owner (#27) received 'Lane Keeping Assist System Malfunction' message before sticky steering appeared. However, disabling lane-keeping assist does not resolve the steering stickiness, indicating a separate primary steering defect.
When: October 2023 onwards; concurrent with sticky steering onset
Symptoms owners cite: Lane Keeping Assist System Malfunction warning on instrument panel; Warning appears and persists even when lane-keeping disabled; No resolution of sticky steering when lane-keeping turned off
Repairs/costs cited: Disabling lane-keeping assist does not fix the underlying steering issue. Appears to be a secondary symptom or related system malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially blamed sticky steering on lane-keeping assist; owners corrected them by demonstrating the issue persists with lane-keeping disabled. This deflection by dealerships suggests lack of clear manufacturer guidance on root cause.
Synthesized from 320 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 13 most recent
Driving on 1000 mile road trip on 12/30. Vehicle has 6800 miles. First noticed very minor twitching, then as day went own by the time I stopped for night the steering had noticeably gotten worse. It went from twitching about half hour after I was on highway to four hours later it was very prominently sticking or catching at the slightest turn in road. Both left and right. I am terrified if it’s…
When driving, especially on the interstate/high speeds, my steering wheel feels to be locked into place. I am unable to easily turn left or right to stay in my lane without a jerk/sticky feeling in the wheel. It feels like I have cranked the wheel as far as it will go, but the wheel is centered. The steering wheel will also occasionally randomly jerk small amounts either left or right. It makes…
After driving on expressway for 45 mi steering gets sticky , like it has a catch in the steering rack or steering shaft I’ve got 4000 mi on car ,it does not do it all the time
Steering wheel locks up entire time trying to drive and unsafe to keep in the lane safely. Hazard. Not safe. Please help that’s why I bought this car to safely transport grandchildren. Happens whether lane assist us on or off.
Cars steering jolts to the left or right when making minor adjustments at all speeds. Sticky steering. This needs to be addressed and a recall needs to be implemented immediately. This is not safe. When making minor adjustments when steering, there is an obvious wall of resistant that jolts as soon as you overcome that resistance by adding pressure. This can cause serious injury or death due to…
The steering system recently began to have a sticky feeling after driving straight for a minute or so. After the release that requires extra pressure, the steering is fine until the wheel is going straight and the stickiness returns. appears to be the same issue that has been noted in Civics. Dealer thinks the same thing and a recall just hasn't been issued yet.
The steering wheel of my vehicle becomes tight while driving and sticks when turned, especially at higher speeds. At slower speeds, a slight turn to the left or right will result in increased resistance and a “bump” as the steering comes back to center. At higher speeds, the steering wheel is tight and almost feels stuck at center. Once the wheel is turned is will briefly stick in that position…
-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering seems to lock when in a constant wheel position, either going straight or slightly turned for a large diameter constant turn. Steering frees with larger than normal force resulting in a jerkiness feeling. The needed effort could ketch the driver off guard and over or undercurrent. -How…
Steering Sticks and Very Stiff
I have been having a steering issue. It is jerky and hard to control. It doesn't matter what speed of whether the lane assist is enable. I took to my local dealer and they ordered parts. They did not give me a timeline on repairs, only that it is taking "awhile for parts. I was there on December 16, 2023. Should I be driving it?
Had steering trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Honda CR-V?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 320 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 7,060 and 15,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,060; a quarter make it past 15,000. 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/2023/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.