When driven especially in cold weather the steering feels like it sticks or jerks when making minimum movements. Which feels like it does not track or have to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction. Happens when driving and standstill. This may be related to the current Honda steering recall.
2023 Honda HR-V steering problems
severe 76 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
76
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 9 model years of Honda HR-V we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 76.
Owners have filed 76 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
Buyer takeaway: The 2023 Honda HR-V has a widespread EPS gearbox failure that causes the steering to stick and jerk, especially at highway speeds or in cold weather, beginning within the first few thousand miles. Honda issued recall 24V744000 but the replacement part remains on critical backorder with no available timeframe, leaving owners driving unsafe vehicles while waiting for repairs.
Seventy-five owners of the 2023 Honda HR-V report steering problems concentrated in a single failure mode: the electric power steering (EPS) gearbox—specifically the rack and pinion assembly—sticks when turning, requiring abnormal force to overcome. The symptom emerges early, often within the first 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and worsens over time. Owners describe the wheel as binding in position, then releasing with a jerky or ratcheting sensation. Many report pressure building up in the steering before release, making even small corrections require a firm grip. The problem worsens at highway speeds and in cold weather, though it occurs at any speed and even when parked. Turning off lane-assist does not resolve it.
Dealerships have repeatedly diagnosed the failure as EPS gearbox malfunction requiring rack-and-pinion replacement, with one owner citing a $3,000 parts cost. Honda issued recall 24V744000 in response; however, the OEM part is on critical backorder across the supply chain with no delivery date. Dealers offer no interim solutions: some advise owners to continue driving despite unsafe conditions, while others declare the vehicle unsafe and refuse to release it. Two collisions resulted from steering lock-up—one total loss at 60,000 miles, one at 13,000 miles. The issue affects multiple Honda and Acura models sharing this gearbox, compounding the parts shortage.
Same Honda HR-V steering reports on nearby years: 2024
Failure modes owners describe
EPS gearbox (rack and pinion) sticking/resistance
Electric power steering gearbox fails to turn smoothly; requires excessive force to overcome binding resistance. Owners report the steering wheel sticks in position, then releases with a jerk or ratcheting sensation. Some describe it as pressure building up in the steering system that prevents normal smooth adjustments.
When: Begins within first 5,000 miles; varies by vehicle (some within first 3,000 miles, others around 5,000–14,000 miles). Often worsens in cold weather or at highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks or binds when turning, requiring abnormal force to overcome; Jerky or ratcheting sensation when steering adjusts after being stuck; Resistance or pressure builds up in steering system; Problem worsens at highway speeds (45+ mph) and in cold weather; Happens whether lane assist is on or off; Can occur even when parked; wheel feels sticky when moved by hand; Intermittent sticking that becomes progressive; Steering does not track smoothly; requires constant readjustment to stay in lane
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealerships have diagnosed as EPS gearbox or steering rack and pinion failure requiring replacement. Owners cite dealer quotes of $3,000 for the part alone. OEM part is on critical backorder; no timeframe given by dealers. Some dealers offered loaner vehicles while waiting; others directed owners to take vehicle home despite safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 24V744000 (Steering recall issued). Owners notified of recall but parts unavailable to perform repair. Honda aware the same gearbox affects multiple models (Civic, CR-V, Acura Integra). Dealers report 6+ 2023 HR-Vs with identical problem. Manufacturer has not provided timely remedy or loaner solutions in most cases. One owner directed to American Honda hotline; no substantive assistance reported.
Steering wheel lock-up during driving
In severe cases, steering wheel locks completely or becomes so stiff that driver loses ability to turn vehicle. Two narratives report total loss collisions resulting from this failure. No warning lights precede the failure in either case.
When: Occurred at 60,000 miles and 13,000 miles in the two serious incidents. One involved attempted emergency maneuver (lane change to exit highway); other was a bend in the road.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks and driver unable to turn; Loss of directional control; Soft brake pedal in one incident (possible concurrent failure); Air bags did not deploy in either collision; No warning lights illuminated prior to lock-up
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles declared total loss by insurance. One vehicle was towed to storage; the other to collision center. Repairs were not attempted due to total loss determination.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In one case (60,000 miles), NHTSA Campaign 24V744000 was opened and owner referred to NHTSA hotline. Manufacturer notified. In the other case (13,000 miles), manufacturer was not notified and no case opened.
Steering drift and over-correction
Vehicle drifts off center line; steering becomes sticky when driver attempts correction, leading to jerky over-correction that throws vehicle into adjacent lane or creates lane-departure risk. Pattern emerges after tire-pressure sensor recalibration in one case.
When: Occurs at highway and city speeds. More pronounced in cold or wet weather. One owner notes onset after low-tire-pressure sensor recalibration; another after winter approach.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts from lane center; Sticky steering when attempting minor corrections; Jerky response to correction causes over-steering into adjacent lane; Problem worsens in cold or wet conditions; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership has had to replace two steering racks on HR-Vs for this complaint. Lane-departure feature turned off by owners but problem persists, ruling out assist malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge problem exists at their service facilities. No recalls or TSBs offered beyond the steering gearbox recall (24V744000).
Steering noise (clicking, thumping) with heavy feel
Steering wheel makes audible clicking or thumping sounds during turning. Wheel feels heavier than normal and turns with difficulty. One narrative explicitly notes audible thump when turning wheel while parked.
When: Present from early ownership in some cases; develops over time in others. At least one onset tied to recall service appointment.
Symptoms owners cite: Audible clicking or thumping when turning wheel; Steering wheel feels heavy and requires more effort to turn; Clicking occurs left and right turns; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cited 6-month lead time for replacement part from Asia. Honda advised owner could drive car or leave it at dealership during part wait (no clear guidance given). Cost estimate not provided in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda acknowledged steering noise as a known issue on certain models per one dealer interaction. No recall issued for this specific complaint; manufacturer suggested customer wait for parts availability.
Right front wheel steering unresponsiveness
Right front wheel does not respond to steering input while left wheel responds normally. Creates uneven steering and loss of directional control, especially during turns and lane changes.
When: Mileage and timing not specified. Described as occurring more than once and not related to normal wear.
Symptoms owners cite: Right front wheel unresponsive to steering input; Left wheel responds normally; Uneven steering behavior; Loss of directional control; Vehicle difficult to control, especially during turns and lane changes; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealership recommended replacement of complete steering rack (including inner tie rods, boots, and clamps) plus right drive axle (damaged outer joint).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None stated in narrative.
Synthesized from 76 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Steering is very sticky and feels like pressure builds up while driving. Several times I've been in a situation where I have to jerk the steering wheel because it "locks" up and feels like your trying to pull apart magnets. The Honda dealership says they can't duplicate the issue. American Honda is ridiculous and won't help at all. I'm having a lemon law attorney currently review this issue along…
I can feel my steering wheel sticking to the left and right. It's not the lane departure assist, it just sticks. I've taken it to my dealership twice and both times they admit they feel it sticking but says they don't have an answer. Looking this up, it sounds like there are several other HR-V owners with the same problem. Driving on a highway in a windy city, it takes a lot to control the car…
During a short drip in August 2023 was the first time I noticed the steering "freezing" on the highway and jolting when I tried to control it. I had to use considerable force to hold and direct the steering throughout the trip and back. Still, on the trip, it sometimes felt as if the vehicle was floating and the steering had no grip. It was such a risky and exhausting trip for me because of this…
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000(Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not…
Had steering trouble with your 2023 Honda HR-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 HR-V?
It's a meaningful issue. 76 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 76 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 36,825 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/2023/Honda/HR-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.