2018 Honda Civic steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

305 owners have reported steering problems with the 2018 Honda Civic, 45% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 55,000 mi.

Steering complaints
305
Crashes
7
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
55,000 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering304
Steering:rack and pinion1

Steering complaints across Honda Civic years

1200523200732200921201124172013812201538316020173051082019306520217311922023612920257
Steering complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k2530k–60k1360k–100k8100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 18V663000Sep 27, 201854 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.

    Risk: The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 4, 2026NYSteering
    I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety problem with my 2018 Honda Civic, which currently has approximately 84,000 miles. While driving, the steering develops a sticking or notchy condition, particularly when making small steering corrections. The steering wheel resists movement and requires additional force to overcome the resistance. When sufficient force is applied, the steering can suddenly release and move. This makes smooth steering corrections difficult…
    NHTSA complaint #11768819 · source
  2. Filed Sep 29, 2026GASteeringWheels & Tires
    Car steering gets stuck/jerks and cannot stay straight, wheels jerk aggressively from left to right in speeds up to 50 on the highway during rain.
    NHTSA complaint #11767903 · source
  3. Filed Sep 21, 2026FLSteering
    I purchased this car used about a year ago from the Honda dealership, since then I have noticed very tight steering when driving straight, people behind me say I look like I’m swerving back-and-forth. Also, when taking slight turns like an on-ramp the wheel completely sticks in that direction, and I have to jerk it back into position. Very concerning since I drive this car with my family and children in it. Luckily I have not gotten into an accident yet, but I’m afraid it…
    NHTSA complaint #11765775 · source
  4. Filed Sep 16, 2026117,000 miNCSteering
    The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving and making turns on several occasions, the vehicle overcorrected. The contact stated that the steering wheel needed to be yanked while turning to steer the vehicle correctly and avoid driving off the road. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic rack had failed, causing the…
    NHTSA complaint #11764781 · source
  5. Filed Sep 5, 2026NJSteering
    I own a 2018 Honda Civic Sedan LX and am experiencing a steering problem where the steering wheel feels sticky and notchy instead of turning smoothly. The problem affects the steering and creates a potential safety concern because it can make the vehicle more difficult to steer smoothly and predictably. I took the vehicle to DCH Kay Honda, an authorized Honda dealership, for inspection. The dealer confirmed that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced and stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11762308 · source
  6. Filed Aug 22, 2026SCSteering
    2018 Honda Civic is having the same issue as Honda noted on a safety notice below: [XXX] My steering wheel clicks when turning, often sticks, and can be heard if standing outside the vehicle. The dealer ship which sold me this car is Dick Brooks Honda in Greer, SC. I went to them about the issue and they refuse to help. I had 2 private mechanics look at the car and both mechanics agree it is the same issue as the one listing in this media release. I am more than happy to…
    NHTSA complaint #11758748 · source
  7. Filed Aug 20, 2026SCSteering
    The steering wheel was sticking when the wheel was turned. Problem for several months, progressively got worse. Checked for a recall and spoke to a Honda representative and was told my car was not manufactured at the facility that had the recalls for the Honda civic 2018 models. I had to pay $4578.90 out of pocket to have the same trouble as the other recalled models.
    NHTSA complaint #11758269 · source
  8. Filed Aug 18, 2026MASteering
    When driving at faster speeds on the highway, the steering gets kind of sticky - it sticks, then when you slightly move it - it jerks to over correct. I have talked to a few people, and they think it's a mechanical issue with the Electronic Power Steering, EPS, rack. The people I mentioned said its a widely documented defect, and Honda should do a recall to fix the issue - but I ran the search and saw nothing, so I wanted to reach out. I have a 2018 Honda Civic Ex-T, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11757618 · source
  9. Filed Aug 16, 2026MASteering
    2018 Honda Civics have a steering defect. This was recalled in 202q2 to 2023 in NHTSA Campaign Number 23V704. This is the exact problem I experience in my vehicle. The steering wheel gets sticky at freeway speeds, and it feels unsafe. As of now no recall exists. Drivers experience a momentary "sticky", "notchy", or catching feel in the steering wheel. This requires unexpected extra force to overcome and can lead to jerky or delayed steering corrections
    NHTSA complaint #11757256 · source
  10. Filed Aug 14, 2026GASteering
    Vehicle: 2018 Honda Civic EX Sedan VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 150,000 miles Component: Steering / Electric Power Steering (EPS) I am reporting a potentially serious steering safety issue with my 2018 Honda Civic EX sedan. The steering wheel has developed a sticky/notchy feeling when turning to the right. When making a right-hand turn, the steering does not feel smooth and at times feels as though something is holding or resisting the steering wheel while it is turned.…
    NHTSA complaint #11756894 · source
  11. Filed Aug 14, 2026VAElectrical SystemSteering
    There has been a recall in a certain number of honda civic vehicles due to this issue and mine was not recalled as well. While driving for more than 5 minutes, the wheel starts to stiffen making it harder to turn and drive straight. The car wobbles when the wheel isn't being turned and jerks itself either left or right depending on which side of the road I am traveling on. This started back in 2021 and it wasnt as bad but now I am experiencing the wheel sticking in one place…
    NHTSA complaint #11756880 · source
  12. Filed Jul 30, 2026MOSteering
    Steering catches and sticks while driving and you have to tug to get it to release to get control back. This has happened several times that has caused me to almost wreck numerous times. I do not feel safe driving it but it is my only vehicle. Dealership said it is more than likely the epf system, or the electrical steering system that is faulty.
    NHTSA complaint #11753786 · source

Other 2018 Honda Civic problem areas

Back to all 2018 Honda Civic problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology