2020 Honda Civic steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026FLSteering

   Steering rack malfunction which is a major safety issue. It was said to be only in 2022-2025 civics but it is very clear this is happening in the 2020s as well

   NHTSA complaint #11768246 · source
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026FLSteering

   When driving, especially at highway speeds where only minor tracking adjustments are needed, the steering wheel can feel like it is momentarily sticking or catching. Having to exert sudden, extra physical effort to "break" the wheel free from this sticky point. This often leads to momentary overcorrection, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

   NHTSA complaint #11766551 · source
3. Filed Aug 11, 2026120,000 miVTSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel was sticking with resistance while turning the steering wheel to the left. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not under a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11756169 · source
4. Filed Apr 27, 2026FLSteering

   Steering system failed and started to jerk -- Contacted Honda and while there was a recall on the NEWER models, we experienced a similar issue on our 2020 Civic.

   NHTSA complaint #11734075 · source
5. Filed Apr 14, 202664,000 miKYSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became sticky and jerked while turning in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11731161 · source
6. Filed Dec 15, 2025FLOther / UnknownSteeringSuspension

   I was driving to work in the rain on the highway and I heard a big thump and I thought I had hit something and my wheel went sideways and I kept trying to keep my car on the road even though I didn’t hit anything.

   NHTSA complaint #11705138 · source
7. Filed Oct 26, 2025FLSteering

   My steering gradually stiffens then suddenly releases while traveling the highway. It cycled this way during the entire trip. It acted this way for the first time Oct 22, 2025 on the outgoing part of my hour long trip. It acted this way the second time Oct 25, 2025 on the hour long return drive home. I was the only one in the car at the time. Therefor, it put my own safety in jeopardy plus those traveling the highway at the same time I was traveling on the highway. I am…

   NHTSA complaint #11695680 · source
8. Filed Sep 9, 2025CASteering

   The steering wheel becomes "sticky" and requires more force than usual to move it to the right or left. This is particularly noticeable when driving in a straight line, and the issue becomes apparent after driving for roughly 10 minutes. This causes an overcorrection when making minor adjustments to stay centered in a lane. Doing further research online reveals that many others are having the same issue with their 10th generation Honda Civics, and many dealers are…

   NHTSA complaint #11685838 · source
9. Filed Aug 25, 2025ALOther / UnknownSteering

   While driving down the road my steering wheel locks or sticks then quickly releases causing me to overcorrect the steering wheel. This happens on a continuous basis while driving. There are no warning lights or messages that come on. I took it to dealership for a diagnostics and they determined it to be the steering gear box but not considered a a recalled item.

   NHTSA complaint #11682983 · source
10. Filed May 9, 2025ALSteering

    While driving vehicle down the road the steering wheel sticks for a second or two then releases. This caused the car to veer off course until corrected. This has happened on a regular basis. I took it to dealership but they stated there were no recalls for the vehicle

    NHTSA complaint #11659891 · source
11. Filed Apr 16, 2025GASteering

    The steering wheel tightens up when going on the highway. Researching the internet it is for a lot of Honda Civic models. People in the internet call it "sticky steering wheel" & that is exactly how it feels. It is a safety concern.

    NHTSA complaint #11654948 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 2025OHSteering

    Steering is very sticky and fights me to correct to center. It is especially bad at high speeds and wet road conditions. It is unsafe to have to fight my steering wheel when correcting back to straight after a curve in the road. Dealership has been notified and was dismissed as caused by wind. Alignment has been corrected and it is still an issue. No dash warning lights. Just difficulty steering on a daily basis.

    NHTSA complaint #11654614 · source

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