2021 Honda CR-V steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

113 owners have reported steering problems with the 2021 Honda CR-V, 34% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 40,000 mi.

Steering complaints
113
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
4
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
40,000 mi

Specific components reported

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

ComponentComplaints
Steering113

Steering complaints across Honda CR-V years

32006542008122010112201252201461220165432120181244220201131392022325126202453132026
Steering complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k310k–30k1030k–60k260k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Oct 8, 2026NCSteering
    Steering gets slightly stuck when turning left and makes a clicking sound. Seems this is already a recalled issue on newer CRV models. The root cause is a manufacturing defect in the electronic power steering gearbox where an improperly set internal spring and insufficient grease cause the worm gear to bind and suddenly release. Dealer wants over $4000 to fix this issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11769816 · source
  2. Filed Sep 6, 2026KYSteering
    There are steering problems with our 2021 Honda CRV. My wife & I notice two issues: 1. When driving on the interstate, we notice the steering wheel seems to grab or stick when we try to slightly turn it. It causes the car to suddenly jerk. 2. When driving on the interstate, we notice that we constantly have to constantly adjust the steering wheel (either to the left or right) to keep it moving straight. If we try to hold the steering wheel straight, the car starts moving…
    NHTSA complaint #11762416 · source
  3. Filed Aug 18, 202645,000 miGASteering
    The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning left, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound and became difficult to turn the steering wheel back to center. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: 24-011 (that addressed a sticky steering, increased steering effort, or clicking noises caused by excessive internal friction in the electronic power steering (EPS) gearbox). The…
    NHTSA complaint #11757725 · source
  4. Filed Aug 14, 2026PASteering
    I love my Honda CRV however, I recently have experienced what I call "Sticky Steering". I purchased this vehicle brand new from Jones Honda in Lancaster and have followed all the service suggestions for the most part to the "T". I used it for my Real Estate job along with filling in the gaps with driving for lyft. About 4 months ago I noticed the steering sorta wanted to stay in the position it was in when I wanted to slightly adjust the steering it was "Stuck" and I had to…
    NHTSA complaint #11756968 · source
  5. Filed Aug 13, 2026TXSteering
    While driving the 2021 Honda CRV in March 2026 on the highway (above 50 mph) the steering wheel would "lock up" causing me to be unable to guide the car back into my lane of traffic. Initially, it was thought the lane drift feature was activating. After it was determined that was not the case (experimenting by me), the "lock up" was noticed multiple more times over several weeks, especially when driving on the highway. I was very concerned for myself and my passengers as I…
    NHTSA complaint #11756683 · source
  6. Filed Aug 11, 2026NJDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering
    The steering wheel has developed resistance to turning left and right. It is most noticeable when driving on highways where small steering inputs are needed to keep the vehicle within a lane. The steering wheel with stick in place requiring more effort than normal to turn in either direction. When the steering wheel does turn, there is an audible click sound. The additional force needed to rotate the steering wheel past the sticking point can cause oversteering. This makes…
    NHTSA complaint #11756148 · source
  7. Filed Aug 9, 2026FLSteering
    Gently used car, the steering wheel makes strange noise, sticking and clicking, not felling safe when driving. There are a lot of complaints about steering wheel problems. Why there is no recall on it, I cannot spend $5000 for fixing and is all about 2021 crvs. defected? Need to be recalled or replaced. So sad it is only 5 year old car. My 2011 honda crv lasts 11 years with no problems. Very disappointed.
    NHTSA complaint #11755791 · source
  8. Filed Aug 8, 2026CACrash2 injuredTowedOther / UnknownSteering
    Unknown. The driver reports that while the vehicle was moving at moderate speed (~35 mph), the steering wheel would not turn, resulting in the vehicle striking a pole- causing significant damage to vehicle. Airbags were deployed and occupants taken to hospital for injuries.
    NHTSA complaint #11755614 · source
  9. Filed Jul 24, 2026ORSteering
    The steering is hanging up when turning to the left. We have had it diagnosed by a mechanic and says it is dangerous and needs to be repaired. The dealer says the only cars recalled our 2022 to 25. Ours is a 2021 but having the same problems as the ones that were recalled. The parts installed in the car are the exact same ones that are in the 22 to 25. After doing research, we see that this issue goes back to 2016. Many have complained, but Honda refuses to include these in…
    NHTSA complaint #11752733 · source
  10. Filed Jul 15, 2026NCSteering
    Please be advise that the 2021 model year of the Honda CR-V needs to be added to NHTSA Recall # - 24V-744. I am experiencing the "notchy" steering wheel problem described however this model year is currently NOT included in the Recall. It currently only covers years 2023-25. Please consider adding the 2021 year to this recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11750697 · source
  11. Filed Jul 6, 2026KYSteering
    The steering sticks in a gradual turn when at highway speed and will not return to neutral on its own. When this happens you must use some force to break the steering free and the vehicle swerves drastically. Dealer confirmed the steering issue today at Honda World in Louisville KY. No warning indicators are provided. This is a known issue on the 2022 year models and a recall has been issued for those vehicles.
    NHTSA complaint #11748601 · source
  12. Filed Jul 6, 2026ORSteering
    After the vehicle is warm when turning the stirring does not want to return and sticks. Before the vehicle is warm there is a clunking sound in the steering system. My car is out of warranty but the problem started long before that. It started approximately 2 years ago.
    NHTSA complaint #11748479 · source

Other 2021 Honda CR-V problem areas

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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