Honda Recalls Nearly 1.7 Million Vehicles Due to Steering Gearbox Defect

On Wednesday, October 9th, Honda announced the recall of approximately 1.7 million vehicles in the United States due to a defect in the steering gearbox that increases the risk of crashes. The recall impacts multiple popular models, including the Honda Civic, CR-V, HR-V, and Acura Integra, from model years 2022 to 2025. This recall comes after complaints about “sticky” steering, which were first reported in September 2021, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opening an investigation into the issue in March 2023.

According to the NHTSA, the defect involves excessive friction between the worm gear and worm wheel within the steering gearbox, leading to increased steering effort. Drivers may feel a “sticky” sensation when turning the steering wheel, making it harder to control the vehicle. This malfunction significantly raises the risk of accidents, especially at high speeds or in emergency steering situations. Since the initial reports, Honda has received over 10,000 warranty claims related to the issue.

The recall affects a wide range of Honda vehicles, including the 2022-2025 Honda Civic (both 4D and 5D variants), the 2023-2025 Honda CR-V (including hybrid and electric models), and the 2023-2025 Honda HR-V. The recall also includes the 2023-2025 Acura Integra and Acura Integra Type S. Honda dealers will address the issue by replacing the worm gear spring or redistributing grease to reduce friction in the gearbox. All repairs will be provided free of charge to affected vehicle owners.

Honda has stated that recall notifications will be mailed to vehicle owners starting on November 18, 2024. Customers can also contact Honda’s Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138 for additional information about the recall. The company is urging owners of the affected vehicles to take the issue seriously, as failure to address the defect could result in loss of vehicle control and increase the likelihood of a crash.

The recall follows a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are facing increased scrutiny over safety standards. The NHTSA continues to monitor the situation closely, and Honda is working to ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired as swiftly as possible to prevent further incidents.