Honda Canada is recalling roughly 239,000 newer CR-V and HR-V sport-utilities, as well as some of its sportier Civic and Acura models, over a defect with the steering that could make it more difficult to turn the wheel. In the U.S., some 1.7 million cars and SUVs are affected, from model years 2022 through 2025. The automaker says Stateside, it’s received some 10,328 warranty claims over the issue; and the defect may be tied to some 13 vehicle crashes, according to a U.S. safety agency.
The recall covers several nameplates in Canada.
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Sedan
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback
- 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
- 2023-2025 Acura Integra
- 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback
On some of these models, “the steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to difficulty while steering,” Reuters quotes the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A defective part in this assembly may swell if it’s exposed to heat and moisture, and that can have an effect on the thickness of the grease between the gear and several other components.
Owners apparently reported the steering in their cars feeling “sticky,” especially at highway speeds after a driving for some time. The defect even occurred on nearly-new cars with low miles. This led the NHTSA to open a probe in March 2023, which it upgraded into an investigation last November.
The gear spring in the steering that may have worn out due to this defect will be replaced by your Honda dealer when you bring the vehicle in for the recall repair; additional grease may also be added if necessary.
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