Honda Recalls 1.7 Million Cars with Potential Steering Rack Issue

The issue affects 2022–2025 Honda Civic cars plus 2023 and newer Honda CR-V, HR-V, and Acura Integra models.

• Honda issued a widespread recall covering 1,693,199 million vehicles with a potential issue in the steering rack.
• Due to a production issue with the gearbox worm wheel, a gear within the rack can swell, increasing the steering load in the wheel.
• The recall covers 2022 and newer Honda Civics plus 2023 to 2025 Acura Integra, Integra Type S, and Honda CR-V and HR-V models.

Honda issued a widespread recall that covers 1,693,199 million vehicles that may have an issue within the steering rack. The recall covers the Acura Integra and Integra Type S, the Honda CR-V, the Honda HR-V, and the entire Civic lineup. The affected model years span from 2023 to 2025, with the base Civic’s 2022 model year also included.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) documents, the problem stems from an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel.

The worm wheel, which controls steering in the car, may have been produced incorrectly and consequently swell while the vehicle is in use. According to NHTSA, the swelling wheel thins the film of grease between the worm wheel and worm gear, causing friction and increasing steering effort. NHTSA also states that the preload of the worm gear spring was set too high, which results in higher friction and fluctuating torque when steering. The recall documents describe warning signs as an abnormal noise or “sticky” feeling when turning the wheel.

Honda has already notified dealers of the recall and plans to send owner notification letters on November 18, 2024. Affected owners will be asked to set up an appointment with their local Honda dealer, which will inspect the car and replace the worm gear spring with an improved part and redistribute or add grease. Owners concerned whether their vehicle may be included can check on the NHTSA recalls site.