What is the Honda Sticky steering lawsuit?
Some Honda vehicles are the subject of lawsuits alleging a defect that makes steering feel sticky or hard to turn, especially at low speeds. Plaintiffs seek remedies such as repairs, refunds, or damages. The cases span multiple jurisdictions and model years, and Honda has responded with recalls and service campaigns in some instances. The legal landscape continues to evolve.
What “sticky steering” means and why it matters
“Sticky steering” refers to complaints that the steering system requires unusually high effort to turn the wheel, or that the steering suddenly becomes resistant or sticks momentarily. In many lawsuits, plaintiffs attribute this behavior to a defect in the electric power steering (EPS) system, steering rack, or related components. If real, the defect could affect control of the vehicle and raise safety concerns, particularly during maneuvers at low speeds or in crowded traffic.
Symptoms and potential causes
Common symptoms described in complaints include increased steering effort, intermittent stiffness, and delayed steering response. Legal claims typically point to defective EPS hardware or software, wear or design flaws in the steering rack and pinion, or insufficient warnings and monitoring by the manufacturer.
Representative lawsuits and claims
Below is a concise overview of the types of allegations that have appeared in lawsuits and consumer actions related to Honda’s steering systems. The list captures themes that have appeared across filings, rather than a single, centralized verdict.
- Alleged design or manufacturing defect in the electric power steering (EPS) system that can lead to persistent stiffness or abrupt changes in steering effort.
- Claims that Honda failed to disclose known steering defects or to issue timely recalls or service campaigns to address the problem.
- Assertions that the defect creates a safety risk, including the potential for crashes or near-miss incidents in everyday driving.
- Requests for remedies such as buybacks, refunds, extended warranties, or monetary damages for affected owners and lessees.
- Arguments that the issue is systemic across certain model years or configurations, rather than isolated to a single vehicle.
In the financing and litigation context, these lawsuits seek to hold the manufacturer accountable for defects and to compel repairs, compensation, or other relief for owners who experienced steering problems.
Honda’s response and recall activity
Honda has publicly addressed steering concerns by emphasizing the safety and reliability of its steering systems and by conducting recalls or service campaigns when appropriate. The company has stated that it will cooperate with regulators and investigate consumer complaints, and in some cases has offered repairs or remedies through dealer service campaigns. Critics, meanwhile, argue that recalls do not fully address ongoing safety risks or the breadth of affected models, leading to continued litigation.
What to watch next
Ongoing court filings, settlement talks, and new recalls or service notices can change the landscape quickly. Watch for updates from federal and state courts handling class actions, Honda’s regulatory filings with safety agencies, and official company statements or recall campaigns. For vehicle owners, staying in touch with a local Honda dealer and reviewing owner notices is advisable.
How to stay informed about developments
As the legal status evolves, here are reliable ways to keep up-to-date on the Honda sticky steering issue. This list explains the sources you can consult to verify current information.
- Monitor court dockets and case portals for class-action progress and settlements by model year or region.
- Check official Honda communications, including recalls, service campaigns, and safety notices.
- Review regulatory agency updates from agencies overseeing vehicle safety and consumer protection.
- Follow reputable automotive-news outlets for reporting on new filings, court rulings, and dealer advisories.
Ongoing updates from these sources will provide the most current picture of the legal status and any practical remedies available to owners.
Summary
The Honda sticky steering lawsuits address allegations that certain Honda vehicles experience a steering defect that makes turning the wheel feel sticky or hard, raising safety concerns. Plaintiffs seek remedies such as repairs, refunds, or damages, and the cases cover multiple models and jurisdictions. Honda has responded with recalls and service campaigns in some instances, while continuing to defend the safety and reliability of its steering systems. Given the evolving nature of litigation and regulatory actions, owners and interested readers should consult court records, Honda notices, and reputable news coverage for the latest developments.
What is the sticky steering wheel recall on Honda?
2024 Honda Sticky Steering Recall Affects 1.7 Million Vehicles. The issue stems from the steering gearbox worm wheel, which may have been improperly manufactured. During use, the worm wheel can swell, reducing the thickness of the grease film between it and the worm gear.
Which Hondas are being recalled for steering issues?
The recalled models include the 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V hybrid, CR-V and HR-V; 2022-2025 Civic and Civic hatchback; 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S; and 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic hybrid and hatchback hybrid.
Is there a class action lawsuit against Honda?
Yes, there are several class action lawsuits against Honda, with some being active and others having resulted in settlements. Examples include lawsuits related to a faulty fuel pump, a defective 9-speed transmission, engine oil dilution, and an idle stop system that may cause vehicles to stall.
Active lawsuits
- Fuel pump defect: A lawsuit alleges that a defective Denso fuel pump in certain Honda vehicles can fail and cause the engine to stall.
- 9-speed transmission issues: Lawsuits claim that some Honda vehicles with a 9-speed transmission experience rough shifting, loud noises, and sudden acceleration or deceleration.
- 1.5L turbo engine oil dilution: A class action lawsuit alleges that the 1.5L turbo engine in some Honda models is prone to excessive oil dilution, which can lead to engine damage and stalling.
- VTC actuator rattle: A class action lawsuit alleges a defect in the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator causes a rattling sound at cold startup.
- Paint defect: A lawsuit claims certain Honda vehicles have a white paint defect that results in peeling, bubbling, and flaking.
- Honda Sensing system issues: A lawsuit alleges that the automatic braking feature in the Honda Sensing system can activate for no reason, causing sudden stops.
Settled or closed lawsuits
- Infotainment system: A $33 million settlement was reached for a class action concerning defects in the infotainment systems of certain Honda vehicles, focusing on improving functionality and extending warranties.
- HandsFreeLink battery drain: A class action lawsuit was granted class certification, alleging that a defect in the HandsFreeLink system causes a battery drain issue.
- Idle Stop system: Honda paid millions to settle a lawsuit over its Idle Stop system, which could prevent owners from restarting their vehicles.
Which Hondas are being recalled?
Recent Honda recalls include a steering defect affecting nearly 1.7 million vehicles (2022-2025 Acura Integra, Civic, CR-V, and HR-V), a fuel pump issue in certain 2023-2024 Accord/Accord Hybrid, 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, and 2025 Civic/Civic Hybrid models, and a 2016-2021 Civic recall for accessory wheels that could detach. For specific details and to check your vehicle, use the VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website or the Honda recall information page.
Recent recalls
- Steering Defect: A steering defect affects nearly 1.7 million vehicles from model years 2022-2025, including Acura Integras, Civics, CR-Vs, and HR-Vs. This recall was issued in October 2024.
- Fuel Pump Issue: Certain 2023-2025 CR-V Hybrid, 2025 Civic/Civic Hybrid, and 2023-2024 Accord/Accord Hybrid models are recalled due to high-pressure fuel pumps that may have been improperly manufactured.
- Accessory Wheels: Some 2016-2021 Civic models sold with 18-inch accessory aluminum wheels are recalled because a manufacturing defect could cause the wheels to detach.
- 2025 Pilot Third-Row Seatbelt: A recall was announced in November 2025 for the 2025 Pilot regarding its third-row seatbelt.
- 2025 Acura RDX Electronic Power Steering Software: A software recall was issued for the 2025 RDX affecting its electronic power steering.
- 2025 CR-V Hybrid Fuel Hose: A recall was announced in November 2025 for the 2025 CR-V Hybrid involving the fuel hose.
- 2025 Acura ZDX Stabilizer Bar: A recall was issued in November 2025 for the 2025 ZDX related to its stabilizer bar.
- 2025 Acura MDX Center Display: A recall was announced in November 2025 for the 2025 MDX regarding its center display.
- 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, and other models: Multiple recalls affect 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, and other models due to various issues, including a faulty coaxial cable connector.
- 2017-2020 Accord, Civic, CR-V, and other models: A recall affecting 2017-2020 models of the Accord, Civic, CR-V, and other vehicles was announced in December 2023.
- 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline: A stop-sale and recall was issued for certain 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline models due to potential connecting rod bearing failure, announced in November 2023.
How to check for recalls
- Use your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for open recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.
- Visit your local Honda dealer to have a dealer-certified technician check for recalls and perform the necessary repairs, which are free of charge.
- For a comprehensive list of recalls, visit Kelley Blue Book's Honda recall page.
