2021 Honda CR-V Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving and turning, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to the center as intended. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be test-driven, and the dealer determined that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

While driving my 2021 Honda CR-V at highway speeds, the steering intermittently binds and becomes difficult to move, creating a dangerous “sticky steering” condition. The steering will momentarily resist normal input, and when I apply additional force to correct it, the wheel suddenly releases, causing the vehicle to jerk or swerve within the lane. This makes it difficult to maintain smooth, controlled steering and creates a serious safety concern, especially at higher speeds where precise steering is critical. The condition is unpredictable, unnerving, and significantly affects my confidence in safely operating the vehicle. This defect creates an especially concerning hazard because I frequently transport my two young grandchildren in this vehicle. When the steering binds and then abruptly releases, it compromises my ability to maintain stable lane control and increases the risk of losing control or being involved in a collision. This is not merely an inconvenience—it is a clear safety issue that makes the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. The symptoms my vehicle is experiencing are identical to those described in Recall 24V-744 involving sticky steering in Honda vehicles. Although my VIN is not currently included in that recall, this same defect has been widely reported by other 2021 Honda CR-V owners. I understand the defective steering gearboxes were identified in vehicles produced beginning in February 2021, and my vehicle was manufactured in August 2021, which falls within that timeframe. Based on the identical symptoms and known defect history, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same steering gearbox issue and should be included in the investigation and recall population.

My 2021 Honda CR-V Touring model, with around 59000 miles on the odometer, has developed a problem in which the steering wheel gets "stuck" and resists being turned. Then, when more force is applied to turn the wheel, the steering mechanism suddenly "lets go", and this is accompanied by a clunking sound from the front of the vehicle. I first noticed this a few weeks ago, and at first the resistance and noise was barely noticeable. However, since then, the degree of resistance and volume of the clunking sound have been steadily INCREASING. This has prompted me to get the problem diagnosed and repaired ASAP before it becomes more than just a distraction (I have an appointment with a dealier). Meanwhile, I've done some web research about the issue, and found a Honda news release dated October 9, 2024 that announces a recall for a steering problem with symptoms that EXACTLY MATCH the problem my CR-V is exhibiting. The same goes for the NHTSA "Part 573 Safety Recall Report 24V-744", which describes PRECISELY the same symptoms. Unfortunately, the safety recall only covers 2023 through 2025 Honda CR-V's, so repairs to my 2021 CR-V is not covered. However, it seems very likely that my vehicle DOES have the same issue. Accordingl, I am reporting this to the NHTSA to (1) provide a data point that may help in establishing the prevalence of this issue, and (2) encourage further research by NHSTA as to whether an expansion of the recall is warranted. I am also concerned about owners of vehicles that are not covered by the recall having to bear the repair costs. I will get it repaired one way or the other, but I'm certain that many others would be discouraged by the cost and choose not to have it repaired. Thank you for your attention to and actions taken regarding this matter.

For the past year my steering wheel gets stuck or feels sticky. Especially when I am driving at higher speeds of 45mph or above. It happens more so when the temperature outside is warmer or I have been driving on the highway. When I turn the wheels left to go around a curve, the wheel will stay when I go to return the wheel to center. It causes my car to bounce back and forth and be very shaky. I have had it in the dealership multiple times for the issue and they "cannot" replicate the issue. They claim the tire pressure is low (which it is not) or the clock spring needs replaced. This has happened for over a year.

Steering wheel feels sticky or like it catches when going at higher speeds, particularly on long distances. Dealer has confirmed to replace the power steering rack (which includes the steering gear box/worm gear). The gear box/worm gear was part of a previous recall but only for 2023-2025 CRVs although this issue was being reported beginning in 2021.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stuck whenever turned three-quarters towards the left or the right. Occasionally, while driving and attempting to remain centered in the intended lane, while driving approximately 50 - 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a steering gear box failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the VIN was not included in a recall, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

When driving at freeway speeds the steering became very difficult. It felt like the car would become stuck in a groove and I had to pull the steering wheel to get it to go straight. After taking it to my local Honda dealership it was determined that the vehicle had a faulty power steering rack. The car had approximately 49,000 miles on it when the issue started occurring. The steering rack is a very expensive repair and should not become faulty on a vehicle with that low of mileage.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30–35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel independently steered and made a left turn. The vehicle crashed into a nearby pole. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle stopped, the steering wheel independently spun about 4–5 times. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact was transported to the medical center. The contact sustained injuries to the head and neck from the air bag deployment. In addition, the contact sustained injury to the right shoulder and right arm. A Police report was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

POWER STERING RACK IS DEFECTIVE AND LEAKING, THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2022 AND NEWER HONDA CRV'S ONLY WITH THIS ISSUE. HONDA NEEDS TO ACKNOWELEDGE THIS ISSUE EXTENDS FURTHER BACK AND FIX THE ISSUE. THIS IS A CONCERN WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND POSES A SAFETY RISK FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. AUTONATION HONDA IN CORPUS CHRISTI HAS INSPECTED AND CONFIRMED THIS IS THE ISSUE AND WANTS TO CHARGE ME $4,539.39 TO FIX IT PLUS $79.95 FOR AN ALIGNMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel failed to return to center after making a left turn. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact advised that the failure could be related to a rack-and-pinion failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

The steering has recently become "sticky" requiring more pressure to make steering adjustments and worse on turns. It is not a one time occurrence but continues to be a problem daily. I have read that there have been recalls for this same issue in model years from 2022-2025 with some complaints from 2021 models.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, it was hesitating before returning to center. The contact stated that the steering wheel was sticking. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who was unable to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); however, the year and the VIN were not included in the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

On highway driving steering wheel seems to stick

Sticky steering, clicking on turning and needed to hold on tight while driving. Changing lanes on highway felt unsafe like the car would lose control. Car was recently at Honda for a recall on passenger seat sensor for the airbags. During the repair, a tire bulge was noticed and Honda dealer recommended we get that tire replaced ASAP. (Manager at LEA HONDA said not necessary to replace all 4 on AWD. ?.? ) Shortly after, the steering problem began whether or not related. We had our reliable private mechanic replace the other 3 tires and found the steering gear box defective and had to replace it and quite an expense. We kept the old one. There have been recalls on the steering gear box and this should be added. 2021 SHOULD be on the recall with the others.

The power steering rack failed making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The problem steadily grew worse over several months and was verified by a dealer service center. Clearly, faulty steering is a safety risk and one that Honda is aware of, having previously recalled 1.7 million vehicles similar to mine. The dealer merely changed out the power steering rack rather than actually investigating to determine the specific problem (i.e. opening the power steering gear box). The following is a synopsis of my complaint: 1) Honda produced a defective part which clearly impacted the safety and performance of my vehicle after only 53,000 miles. 2) Honda refused to acknowledge the defect in this particular vehicle despite recalling 1.7 million others. 3) Honda advised that if the defect is acknowledged in the future, only vehicles repaired by a Honda dealership may be eligible for compensation. 4) Honda technicians, upon performing the necessary repair did NOT investigate whether the problem was caused specifically by the same gearbox issue that warranted recalling the other vehicles. The faulty power steering rack was not inspected by anyone. It is currently in my possession. There were no warning lamps or messages. There was difficulty steering the vehicle. There was a "sticking" sensation in the steering wheel which grew worse and eventually kept the vehicle from being able to be steered smoothly at speed.

I own a 2021 Honda CR-V with approximately 47,011 miles. I’ve noticed that when I hold the steering wheel perfectly straight, the vehicle pulls slightly to the right. This happens on flat, level roads and is most noticeable at speeds over 45 mph, especially on highways. At higher speeds, the drifting becomes more pronounced, and the car feels unstable. It seems like the vehicle is fighting against my steering input, which raises a serious safety concern, especially during long highway drives or in emergency situations. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership, and they diagnosed a failing steering rack, which they say needs to be replaced. The repair estimate is $4,478. This seems unreasonable for a vehicle with under 50,000 miles and no accident history or modifications. The steering rack is a critical safety component, and its failure at this mileage suggests a potential defect. I am filing this complaint to report the issue and urge NHTSA to investigate whether this is an isolated case or part of a wider problem. If others are experiencing the same failure, I believe a safety recall may be warranted. I also request that Honda be required to assist affected customers.

Sticky steering/stiffness in steering. Steering sticks in place and then when forced the car jerks quickly to either side. This has put my family and others at risk as it is hard to control the steering and causes sudden movements from side to side. No warning lamps or messages appear on the dash. The Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the vehicle has an internal failure to steering rack and will require replacement. Replacement cost is $4,204.17. The vehicle is one year out of warranty. The large Honda steering recall is for model years 2022 and newer. Honda would not cover this repair under the current recall and will only do so if the recall is extended. I called American Honda to see if they would offer any goodwill and after their internal review they decided against any goodwill unless the recall is expanded as the vehicle is out of warranty. This is our first and last Honda. We will share our experience with our friends and neighbors - Honda seems to not understand what customer service means but they do know how to lose current and future customers.

During wet conditions or after a car wash, the steering get stuck and requires force to free it up. Usually resulting in overcorrecting and erratic steering. I believe there is a recall for the same issue on CRV models but not in my year range.

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, there was an abnormal popping sound, with an abnormal tug of the steering wheel in the same direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the electric power steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,753.