Is Honda's Sticky Steering Problem a Cause for Concern? NHTSA Investigation Upgraded for Detailed Technical Analysis.
While driving down the highway, one should not have to worry about the steering wheel suddenly becoming locked up and difficult to turn. After all, high speeds of travel and lack of control do not mix. Yet, that appears to be the case with some 2022-2023 Honda Civic and 2023 Acura Integra vehicles.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") investigation was recently, on November 29, 2023, upgraded from a Preliminary Evaluation to an Engineering Analysis (a more detailed process which involves technical analyses and may lead to a potential recall) following hundreds of consumer complaints concerning a sudden increase in steering effort (oftentimes described as being "sticky") while driving at highway speeds. The issue may arise without any prior warning to the consumer/driver (e.g., activation of a warning light). And as the issue may be intermittent, some consumers have reported that Honda's dealers may not be able to duplicate the concern and turn impacted cars away while claiming the vehicles are operating normally.
During the Preliminary Evaluation phase of the NHTSA's investigation (which began on March 17, 2023), Honda claimed the issue was caused by an internal strain on the internal components of the steering gear; a strain which would be eased over the first few months of the vehicle life. However, the NHTSA continued to receive numerous complaints concerning the steering, thereby prompting the escalation to an Engineering Analysis, internally.
Following this escalation, Honda elected to issue a safety recall concerning the steering issues--a notable decision given Honda previously only advised its dealers to replace the electric power steering gearbox if they could duplicate the "sticky steering" issue.
If you are an owner or lessee of one of the affected vehicles, and have taken it to Honda's dealer several times with similar concerns, give us a call to see whether your car may be a lemon (and entitle you to a refund of the money you paid for the car).
Contact us for a free attorney consultation and see whether you're entitled to relief under the lemon law.