If you are driving a 2022–2025 Honda Civic, you are likely already aware of the frustration surrounding the “sticky steering” issue. Many drivers describe a sensation where the steering wheel feels notchy, stiff, or temporarily “caught” in one position while driving at highway speeds.
When you take your vehicle to the dealership, you may be told the issue is normal or that a software update or simple greasing will fix it. However, many owners find that these temporary measures fail to provide a lasting solution, leaving them behind the wheel of a vehicle that feels fundamentally unsafe.
Understanding the Defect
This issue is not a minor inconvenience. It is a documented mechanical failure stemming from the steering gearbox assembly.
- The Mechanical Cause: The steering gearbox worm wheel can swell due to heat and moisture, while the spring preload is often set too high. This creates excessive friction, leading to the “sticky” feeling.
- The Symptoms: You may experience notchiness, a sudden resistance when turning the wheel, or the feeling that the steering is briefly locked. This is most dangerous at highway speeds, where even a slight overcorrection to overcome the “stickiness” can lead to dangerous lane drift.
- Safety, Value, and Use: Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a defect qualifies for lemon law protection if it substantially impairs the safety, value, or use of your vehicle. A steering system that does not respond predictably directly compromises your safety and the intended use of the car.
Important Updates: Recall and Legal Status
As of 2026, the landscape regarding the Honda steering defect has evolved significantly.
Recall Information
Honda has issued a massive recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V-744) covering approximately 1.7 million vehicles, including the 2022–2025 Honda Civic.
- What this means for you: If your vehicle is included in the recall, the manufacturer is legally obligated to address the defect. However, many owners report that the prescribed remedy—replacing a spring or adding grease—does not resolve the underlying mechanical wear. If you have had multiple repair attempts at the dealership and the steering issue persists, you may still have a valid lemon law claim regardless of the recall status.
Class Action and Litigation
There have been consolidated legal actions regarding the electric power steering (EPS) systems in these models.
- What this means for you: While class action lawsuits may provide some future compensation, they often do not offer a prompt solution for your specific, defective vehicle. Pursuing an individual lemon law claim under the Song-Beverly Act is typically the fastest way to seek a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. You are not required to wait for the outcome of a class action to exercise your rights.
Your Rights Under California Law
If you have taken your Honda Civic to a dealership multiple times for the same steering issue and it remains unresolved, you are likely entitled to relief.
- Evidence is Key: Maintain copies of every repair order and work order from the dealership. These documents are the primary evidence that Honda had a “reasonable number of opportunities” to fix the defect.
- Document Everything: Note the dates, the technician’s comments, and whether the issue was documented as “cannot reproduce” or “no trouble found.” Even if the dealer cannot replicate the issue on every visit, your documentation of the problem is critical.
- Potential Remedies: If your vehicle qualifies, you may be entitled to a full repurchase (buyback) of the vehicle, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement to compensate for the diminished value and safety risks. In many successful California lemon law cases, the manufacturer is also required to cover your reasonable attorney fees.