Honda Sued Over Alleged Power Steering Defect Plaguing 2022-2023 Civic Models

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A proposed class action claims 2022-2023 Honda Civics are plagued by a “sticky” power steering defect that can cause the vehicles to unexpectedly lose maneuverability. 

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According to the 35-page lawsuit, the Honda Civic power steering problem can occur without warning and in all manner of driving conditions, including at high speeds. One Civic owner reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that their vehicle’s power steering “sticks” and “requires slight, but manual force” to free it while driving, the suit says. 

The lawsuit stresses that the power steering defect constitutes a significant safety hazard in that “it increases the likelihood the driver will be involved in an accident when they lose control and are unable to maneuver.” 

The case chides Honda for failing to recall affected Honda Civics or offer drivers reimbursements or a suitable repair or replacement free of charge, despite clear evidence of the power steering defect’s existence—and despite having previously recalled certain Accord, CR-V and Civic models due to electronic power steering malfunctions. 

“Since at least 2016, Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, and other models equipped with similar variable [electronic power steering] systems have malfunctioned at a high rate with symptoms identical to those that manifest in the [2022-2023 Civics] because of the Steering Defect,” the filing alleges. 

Traditional power steering systems are driven by hydraulic motors that aid the driver in directing the vehicle’s front wheels by “boosting the force initiated” via movement of the steering column and rack-and-pinion system, the filing explains. Over time, the suit says, power steering systems have developed such that they can now apply greater force to a vehicle’s front wheels at low speeds, and less force at high speeds, and hydraulic power steering systems have been replaced by purely electric systems. 

The electronic power steering systems in the Honda Civics at issue are “variable ratio,” meaning the amount of steering wheel rotation necessary to turn the vehicle’s front wheels varies based on speed and other factors, the suit relays. In theory, the complaint reads, electronic power steering systems allow for greater control and modulation in assisting the driver with steering given that electronic motors allow for greater variability and “a finer level of steering assist output.” 

According to the case, many of the complaints submitted to the NHTSA about 2022-2023 Honda Civics concern vehicles with less than 10,000 miles. Given the sheer number of complaints, the suit says, Honda would have known of the problem and “could have issued a stop sale” of the cars or implemented some other countermeasure to avoid selling consumers vehicles that contain dangerous power steering systems. 

The lawsuit looks to cover all consumers nationwide who bought or leased any 2022-2023 Honda Civic in the United States. 

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