Honda is recalling nearly 1.7 million cars and SUVs in the United States to fix an issue that can make steering more difficult and increase the risk of a crash.
The recall involves certain Acura Integra and Honda Civic, CR-V and HR-V vehicles from model years 2022 to 2025, according to a notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The automaker says the steering gearbox assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause excessive internal friction and lead to "sticky steering."
"Due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can
swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel
and worm gear. In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly
high, increasing the sliding force between the components," the notice says. "As a result of the reduced grease film thickness and increased sliding force, friction between the worm wheel and worm gear increases."
The excessive friction can increase steering effort and difficulty, which increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Honda said drivers may hear an abnormal noise or get a momentary "sticky" feeling when the vehicle is in operation and the steering wheel is turned.
Approximately 1,693,199 vehicles are covered by the recall, including:
• 2022-2025 Honda Civic 4D
• 2025 Honda Civic 4D Hybrid
• 2022-2025 Honda Civic 5D
• 2025 Honda Civic 5D Hybrid
• 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
• 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
• 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
• 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
• 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
• 2023-2025 Acura Integra
• 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
Honda said it is not aware of any injuries or deaths related to the issue. However, it has received 10,328 warranty claims related to the issue between September 9, 2021 and September 19, 2024.
Honda will inform the owners of recalled vehicles by mid-November and dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge.