YearToAvoid

2017 Honda Civic Steering Problems

Steering accounts for 170 of 593 complaints (29%) on the 2017 Honda Civic, with a median failure mileage of 46,000 miles. NHTSA also lists recall 18V663000 for a loose torque sensor magnet in the electronic power steering system, tied to 3 crashes and 2 injuries.

Steering complaints
170
29% of 593
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
46,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Steering wheel sticks or catches during small highway corrections, causing the driver to overcorrect and drift in the lane.
  • Steering feel changes or gets stiff at speeds over 45 mph after extended driving.
  • Electronic power steering (EPS) fault triggers a check engine light and power steering warning light while driving.
  • Steering wheel locks up suddenly, in one case linked to recall 18V663000, resulting in a loss of control and crash.
  • Grinding noise and stiffness occur when turning the wheel fully, with one owner told the left axle was failing.
  • Power steering assist is lost entirely, sometimes alongside other electrical warning lights coming on at once.

When 2017 Honda Civic steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 6, 2018, latest Sep 3, 2026.

2017 Honda Civic steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter202018 Q12019 Q22020 Q42021 Q42022 Q42023 Q42024 Q42025 Q4
170 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2024 Q2 (20).

Steering recalls for the 2017 Honda Civic

  1. NHTSA 18V663000Sep 27, 2018Steering54 vehicles

    Steering:electric power assist system

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Honda Civic and CR-V vehicles. The magnet that controls the torque sensor output signal for the electronic power steering system may not be properly secured, allowing the magnet to become dislodged. During a full lock turn, the dislodged magnet may cause steering assist to be applied in the opposite direction.

    Risk: The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are C2N, P2O.

Steering complaints by Civic model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20056 (2%)
  2. 200644 (3%)
  3. 200726 (2%)
  4. 200824 (3%)
  5. 200913 (3%)
  6. 201019 (5%)
  7. 20114 (2%)
  8. 201274 (16%)
  9. 201338 (12%)
  10. 201415 (5%)
  11. 201521 (6%)
  12. 2016444 (41%)
  13. 2017170 (29%)
  14. 2018311 (42%)
  15. 2019109 (25%)
  16. 202029 (13%)
  17. 202164 (44%)
  18. 2022731 (83%)
  19. 2023191 (75%)
  20. 202460 (49%)
  21. 202527 (39%)

Frequently asked questions

Are there steering problems with the 2017 Honda Civic?
Yes. NHTSA lists 170 steering-related complaints for the 2017 Civic, 29% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 46,000 miles.
Is there a steering recall for the 2017 Honda Civic?
Yes, recall 18V663000 covers 2017-2018 Civic and CR-V models. Honda says the magnet controlling the torque sensor signal in the electronic power steering may not be secured properly, and dealers replace the steering gearbox assembly for free.
How serious are the reported steering issues?
NHTSA data links the 2017 Civic's steering complaints to 3 crashes and 2 injuries, including a case where the steering wheel locked up at 30 mph.
What do owners describe as steering symptoms?
Owners describe the steering wheel sticking during small highway corrections, an EPS fault light coming on, stiffness when turning fully, and in some cases a sudden lockup of the wheel.
How does 2017 compare to other Civic years for steering complaints?
The 2017 Civic's steering share was 29%, lower than 2016 (41%), 2018 (42%), 2022 (83%), and 2023 (75%), based on NHTSA's year-by-year complaint data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.