I own a 2021 Honda CR-V EX with approximately 87,300 miles. Recently, I began experiencing a sticky or binding steering condition. The steering wheel does not turn smoothly and occasionally feels like it catches or sticks, especially during normal driving. The problem is noticeable when speed is around 50 or turning and feels inconsistent, making the vehicle less comfortable and confidence-inspiring to drive. it's a serious safety concern and Honda should acknowledge immediately with recalls or good will assistant.
I took the vehicle to Columbia, MO-65202 Honda service center, where the technician documented that the electric power steering gearbox is binding and recommended replacement of the steering gearbox. The repair estimate was approximately $3,337.35 including parts, labor, and alignment.
What is frustrating is that the symptoms are very similar to the sticky steering issues reported by many other Honda CR-V owners. Although there is currently no recall covering my specific model year, the issue appears nearly identical to steering complaints seen in newer CR-Vs. Steering is a critical safety component, and a major failure like this should not occur on a well-maintained vehicle (My vehicle always maintained by Honda Service center).
I am sharing this complaint so other owners are aware of the issue and to encourage Honda to investigate whether this problem extends beyond the model years currently receiving the most attention. A steering system should last significantly longer without requiring a repair of this magnitude. I also file complain with Honda for good will assistant because no recalls my car and waiting for their response.
Vehicle: 2021 Honda CR-V EX
Mileage at Failure: 87,300 miles
Problem: Electric power steering gearbox binding/sticky steering
Estimated Repair Cost: ~$3,700
This issue deserves further investigation, especially given the similarity to other reported CR-V steering problems.
Gently used car, the steering wheel makes strange noise, sticking and clicking, not felling safe when driving. There are a lot of complaints about steering wheel problems. Why there is no recall on it, I cannot spend $5000 for fixing and is all about 2021 crvs. defected? Need to be recalled or replaced. So sad it is only 5 year old car. My 2011 honda crv lasts 11 years with no problems. Very disappointed.
Without warning, one evening the steering felt loose then it would tighten up. thought it might be LKAS acting up. Same thing next evening. LKAS was having difficulty maintaining control.
Took car to to an independent Honda mechanic, said it was probably steering gearbox and would be $4600 to repair. He suggested going through Honda America customer service.
Honda America require official diagnosis from a Honda dealership costing $250 up front (applied to final bill). Their cost $5200 plus fees & Tax!
After a week of phone tag and finally a personal visit to Honda service department, Honda America gave me a break but, my share was still $2880 plus fees & tax totaling $3200.
My CRV is 5yrs old but, only 22k miles...I've owned various Honda vehicles for 27 years and this is my first disappointment.
After driving for about 10 minutes and traveling at 45 mph or more, the steering starts to act strange. It seems to only occur after turning to the left for a curve in the road and then trying to turn back to the right when the road straightens out. The steering will stick and additional pressure is required to turn to the right. When the additional pressure is applied and the steering wheel moves to the right a dull clicking sound is heard. It seems to be a safety hazard but my local dealer says it's not a safety hazard and to let them know if it gets worse. The dealer says if it gets worse, I need to replace the EPS gearbox and the part without labor costs $4,300. A recall of 2023-2025 Honda CR-Vs says the EPS gearbox is replaced for free. No one seems to know why the 2021 CRV is not included in the recall.
My wife noticed our Honda CR-V was sticking while changing lanes back in February 2025. This is her primary vehicle. While driving the CR-V in March to visit our son in college,I noticed the sticking steering. We hadn’t had a chance to bring the car into the dealership with all the things of life that happen on daily. I recently brought the CR-V to our local Honda dealer in June 2025. An inspection was conducted and determined that indeed the car had an issue with the steering mechanism! However, our car did not fit within the recalled status for certain CR-Vs. The full price to fix the problem was priced at more than $4500! Can any help with a suggestion on what to do?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2021 Honda CR-V EX – Sticky/Binding Steering
I own a 2021 Honda CR-V EX with approximately 87,300 miles. Recently, I began experiencing a sticky or binding steering condition. The steering wheel does not turn smoothly and occasionally feels like it catches or sticks, especially during normal driving. The problem is noticeable when speed is around 50 or turning and feels inconsistent, making the vehicle less comfortable and confidence-inspiring to drive. it's a serious safety concern and Honda should acknowledge immediately with recalls or good will assistant.
I took the vehicle to Columbia, MO-65202 Honda service center, where the technician documented that the electric power steering gearbox is binding and recommended replacement of the steering gearbox. The repair estimate was approximately $3,337.35 including parts, labor, and alignment.
What is frustrating is that the symptoms are very similar to the sticky steering issues reported by many other Honda CR-V owners. Although there is currently no recall covering my specific model year, the issue appears nearly identical to steering complaints seen in newer CR-Vs. Steering is a critical safety component, and a major failure like this should not occur on a well-maintained vehicle (My vehicle always maintained by Honda Service center).
I am sharing this complaint so other owners are aware of the issue and to encourage Honda to investigate whether this problem extends beyond the model years currently receiving the most attention. A steering system should last significantly longer without requiring a repair of this magnitude. I also file complain with Honda for good will assistant because no recalls my car and waiting for their response.
Vehicle: 2021 Honda CR-V EX Mileage at Failure: 87,300 miles Problem: Electric power steering gearbox binding/sticky steering Estimated Repair Cost: ~$3,700
This issue deserves further investigation, especially given the similarity to other reported CR-V steering problems.
- Updesh D., Columbia, US