54 complaints reported

2021 Honda CR-V Steering

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
54
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was sticking. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Feb 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver observed that the steering wheel stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that that power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2024
Aug 2025

On highway driving steering wheel seems to stick

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

Sticky steering/stiffness in steering. Steering sticks in place and then when forced the car jerks quickly to either side. This has put my family and others at risk as it is hard to control the steering and causes sudden movements from side to side. No warning lamps or messages appear on the dash. The Honda dealer inspected the vehicle and determined the vehicle has an internal failure to steering rack and will require replacement. Replacement cost is $4,204.17. The vehicle is one year out of warranty. The large Honda steering recall is for model years 2022 and newer. Honda would not cover this repair under the current recall and will only do so if the recall is extended. I called American Honda to see if they would offer any goodwill and after their internal review they decided against any goodwill unless the recall is expanded as the vehicle is out of warranty. This is our first and last Honda. We will share our experience with our friends and neighbors - Honda seems to not understand what customer service means but they do know how to lose current and future customers.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the right, there was an abnormal popping sound, with an abnormal tug of the steering wheel in the same direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the electric power steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,753.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became sticky while turning. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The contact was informed that the repair of the vehicle would be an out-of-pocket expense. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2025
Jun 2025

The Power Steering Rack/Gearbox has been determined to be faulty and needs to be replaced. It will keep getting harder to steer. The dealership said that another had recently been replaced. There has not been any inspection by Honda, only the dealership who diagnosed the issue. There has been a recall of later models by Honda. October 9, 2024 — TORRANCE, Calif. Approximately 1.7 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. affected by a defective part in steering gearbox Issue can cause increased steering effort and difficulty that can increase risk of a crash or injury Free repair of steering gearboxes will be completed at authorized Honda and Acura dealerships American Honda will voluntarily recall approximately 1.7 million 2022-2025 Acura and Honda vehicles in the U.S. for a free repair of a defective part in the steering gearbox that could result in an increased risk of a crash or injury. 2023-2025 Honda CR-V. It seems unreasonable that a model 4 years old and less than 63,000 miles will need $3,450 repair for a safety issue related to steering the vehicle. It occurs at all speeds. The steering problem appears to be very similar to the issue related to the 2023 models.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2025
Jun 2025

During wet conditions or after a car wash, the steering get stuck and requires force to free it up. Usually resulting in overcorrecting and erratic steering. I believe there is a recall for the same issue on CRV models but not in my year range.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

When parallel parking, steering became extremely heavy making it difficult to turn the steering wheel. This was followed by heavier-than-normal steering when driving at speeds ranging from 25-45 mph.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

Steering sticks intermittently. Recall for same issue and make of vehicle from 2022 forward to 2025. My car is a 2021 model

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Dec 2024
Jun 2025

The steering is sticky and makes a grinding noise as it is turned to its neutral position. Notice more during a right turn. But overall steering is not smooth.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

The steering wheel sticks.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Jun 2025

Sticky steering, clicking on turning and needed to hold on tight while driving. Changing lanes on highway felt unsafe like the car would lose control. Car was recently at Honda for a recall on passenger seat sensor for the airbags. During the repair, a tire bulge was noticed and Honda dealer recommended we get that tire replaced ASAP. (Manager at LEA HONDA said not necessary to replace all 4 on AWD. ?.? ) Shortly after, the steering problem began whether or not related. We had our reliable private mechanic replace the other 3 tires and found the steering gear box defective and had to replace it and quite an expense. We kept the old one. There have been recalls on the steering gear box and this should be added. 2021 SHOULD be on the recall with the others.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2025
May 2025

The steering wheel was sticking when steering to the left then back to center, almost like it was catching on something. Took to the dealer and they replaced the electric rack due to the steering issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Aug 2025
May 2025

The steering sticks really bad when going around a curve or turning. It has been doing it for months, but it keeps getting worse.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2025
Apr 2025

When turning (any direction and any speed) the steering wheel will get stuck requiring more effort to turn the vehicle. It was initially intermittent but has recently become more frequent. After searching online this appears to be a common issue with newer Hondas.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2025
Apr 2025

Excess friction between the worm wheel and worm gear.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2025
Apr 2025

Sticky steering wheel. Happens when temperatures get above 75 degrees. Feels like the steering wheel might not turn.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2024
Apr 2025

The power steering rack failed making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The problem steadily grew worse over several months and was verified by a dealer service center. Clearly, faulty steering is a safety risk and one that Honda is aware of, having previously recalled 1.7 million vehicles similar to mine. The dealer merely changed out the power steering rack rather than actually investigating to determine the specific problem (i.e. opening the power steering gear box). The following is a synopsis of my complaint: 1) Honda produced a defective part which clearly impacted the safety and performance of my vehicle after only 53,000 miles. 2) Honda refused to acknowledge the defect in this particular vehicle despite recalling 1.7 million others. 3) Honda advised that if the defect is acknowledged in the future, only vehicles repaired by a Honda dealership may be eligible for compensation. 4) Honda technicians, upon performing the necessary repair did NOT investigate whether the problem was caused specifically by the same gearbox issue that warranted recalling the other vehicles. The faulty power steering rack was not inspected by anyone. It is currently in my possession. There were no warning lamps or messages. There was difficulty steering the vehicle. There was a "sticking" sensation in the steering wheel which grew worse and eventually kept the vehicle from being able to be steered smoothly at speed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2025
Apr 2025

The steering wheel sticks during turns causing the wheel to jerk back into place afterwards. There were no warning lights to alert of this issue. The dealership says that the entire power steering system needs to be replaced and quoted me $3500. I bought the car 6 months ago with 27000 miles on it. I have now learned that this issue is common on the CRV and that newer models have been recalled. I'm hoping that the 2021 can be added to the recall.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: May 2025
Mar 2025

I have noticed an issue with the steering wheel in my vehicle. It feels sticky and does not turn as smoothly as it once did. Specifically, it sticks at certain intervals when steering at highway speeds, such as when making long right or left turns. Additionally, when making sharper/ slower turns, like when turning into a parking space, I hear cracking or popping sounds coming from the steering wheel as I turn.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern with my 2021 Honda CR-V EX. For approximately a year and a half, I have experienced a persistent issue with the steering system that has progressively worsened. Specifically, my vehicle exhibits a “sticky” steering sensation, making it difficult to smoothly turn or change lanes. This issue occurs most prominently when I first start driving and persists whenever I make turns to either the left or right. I am aware that Honda has issued a recall for steering problems in certain models, but my vehicle has not been included in the recall. Given the severity of the issue and the potential safety risks involved, I am extremely concerned. This problem affects my ability to control the vehicle properly, and I fear it could lead to an accident if it continues to deteriorate. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue further, as multiple owners of the 2021 Honda CR-V have reported similar complaints. If necessary, I am willing to provide additional details or documentation regarding my vehicle’s condition. Please advise on the next steps I should take to ensure this issue is properly addressed. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Jan 2023
Mar 2025

Steering sticking at highway speed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

Steering is sticky at highway speeds. Momentary inability to turn steering wheel while driving.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2021 HONDA CR-V, Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Incident: Apr 2024

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda CR-V has 54 Steering complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.