2016 HONDA CIVIC reports

STEERING

When the Honda Civic has been driven long enough for the steering to get warm, at highway speeds, the steering wheel will stick in position instead of centering itself. Manual adjustment has to be done to straighten the car.

STEERING

Mostly during warm weather and driving over 45MPH the steering gets sticky. When attempting to use a little pressure to make a slight correction to keep the care centered in the lane the steering "jumps" and over steers requiring to re-correct to stay centered in the lane. I'm having to keep correcting the steering which causes me difficulty and concerned about the safety especially driving on the highway.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel jerked, and the steering wheel was sticking. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall associated with the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

ENGINE

The check engine light came on the car had no power. The head gasket was blown.

STEERING

My 2016 Honda Civic has developed a steering problem in which the steering feels sticky or notchy while driving. The steering wheel does not move smoothly when making small corrections and can feel like it catches or resists movement before releasing. This is especially noticeable while driving at higher speeds and makes it more difficult to make normal, smooth steering corrections and maintain the vehicle’s position in the lane. I took the vehicle to a Honda dealership for evaluation. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the steering rack and advised that the steering rack needs to be replaced. I am reporting this to NHTSA because this is a steering-related safety concern. The vehicle has approximately 95,000 miles, and I am concerned that this steering failure could result in loss of proper steering control or increase the risk of a crash.

STEERING · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · WHEELS

Failure of my Electric Power Steering General Assembly/Steering Rack and Pinion in my 2016 Honda Civic EX sedan while driving at highway speeds. My steering wheel sticks or feels notchy at highway speeds requiring physical effort to overcome the binding. A highly reputable independent automotive shop (Gearheadz) in [XXX] has confirmed in its diagnosis that this is a dangerous defect that needs to be corrected. The odometer on my 2016 Honda Civic EX has only 70,000 mileage as of XXX. My car is in very good condition except for this manufacturing defect by Honda.. I discovered in my research that Honda has issued a massive safety recall for an identical physical safety hazard on 2022-2025 Honda Civics, but excluded the 2016-2021 model years. Hundreds of other owners have documented the exact same dangerous "sticky steering" symptoms at highway speeds in their Civics that predate the 2022-25 recall. My out-of-pocket expenses to correct this problem will exceed $2,000. The expense would more than double that amount if I let Honda repair or replace the steering rack and pinion problem. Clearly, Honda knows about this issue and yet has decided to limit its recall on the manufacturing defect that is NOT cause by the owner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING

I've owned this 2016 Honda Civic since May of 2025. At first I never experienced any issue from the steering, that is when I started to notice that my steering felt like it would be sticking, like you couldn't balance yourself on highways or speeds exceeding 30+mph. I started doing my own research and discovered that other civic owners (10th and 11th gen) were experiencing similar issues. I'm hoping Honda takes notice of the reports being sent in and issues either a recall or a fix to this problem.

STEERING

My 2016 Honda Civic EX-T intermittently experiences a sticky/notchy steering condition, particularly while driving at highway speeds. When making small steering corrections around the straight-ahead/center position, the steering wheel sometimes resists movement and feels as though it is sticking or binding. Additional steering effort is then required to overcome the resistance, after which the steering releases. This can cause a larger steering correction than intended and creates concern about maintaining precise directional control at highway speeds. The condition is intermittent and may not occur during a short test drive. I reported the condition to an authorized Honda dealer and requested that it be evaluated. The dealer test drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the condition. The dealer provided an estimate of approximately $5,887 should replacement of the EPS steering rack/gear become necessary. No EPS warning light is present. I have also opened a case with American Honda Customer Relations (Repair Diagnosis Information Request: 16569333) regarding this steering concern. I am reporting the condition to NHTSA because the intermittent increase in steering effort and subsequent release can potentially result in overcorrection and represents a safety concern.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle has experienced repeated A/C refrigerant leaks. In March 2026, a Honda dealer replaced the condenser and compressor shaft seal under warranty. Several months later, the A/C again gradually lost cooling. The dealer diagnosed leaks from the evaporator, expansion valve, and two Schrader valves. The dealer quoted about $2,800 for parts and labor, including dashboard removal to access the evaporator. The repair has not been performed. The repeated loss of A/C may create a safety concern because the system helps defog and defrost the windshield, potentially affecting visibility. The dealer confirmed the leaks. Honda was contacted but denied goodwill assistance based on the vehicle's age. I am reporting this because multiple major A/C components have developed leaks within months of warranty repairs, and I have heard similar reports from other owners of 2016 Civics. I believe the pattern warrants investigation for a possible broader defect.

STEERING

Steering will feel notchy or sticky while driving, especially on the highway while trying to stay in a lane. This will cause excessive force to "unstick" the steering while will then require another steering correction. This has happening with the car since purchase (used) in 2020.

STEERING

My 2016 Honda Civic seems to have a 'sticky steering' issue. It is most noticeable when trying to stay straight in a lane, like when trying to make minor adjustments left or right, it would feel like the steering wheel will stick, causing it to jerk more in the direction I’m trying to steer, which causes slight over steering and having to correct back the other direction. It doesn’t happen all the time though. It’s random, but once it starts doing it, it stays that way till I’m done driving.

STEERING

While driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph), the electronic power steering (EPS) physically binds and sticks when held in a straight line. Making minor lane corrections requires a sudden, deliberate application of extra physical force to 'break' the wheel free from the center position. This causes the vehicle to momentarily overcorrect, posing a severe crash hazard due to unexpected lane drifting. An example is my wife hates riding in my car because she feels as if she is being tossed back and forth in the passenger seat. This is the exact mechanical EPS worm gear/preload spring manufacturing defect covered under NHTSA Recall Campaign 24V-744 for 2022–2025 models, but it is actively manifesting on my 2016 model without any dashboard warning lights or fault codes.

STEERING

Steering wheel sticks and is jerky. Requires constant adjustments to drive straight, especially at highway speeds. Seems like grease is no longer effective and pinion gear sticks in spots. Very dangerous in my opinion. Unsafe. Honda should offer to service this by simply injecting new OEM grease.

STEERING

At highway speeds (more than 40-50 mph) the steering wheel feels "stiff" when driving straight and requires effort to move to the left or right. This causes a jerky motion to either left or right which then requires effort to correct, which then may cause a jerky motion in the opposite direction. Reading forums and other complaints on this website, it seems like this is a known Honda issue and must be corrected via a safety recall.

STEERING

On the freeway steering wheel feels like it’s getting stuck

STEERING · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

With increasing frequency, at seemingly any condition or speed, a cluster of dashboard warnings, including power steering EPS, ABS, tire pressure TPMS, and others, flash on and stay on. Shortly after, the warnings appear power steering assist fails completely. This leads to uneasy and potentially dangerous circumstances as the car becomes minimally controllable as the physical effort required to maneuver is largely increased. Making turns especially difficult and hazardous while on public roads. This happens with increasing frequency. Initially restarting the car would temporarily fix the problem but that is decreasingly the case and the lights and steering lock happen again shortly after the reset. I no longer attempt to reset the car as it rarely helps now. I am actively keeping log of the frequency of this problem including date, time, and milage.

FUEL SYSTEM · GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road; however, after the vehicle was restarted the vehicle operated normally. The failure was a persistent failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); as the cause of the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

STEERING

When driving on the highway or making a turn the wheel feels like it is sticking and it is making it difficult to drive long distance and it feels unsafe.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

AIR BAGS

N/a

STEERING

Sticky steering causing overcorrecting while highway driving and presenting a dangerous condition in relation to the control of the vehicle. Honda recalled approximately 1.7 million newer vehicles—including 2022–2025 Honda Civic models—due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel that can swell, increasing internal friction and causing a "sticky" steering wheel. This year model is also a 10th generation Honda why was it not included in that recall?

STEERING

EPS sticks once engine is up to temperature and car is moving at or just below highway speeds. Same symptoms as in 11th gen Civic.

STEERING

Unknown, 2016 Honda Civic, Sticky Steering on the highway

STRUCTURE

The paint on my car has been chipping nonstop and I have called Honda multiple times about the issue and they will not correct nor acknowledge the problem. This issue has been occurring before 2025, it got even worse in 2025

POWER TRAIN · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Honda civic is stalling while driving due to faulty fuel pump or fuel delivery component. Computer not coordinating correct power.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The A/C evaporator core failed completely on my vehicle due to a known manufacturing and design defect in this climate control system architecture. Because the system cannot hold refrigerant, the vehicle has entirely lost its moisture-removal capability. This makes it impossible to effectively defrost or defog the windshield during rain or high-humidity conditions, severely obstructing driver visibility. This creates an imminent safety hazard and collision risk on the road. The failure has been confirmed by an authorized dealership diagnostic.

STEERING

Steering becomes “sticky” when operating at high speeds, especially in the summer months. This makes intended small adjustments into large, jerky movements, creating a huge safety risk. This issue has been recalled for newer Honda Civics, but not older models, and has been an issue for years now. The issue has been brought up to Honda Dealerships, but no solution has been provided. No warning messages appear.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER · VISIBILITY/WIPER

The A/C failed completely, blowing hot air (80+°F) in extreme Phoenix heat. The issue recurred identically after a dealer misdiagnosis and gas recharge last year. A formal inspection by Showcase Honda on May 28, 2026 (RO# 838832), confirmed a dual leak: the A/C Compressor Shaft Seal (under warranty extension) and the A/C Evaporator Core were leaking refrigerant simultaneously. Due to severe local heat waves, repairs were completed at the dealer on June 15, 2026. Invoices are available upon request. This defect severely risks vehicle safety. Driving in Arizona's 100+°F heat without A/C causes immediate heat exhaustion for passengers. Also, losing the defroster causes sudden windshield fogging during humidity shifts, creating a blind visibility hazard. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Crucially, the 10-year warranty extension is rapidly expiring for early 10th-gen Civic owners, leaving us unprotected. NHTSA must mandate Honda to extend the compressor/condenser warranty to a LIFETIME warranty. Furthermore, because the Evaporator Core inherently fails at the exact same time due to the same loop defect, Honda must expand coverage to include the Evaporator Core as a fully covered component. Partial coverage is a widespread safety hazard and a financial injustice for consumers.

STEERING

While driving my 2016 Honda Civic EX at highway speeds (45–75 mph), the steering wheel becomes sticky/stiff and jerky, resisting minor directional inputs. Instead of responding smoothly, the wheel feels temporarily stuck and then jerks when force is applied to correct direction. This requires constant overcorrection to stay in my lane and is a serious safety hazard, particularly at high speeds. This is a known, widespread issue among 2016 Civic owners. The affected component is the electric power steering rack.

SERVICE BRAKES · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE · LANE DEPARTURE

Car suddenly had many warning lights. A red “BRAKE” light flashes. Lane keep and adaptive cruise stopped working. The steering feels numb and doesn’t return to center. Took to dealer for diagnostic. They reported a VSA computer module failure. Researching VSA failure I found there is a company that will overhaul used / non working VSA units. The repair involves resoldering connections that work loose from normal driving. The design is awful and it’s not surprising these units fail. Gasket material is pressed directly against the solder joints.

STEERING

Steering wheel is sticking. It’s like the wheels grip and wanders to the left when go straight. If i slightly turn wheel to the right to correct steering it jumps/jerks to the right.

STEERING

Electronic power steering is sticking and notching while driving on a highway once vehicle is warm. This is a safety hazard and Honda has a recall for later model years for the exact same reason. The internal worm gears heat and swell when warm causing internal grease displacement. We cannot safely drive this vehicle on a highway

STEERING

The steering gets stuck or catches when driving on the highway. This cause constant over correction and potential safety hazards. It sounds like this is a common issue but I don’t see any recalls.

STEERING

The steering at highway speeds sticks. This causes the vehicle to drift left or right until the steering engages to correct. It feels unsafe.

STEERING

My steering is sticking while driving on the highway while the engine is warm and going over 45 mph. We are seniors and generally only drive locally. This is a grave safety issue and has been happening for a while. I am aware that later year Civics have this similar issue and there’s a recall for the expensive steering box but not for ours.

STEERING

Steering wheel sticks after a period of driving. After 15-20 minutes of driving (especially during warm months), the steering wheel develops a sticky feeling. Instead of smooth corrective steering to maintain the desired direction of travel, the wheel sticks and jerks free only when I apply enough force, which causes the wheel to turn farther than needed, over-correcting the vehicle direction, which then needs to be corrected in the opposite direction. The jerky movement causes erratic car movement, instead of predictable, deliberate changes in direction, not to mention that it's simply distracting - bringing my focus into the car (to the steering wheel) instead of my surroundings (road and other traffic). It started at maybe 130,000 miles? No engine codes or lights on the dashboard. I haven't had a dealer visit yet because it's 45 minutes away and it's hard to justify time off work for a car that still gets me from one place to another.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear camera view distorted

STEERING

My 2016 Honda Civic's rack and pinion needs to be replaced due to sticky, stiff steering, and dead spots when turning. The vehicle has not been any accidents and has been regularly maintained and I only have 67,000 miles on it. I searched the internet and see that it is a common problem with Honda Civics. The repair is $4,000 to fix. Replacing a rack and pinion is not a normal wear and tear type of item, especially without an accident and considering regular maintenance has been performed.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2016 HONDA Civic. The contact stated she noticed a air bag module suddenly illuminated on the instrumental panel on it's owns with no previous damage on the vehicle. The contact referenced a NHTSA campaign, but could not provided a recall number, stated her VIN was not included in the recall repair but believe that the recall had to do with her current issues. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.

STEERING

The steering sometimes feels stiff or sticky when driving. It will stick in a certain position driving straight and the steering wheel feels stuck and a slight jerk is needed to unstick it to maintain safe driving, and the steering wheel sticks to take a curve either right or left. I’ve researched that it could be an EPS, the electric power steering issue. It’s been happening since I purchased the car and it happens randomly, I haven’t found any rhyme or reason for what causes it. And because it’s random the Honda mechanic hasn’t been able to experience it to understand or pinpoint the problem.

STEERING

Steering is sticking on center which is causing the driver to oversteering when trying to turn steering wheel from off center. No warning light. Car is scheduled to go to the dealer for inspection.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while getting maintenance work performed on the vehicle , her mechanic discovered a mileage discrepancy through a Carfax report. The contact stated that she was given a Carfax report upon purchase of the vehicle; however, the report she was given did not match her mechanic's Carfax report. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 120,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 190,000.

POWER TRAIN · ENGINE

2016 Honda Civic EX-T 1.5L turbo. Coolant is disappearing with no visible external leak. Diagnosed by mechanic as likely head gasket failure. This is a known defect affecting 2016-2022 Civics with the 1.5T engine. There is an active class action lawsuit (Alcantara et al. v. American Honda Motor Co.) regarding this exact issue. Vehicle has approximately 190,000 miles.”

STEERING

I purchased this vehicle in September 2025 with 9K miles. About a month after purchase, the steering wheel started to stick and it was difficult to keep the car center of lane. The car progressively got worse and is not drivable. I took the car to a local mechanic and an alignment was done along with tire balance, and rotation. The issue continue to get worse I took the car to Jeff Wyler Nissan for a diagnosis. They stated the steering rack and Rinion assembly needed to be done. The cost of repair is $4302.58. I submitted a claim with Honda hoping to get assistance with their Goodwill program they have denied the claim. Right before my purchase of this Honda Civic in September 2025 I purchased another Honda Civic and it had the same issue, but I returned it for the current Civic. The car is unsafe to drive.

STEERING

The steering wheel sticks while driving. More noticeable at highway speeds. You have to force it and it jolts trying to make small steering adjustments, making it difficult to keep the car straight. Definitely mote noticeable when temperatures are higher than 75 degrees.

STEERING

Honda has issued a recall for the “worm gear spring” issue on there vehicles that causes the steering of the vehicle to be sticky and jerky at high way speeds. This is an issue I have been having for over a year. I seen they put out a recall that addresses my issue but only include newer years for the car. It is completely unacceptable they are only addressing the issue for recent models when the problem exists even with older models. It’s a huge safety concern considering I can’t properly steer my vehicle.

STEERING

Steering feels lime it is catching and becomes jerky

STEERING

Steering is sticky at highway speeds, steering wheel will not move without force that can cause lane departure. This is dangerous when attempting to follow the curve of the road. Component: steering rack. Inspection availability: yes. Safety: jerky steering and lane departure Reproduced: no, though it is a known issue among many Honda vehicles due to method of lubrication for the steering rack. Inspected: no, issue was recent during travel. Warning lamp: no. I plan to take this to a dealership soon as the part requires subframe removal to replace or access. Closest Honda dealership is 45 minutes of highway driving where the issue will cause problems.

ENGINE

I was driving my vehicle on the highway and I experienced a loss of power / limp mode and my car started decelerating very quickly and I pulled off and parked because I got super scared of driving and when I tried to start my vehicle back up it would not turn back on. I found a recall describing the exact scenario I went through and it is not listed for my vin “ [XXX] ” but says it’s for the exact make of my vehicle, a 2016 Honda Civic Sedan 2.0 Naturally aspirated. The recall is called “Piston misset recall.” Please help me nagivate this I have no clue what to do and feel like this should be warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING

While driving, my wheel often “sticks” and I have to over correct throughout the entire drive. I’m afraid it is going to get me in an accident. It becomes more noticeable at high speeds. I have to travel often for my job and recently have not felt safe while driving my car on the highway. It seems to be a common issue with the 2016 Civic and I’m not sure why there hasn’t been a recall. I am the sole owner of this car and bought it new off the lot in 2016. I looked into getting this fixed and it looks to cost $4000-$5000. On a problem that several people have , it really should be fixed by Honda.