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2026 Honda Ridgeline ReviewHonda Issues Recall on 1.7 million Models
Honda has issued a recall on 1.7 million vehicles due to a steering rack concern. See if you’re affected.
New Honda’s Carrying a Potential Steering Concern
Nearly 1.7 million new Honda models from the past 3 years may carry a potential steering rack issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that “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 the worm gear. In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the sliding force between the components.” What this reported defect could result in is unnecessary friction between the two steering components which can make it harder to turn the vehicle, which increases the risk of a potential accident.
It’s being reported that the affect vehicles are all versions of the 2022-2025 Honda Civic as well as the 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Acura Integra Type S, Honda CR-V, and Honda HR-V models.
How Did This Happen?
The steering gearbox found in the noted Honda models is defective “due to an insufficient annealing process and high load single unit break-in during production of the worm wheel” as noted by NHTSA. This failed production of the steering component allows it to swell which increases the worm wheel’s teeth pressure angle while in use. This leads to more surface pressure between the components and reduces the grease film thickness, which in turn increases the friction between the worm wheel and worm gear found in the steering gearbox.
The other noted issue is the preload of the worm gear spring found in the same steering mechanism. The part was noted to be set too high which increases the gear slide load. This also creates unnecessary friction and increases the fluctuation in torque when turning the steering wheel.
Owners of affected vehicles may notice an abnormal noise when turning the vehicle or what the NHTSA describes as a “sticky” feeling in the steering when trying to turn the vehicle.
What’s the Next Steps for Affected Honda Owners?
Honda has already begun notifying dealers of the recall in advance and plans to notify affected owners by letter on November 18th. If you receive a letter regarding this recall, you will be instructed by Honda to schedule an appointment with your local Honda dealer. There, the dealership will inspect the vehicle and replace the problem worm gear spring with a corrected replacement and add or evenly distribute the grease in the gearbox to combat resulting displacement. There is no current advisement to stop driving the affected vehicles. Stay up to date here or check the NHTSA website for the most recent reporting.
