American Honda Motor Co., Inc. has issued a voluntary recall affecting approximately 1.7 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the United States. The recall addresses a potential defect within the steering gearbox system that could lead to increased steering effort and potentially heighten the risk of accidents or injuries.
Steering Gearbox Defect: A Detailed Look
The core of the recall lies in a worm wheel component within the steering gearbox. This component, if improperly manufactured, can react adversely to environmental heat and humidity. Exposure can cause the worm wheel to swell, consequently reducing the crucial grease film that separates it from the worm gear. Adding to the issue, the worm gear spring preload may have been set too high during manufacturing. This combination of factors—reduced grease and excessive spring force—increases friction between these vital steering components.
This elevated friction can manifest in several ways for drivers. They might notice unusual steering noises, experience increased effort needed to turn the steering wheel, or encounter a sensation of “sticky” steering. Any of these symptoms can make controlling the vehicle more challenging, especially in critical driving situations, thus increasing the chance of a collision.
Affected Honda and Acura Models
The recall spans a range of models and model years to ensure comprehensive coverage. Below is a list of the affected vehicles. Owners are strongly encouraged to verify if their specific vehicle is included in the recall by using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the provided websites.
Acura Models:
- 2023-2025 Acura Integra
- 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S
Honda Models:
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Sedan
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan
- 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback
- 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback
- 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
- 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
- 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell
- 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
Recall Repair Procedure: What Owners Need to Know
Honda and Acura are committed to resolving this issue for all affected customers. Owners of recalled vehicles will be officially notified by mail starting in November. This notification will instruct them to schedule a service appointment at their nearest authorized Honda or Acura dealership.
The repair itself will be conducted free of charge. Technicians will address the steering gearbox issue by either redistributing or adding grease to ensure proper lubrication. Furthermore, they will replace the original worm gear spring with an improved component designed to mitigate the identified problem. This comprehensive fix aims to eliminate the potential for increased steering friction and restore the steering system to its intended operational standard.
Is Your Honda or Acura Affected by the Steering Recall?
Vehicle owners who are concerned about whether their vehicle is part of this steering recall don’t need to wait for the mail notification. American Honda has set up online resources where owners can quickly check their VIN. By visiting www.recalls.honda.com for Honda vehicles or www.recalls.acura.com for Acura vehicles and entering their VIN, owners can instantly determine if their car is affected. For additional assistance or questions, owners can also contact the Honda recall hotline at (888) 234-2138.
This proactive recall demonstrates Honda and Acura’s dedication to vehicle safety and customer satisfaction. Owners are urged to take prompt action upon receiving notification or using the online VIN lookup to ensure their vehicles receive the necessary repair and maintain optimal driving safety.
