2016 Honda Civic
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,081 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Civic model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 36 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMay 21, 2026
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Campaign 26V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpDec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Campaign 23V858000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeOct 11, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Civic two door and four door 1.5L turbo and 2.0L vehicles. The electric parking brake (EPB) may not engage if it is applied immediately after turning the ignition off.
If the EPB is not applied, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software to allow the EPB to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC6.
Campaign 16V725000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 11, 2016
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic 2-Door vehicles manufactured February 23, 2016, through May 20, 2016. The affected vehicles may have a damaged LED side marker light circuit board inside the taillight assembly, making the marker light inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
If a side marker light does not function, vehicle visibility can be decreased to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect both the taillight assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KB8.
Campaign 16V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineFeb 9, 2016
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Civic vehicles manufactured September 22, 2015, to February 3, 2016 and equipped with 2.0L engines. The affected vehicles have engines with piston assemblies that may have been manufactured without a piston wrist pin circlip or with an incorrectly installed piston wrist pin circlip.
If a circlip is missing or incorrectly installed, the piston wrist pin may not be secure and may drift and damage the engine cylinder causing the engine to seize, and increasing the risk of a crash or a fire.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the piston assemblies and damaged engine components, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are expected to be available in the Summer of 2016. Owners were mailed an interim notification beginning March 31, 2016, and will be mailed a second notice when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JX9.
Campaign 16V074000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
445 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, May 25, 2024
Sticky and jerky steering at all speeds requiring overcorrection left or right from center and left at about 10 o'clock. No warning lights on dashboard. Dealer confirmed symptoms and replaced steering rack assembly part #53650-TBC-A22.
Steering, May 17, 2024
The steering wheel, when turning either left or right, even slightly, gets stuck almost feels like it locks and when steering to opposite side, you need to tug/jerk the steering wheel to get it unstuck. When you jerk the wheel to get it unstuck, the car wants to veer sharply in the the direction being pulled. There were several close calls evading striking a car in the lane next to my car due to the veering trying to unstick the steering wheel. This locking happens in all modes of driving - straight, fast, slow, and on curves. It does not appear at speeds under 25 mph. The sensation of losing total control of the steering is overwhelming especially when traveling on the highway at highway speeds. The sensation of losing total control is enhanced when in a curve. There is also the sensation of potential total loss of the steering. My first car was purchased in 1968 and over the years I have learned to take notice of potential dangerous conditions in vehicles. I am not a happy camper with the steering on this vehicle. The internet gossip is that it is a known issue. I do not want to wind up injured or causing injury to others because of a manufacturers defect.
Steering, May 14, 2024
Driving down the road while at higher speeds the steering wheel sticks in one spot for minor adjustments. This can cause over corrections on the drivers part and may cause a wreck involving other vehicles. It has been documented on many forums online, about others having problems with the steering with the 2016 Honda civics. This is no exception.
Steering, May 13, 2024
The steering becomes sticky after driving for about 15 minutes or so and seems to occur more on warmer days (above 70F). this occurs both at highway speeds and also at lower speeds. For example when making a slight turn to the left or right the wheel will stick at that position and you will need to force the wheel to go back to center. This can cause you to over steer and end up out of your lane. Additionally at highway speeds making the steering whell will get stuck when making slight adjustments to keep the car in its lane. forcing the wheel each time causes you to ping pong within your lane and sometimes veer out of your lane. This is very dangerous and also makes it look like you are distracted or drunk driving. Issue was confirmed by a honda dealer and indicated that the entire rack needed to be replaced. No warning lights or codes stored for the issue.
Steering, May 7, 2024
My civic (2016) is having the same 'sticking steering wheel' issue as the later year cars that are currently being recalled. This is well documented in the Honda civic forums and YouTube videos. This can lead to a very serious accident as the car can be uncontrollable. The steering wheel 'sticks' then to get it unstuck you have to apply more pressure to 'unstick' the steering wheel which results in the car swerving in the lane, it is very dangerous...
Steering, Wheels, Apr 30, 2024
My steering wheel is very sticky. Doesn't happen until I've been driving at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes. It's also worse when it's warmer. My steering wheel is so sticky to the left to the point where I don't feel safe and feel like I could fly off the curves if don't drive under the speed limit (ie feel need to drive 60mph around bends on a 70mph highway).
Steering, Apr 29, 2024
-Steering seems to stick after long periods of highway driving, yes the car is available for inspection. -Need to overcorrect and at high speeds this could be dangerous. -No, I have taken it in to Honda for service and they cannot reproduce. I don't think they are driving it enough, I only notice it when driving for long distances. -No -No warnings
Steering, Apr 18, 2024
steering is sticking causing over correction when occurs. Most noticeable at highway speeds. Has been happening last 10,000 miles or 8 months.
Steering, Apr 14, 2024
When driving at high speeds on straight roads, the steering wheel “catches” or feels sticky when it hits the middle and makes it hard to keep the car straight and requires extra effort to turn it further. This can be quite dangerous.
Steering, Apr 14, 2024
I have noticed my steering wheel sticking consistently for the past year or so. I mostly notice this when driving on the highway at higher speeds. It requires a forceful tug in the right direction, which causes the car to jerk slightly.
Steering, Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and was sticking while turning in direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was more noticeable while driving at highway speeds, and caused the vehicle to drift to either side, causing the driver to make additional adjustments to keep the vehicle driving straight. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Steering, Feb 25, 2024
Power steering locks up a bit after driving for 20-30 mins. The steering is notchy and hard to turn the wheels. Dealership said the power steering assembly needs replacement which is cover for 2017 and later. Not 2016. Even it’s the same generation and same symptoms. This is a safety issue and 2016 year model should be recalled as well.
Steering, Feb 10, 2024
Steering wheel stocks after about 20 miles of highway driving. Very hard to maintain lane. Major safety issue. Purchased for teen driver now I’m scared to death to let her drive. No warning lights. Lots of complaints on line. This is a major safety concern and should be investigated and a recall for repair. This is unfair to consumers
Steering, Feb 4, 2024
When driving freeway speeds, steering is very loose and difficult to control. When driving more than 30 minutes or more, the steering locks up and have to give it a jerk to gain control of steering. Mileage on 2016 Honda Civic is 58272 as of inspection by Honda on 1/17/24. Honda verified issue is Steering Rack which thousands of 2016 Honda Civic owners are reporting same issue. Original issue began in 2019 and reported to Honda at that time. Please review complaint. Thank you.
Steering, Feb 4, 2024
When driving at highway speeds, the power steering seems to stick when the wheel has not been turned for a few seconds (as in driving on a straight away). When minor corrections are needed, the steering wheel sticks, which results in a slight over correction. The conditions under which this happens is: warm air temperature, driving time over 15 minutes, and driving at highway speed.
Steering, Dec 2, 2023
My steering wheel sticks when the engine has been warmed up, requiring extra force to begin turning it. This can make small adjustments on the road difficult, and means I have to overcorrect all the time and have trouble staying in my lane. It happens after driving ~20 minutes on warm days (above 70 degrees). The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic, and I was told the only solution is replacing the entire steering rack. No warning lights have come on. This is NOT an isolated incident-- it happens every time the vehicle is driven for 20+ minutes on a warm day, and gets worse the longer it's driven.
Steering, Nov 17, 2023
As others have stated, steering becomes very sticky at highway speeds, especially on sweeping curves. When trying to straighten car back out, the steering sticks and requires extra pressure to get the steering wheel to turn. Once it comes free it causes the car to veer in the other direction. It is at times very difficult to put minor corrections into the steering to maintain the car in my lane. Honda dealer says it is the “torque sensor magnet” sticking and would require a steering rack replacement in the neighborhood of $4000. I have been back and forth with Honda corporate and they have denied any extended warranty or customer good will on this issue.
Steering, Nov 10, 2023
My 18 year old daughter's 2016 Honda Civic has been having problems with her steering wheel where while driving on the highway or driving straight for a while, the steering wheel gets stuck and in order to stop it from sticking, she would have to jerk the car a little bit which causes her to swerve and it is a big problem if it happens while there are other cars around her. I have read numerous articles about this same problem with the same year, make and model of the car.
Steering, Oct 26, 2023
The steering wheel 'sticks' at highway speeds and makes it difficult to make minor adjustments. Have to apply more than normal force to turn the wheel and causes the car to overcompensate and jolt. Could be quite dangerous.
Steering, Oct 16, 2023
Steering rack is faulty. Known issue on thousands of 2016 honda civics. Honda told me my battery dying and the sticky steering wheel is from a faulty steering rack and quoted me $4000 to fix it. This car does not even have 80,000 miles on it and it 7 years old. This issue has caused multiple accidents and I have 2 children. I am scared to drive this vehicle. If this is a known faulty steering rack issue why am I subjected to pay out of pocket?
Steering, Oct 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Steering wheel sticking at highway speeds when on a curved road or when changing lanes. Might be a loss of power steering. Occurs once or twice in 100 highway miles. Only temporary solution is to jerk the wheel with enough force to unstick it and regain control, which is not safe or ideal. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loss of control of the vehicle. Departing own lane without intention. Possibility of collision with an adjacent vehicle. Possibility of overcorrection and complete loss of control without ability to regain control, resulting in a single vehicle crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, the local Honda dealer wants to charge $150.00 to inspect the issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, none.
Steering, Oct 11, 2023
When driving for a while on the freeway, my steering wheel gets sticky causing me to oversteer to compensate. Which causes my car to swerve on the road.
Steering, Sep 17, 2023, crash
Steering starts sticking every few seconds after about a 20 minute drive, and veering sideways. I lost a sideview mirror due to this and its very dangerous to drive. Probably has killed peapel already!! This happens every single time I drive this!
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
At 63k miles the Honda Civic steering wheel started sticking /jerking when changing lanes on the interstate. The steering rack EPS needs to be replaced. Only happens when you are driving for over an hour. This is not something you will notice commuting for 10-15 minutes to work. No warning on the dash. Warranty can't help us since we are second owners. We purchased it for our teenager 60 days ago and it's not safe for her to drive.
Steering, Service brakes, Sep 12, 2023
Both steering and brake system warning lights came on and steering wheel locked in to place with no prior warning indications of power steering rack failure.