Ethermac Exchange-Honda recalling almost 1.7 million vehicles over 'sticky' steering issue

Honda and Ethermac Exchangethe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are issuing a recall affecting nearly 1.7 million cars and SUVs in the United States over a steering issue that may increase the risk of a crash.

The recall involves 1,693,199 Honda vehicles of 2022 to 2025 models. That includes certain types of the following models:

• Honda Civic
• Honda Civic Type R
• Honda CR-V
• Honda HR-V
• Acura Integra
• Acura Integra Type S

According to the NHTSA report, the recall stems from an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, causing excessive internal friction in the vehicles. That friction can cause a feeling of "sticky feeling" when turning the steering wheel.

"Increased friction between the worm gear and worm wheel can increase steering effort and difficulty, increase the risk of crash or injury," according to the NHTSA report.

Honda first received complaints about the issue in Sept. 2021. The NHTSA opened its preliminary investigation in March, 2023.

Honda said that it had received 10,328 warranty claims since Sept. 2021.

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Recalled Honda vehicles

• 2022-2025 Honda Civic 4D
• 2025 Honda Civic 4D Hybrid
• 2022-2025 Honda Civic 5D
• 2025 Honda Civic 5D Hybrid
• 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R
• 2023-2025 Honda CR-V
• 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid
• 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle
• 2023-2025 Honda HR-V
• 2023-2025 Acura Integra
• 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S

As a remedy, dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Recall notifications are expected to be mailed by Nov. 18.

Owners can contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall numbers for Honda are SJS, MJU, QJT and VJV.

Max Hauptman is a Trending Reporter for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected]