# Honda CR-V power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 362
- **Most complaints:** 2018 (95)
- **Related recalls:** 2
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 362 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Honda CR-V (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (95). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## Honda CR-V power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 14 | 673 | 2% |
| 2016 | 13 | 395 | 3% |
| 2017 | 55 | 1779 | 3% |
| 2018 | 95 | 2165 | 4% |
| 2019 | 40 | 1107 | 4% |
| 2020 | 12 | 447 | 3% |
| 2021 | 21 | 446 | 5% |
| 2022 | 22 | 350 | 6% |
| 2023 | 52 | 633 | 8% |
| 2024 | 29 | 483 | 6% |
| 2025 | 6 | 293 | 2% |
| 2026 | 3 | 181 | 2% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Honda CR-V recalls related to the power steering warning light

**[24V744000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V744000)** (2023-2025 models, reported 2024-10-04): Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024.

**[18V663000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V663000)** (2017-2018 models, reported 2018-09-27): The unintended steering input reduces vehicle maneuverability and increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gearbox assembly, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018.

Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Honda CR-V owners report

- "The following warning lights came up: Brake system problem, electric brake system problem, TPMS system problem, Transmission system problem, Auto Idle Stop System Problem, Electric power steering system problem, Brake Hold system problem, Vehicle stability assist system problem, Hill start assist problem, Hill..." -- owner of a 2026 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026
- "The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was sent an email, but no response was received. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000." -- owner of a 2025 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026
- "Upon driving steering appears normal then starts to feel a little tight as if I was loosing power steering then goes back to normal." -- owner of a 2024 Honda CR-V, complaint filed 2026

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Honda CR-V power steering light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (24V744000, 18V663000) covering 2017-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Honda CR-V years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2023 CR-V model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 95 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Honda CR-V with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my Honda CR-V has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Honda dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Honda CR-V warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/honda-cr-v): 27 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/honda-cr-v): 58 complaints
- [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/honda-cr-v): 392 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-cr-v): 91 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/honda-cr-v): 15 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/honda-cr-v): 146 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/honda-cr-v): 25 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints
- [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints

## Honda CR-V

- [Honda CR-V specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-cr-v)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
