NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Momentary Increased Steering Effort in Acura Integra (EA23-003)

EA23-003 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Acura Integra?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

On November 29, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Engineering Analysis (EA23003) to assess allegations of momentary increase in steering effort in model years (MY) 2022-2023 Honda Civic, 2023MY Honda CR-V, and 2023MY Acura Integra vehicles (subject vehicles).

The complaints received by ODI alleged that the subject vehicles experienced a momentary increase in required steering effort (described as "sticky steering") occurring mostly at highway speeds after driving for an extended amount of time; these complaints could not be duplicated during dealer service technicians' quick test drives.

The complaints had been received over the previous two years with most occurring with low vehicle mileage.

The steering gear of these vehicles is aided by an electrical power assist unit.

This power assist unit inputs force on the steering rack via a worm gear and worm wheel assembly.

During PE23005, Honda stated this condition of momentary increase in steering effort occurs due to two factors within this power assist unit.

First, during manufacturing, the steering worm wheel goes through annealing and component conditioning processes.

These processes cause internal stress and strain within the steering worm wheel.

This strain is slowly released over the first few months of the vehicle life.

Over time, the released strain causes deformation of the teeth on the worm wheel, causing the worm gear to catch on the worm wheel.

This catching results in the driver's momentary increased steering effort.

Second, the manufacturing process did not guarantee consistent grease application and, therefore, some subject vehicles received insufficient grease which contributed to the momentary increase in steering effort.

During EA23003, ODI further analyzed the potential safety related consequences of the momentary increase in steering effort.

NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) duplicated the allegations of increased steering effort.

In addition, VRTC discovered the steering worm wheel and worm gear tended to push grease out of the meshing area, resulting in large amounts of grease resting on top of the worm wheel.

Information Request responses collected and reviewed by ODI showed Honda had also discovered this additional root cause during NHTSA's EA.

In addition, Honda discovered the preload of the worm wheel gear spring was set too high, increasing the gear slide load and resulting in higher friction and increased torque fluctuation when steering.

The number of consumer complaints made to ODI continued to increase with the expansion of scope from the PE to the EA.

Additionally, during EA23003, ODI received ten complaints alleging a crash, in addition to the 13 complaints ODI had received as of the time it opened EA23003.

In total, 23 crashes have been reported to ODI due to this alleged defect.

On October 3, 2024, Honda filed NHTSA Recall No. 24V-744 to address this defect.

The recall will provide consumers with a new steering worm wheel gear spring with a decreased load.

Additionally, dealerships will add additional grease and relocate any grease sitting on top of the worm wheel back into the meshing area.

The scope of this recall includes all Honda vehicles that were manufactured with this specific improperly produced steering worm wheel and spring.

In view of the recall action being taken by Honda, ODI is closing EA23003.

NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 24V744000 as the result of this investigation: 2023-2025 Acura Integra Steering Recall (24V744).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Acura Integra owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 2,701 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2023-2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Spare Tire Recall (26V366)
• 2021, 2023 Acura TLX Passenger Air Bag Recall (26V332)
• 2023 Honda Accord Seat Fastener Recall (26V054)
• 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Fuel Line Recall (25V378)
• 2023-2024 Honda Accord Seat Fastener Recall (24V859)
• 2023-2024 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Recall (24V763)
• 2023-2025 Acura Integra Steering Recall (24V744)
• 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid High-Voltage Battery Recall (24V745)
• 2024 Honda CR-V Tire Markings Recall (24V508)
• 2021-2022 Honda Pilot Passenger Air Bag Recall (24V064)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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