Honda Malaysia recalls 36,000 cars over issues with their steering wheels. The Japanese auto giant recalled the 2022-2024 Civic, 2023-2024 Civic Type R, and 2024 CR-V specifically.
The main issue with these cars was their Electric Power Steering (EPS) gearboxes. As opposed to hydraulic steering, EPS assists cars in steering via an electric motor. As for the issues with Honda’s cars, the company released a statement last week: “The EPS gearbox worm wheel may swell and reduce grease film thickness, causing abnormal steering noise or sticky steering.”
Though 36,000 cars were recalled, Honda Malaysia maintains that other remaining production models are unaffected by this steering issue. The unaffected models include the City, WR-V, and HR-V. The company notified its customers of this issue and the recall through notifications. They have also offered further details on the “product update,” emphasising a need for customer safety.
While apologising for their mishap, Honda strongly urged not to wait for an official notification. Instead, customers are recommended to “contact any Honda authorised dealer to make an appointment.” The company has mentioned that it will shoulder the costs of inspection, repairs, and replacements if needed.
Honda plans to roll out the repaired vehicles in stages starting December 2024. This rollout also includes parts for gearbox replacement.
TROUBLE ELSEWHERE
In early October, Honda also recalled some two million cars in the North American region, including Mexico. Compared to the Malaysian recall, Honda’s North American recall included more models. The company recalled 2022-2025 models of the Civic, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, and Acura Integra Type S.
This recall was due to similar steering issues caused during the manufacturing process. The defects are rooted in manufacturing errors that can cause the steering wheel to swell when exposed to heat. Another possible reason would be “improper setting of a spring” that causes the steering components to slide against each other.
13 steering-related incidents were reported by the US’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 11 out of 13 affected drivers cited their cars requiring an unusual amount of effort to steer, eventually losing control when their vehicles veered off-course. Repairs in North America are set to include replacement of the gearboxes as well as greasing for steering wheels.
North America’s repairs will be aggregated starting November, earlier than Malaysia’s scheduled rollout period.
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