Hi Scotty,
I have a 2016 Base Automatic Model Honda Civic with 75k miles, the steering has recently made it scary to drive. It's notchy and you have to constantly fight to keep it in the lane without oversteering.(No lane assist) Researching this, it seems to be classified as "sticky" steering. I've read the replacement isn't guaranteed to work. Honda is not acknowledging the problem although there are lawsuits pending 2016 -2023 models. I bought this car new from the local dealership and have maintained all the service records.
I am a widow on a fixed retirees salary and my car is paid off but not under warranty, what should I do, replace the EPS and steering rack at 3.5K+? Or trade it in? On what vehicle do you recommend? I generally love Toyotas and Hondas for reliability and gas mileage and drive them for 10+ years.
I am so disappointed in Honda at this point. This is definitely a serious safety issue! Maybe not Pinto territory, but feel like Honda isn't going to help out until a fatality count starts to accumulate with bad PR.
I would not trust inexperienced new drivers with this issue.
My dad and brother were mechanics, it's been reassuring to watch you these past years.
Thank you so much.
Sharon in Texas
Fix
Hi,
I think you should check to see how much your car can be sold for first. $3,500 is an expensive fix. So you have to ask yourself whether you want to lose $3,500 at once and being not sure that the problem will never occur again, or buy a different car and lose smaller amounts of money over time on payment.
I think your car will have a high resale value as long as you don't mention anything about the steering and the buyer doesn't know about it. 75,000 miles is low for a civic. I'm looking at Carmax right now and they are buying your car at at least $15,000. You could use the $15,000 toward down payment for a new vehicle.
I recommend Toyota, it's the only brand I trust now. The new Corolla is quite nice. Based on your problem, if you sell, I recommend selling through Carmax or Carvana. They don't bother to check the car. As long as it turns on and the engine runs, they pick it up. I know because I've sold a car to Carmax.
Good luck.
Thank you so much, your input really helps me consider what to do!
Since this isn't under warranty, you're not stuck taking it to a dealer. You could find a reputable front end mechanic that can give you an estimate. Independent shops usually charge less than dealers.
This sounds like a dangerous problem, should you be driving it at all? I suggest not keeping this issue a secret. There might be someone that would buy it as is and fix it, if you aren't comfortable keeping it. There's plenty of life left in the rest of the car if that's the only thing wrong with it.
