Critical Safety Concerns: NHTSA Expands Investigation on Honda’s Bestselling Models

alwepo, In a significant development, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has broadened its investigation into a critical safety issue affecting three of Honda’s top-selling models, including the 2023 CR-V, Civic, and the 2023 Integra from their Acura brand. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) initiated the probe in March 2023, focusing on an “alleged defect of momentary increase in steering effort” observed in the new Civics.

Commonly known as “sticky steering,” this issue emerges after extended periods of highway driving, where a momentary loss of power assistance increases the force required to move the steering wheel. Honda has acknowledged the problem, attributing it to errors in the manufacturing process that led specific parts within the steering gear to deteriorate faster than intended. The “annealing and component conditioning processes” during manufacturing are identified as the culprits, causing internal stress and strain on these components.

According to the ODI’s investigative documents, over 532,535 cars may be affected by this issue, with 13 reported crashes already linked to the problem. Initially centered around the Civic, the investigation has expanded to encompass the CR-V crossover and Acura’s Integra, given their shared key steering components with the popular compact model.

In response to these safety concerns, American Honda Motor Co. has assured the public of their commitment to safety. They stated that they are in constant communication with the NHTSA and will continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation while conducting their internal review.

As the investigation unfolds, Honda owners, especially those with the mentioned models, are urged to stay informed and vigilant. The potential safety implications of this steering issue underline the importance of addressing such concerns promptly. Keep an eye on updates as Honda works in collaboration with regulatory authorities to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

Source: thestreet