Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A clicking noise comes from the steering column when turning the steering wheel when driving. The car has 101,500 miles. It has been making this noise for approximately 4 years. From previous searches I thought this was an immaterial issue (that is, harmless rubbing of plastic parts). However in now looking into this further I see there have numerous complaints, pointing to a serious point of failure issue with the steering column and it bearing components. A recall should be issued so Honda can correct this defect.
A clicking/clunking noise comes from the steering column when turning the steering wheel when driving and when car is parked. Mechanic says it is the steering column and could be dangerous. There are many reports on the internet by car owners of this issue with 2009 Honda Accords. There are reports of accidents related to this clicking noise due to steering locking up. Honda will not pay for the repair. This is a safety issue. A recall should be issued.
Constant clunking when turning the steering wheel left or right. Had the car since it had 90k miles. I see on forums about this issue in this model accord. Honda really needs to do there part and repair this issue. The steering column could lock up and could cause a fatal accident with any individual.
While endeavoring to make a slow speed maneuver, the steering wheel was not responsive by power assistance. It eventually came back to normal. Concerned I took the car to a mechanic who suggested replacing the power steering pump. Replaced the power steering pump with a Honda remanufactured and flushed system with genuine Honda power steering fluid. Never was anything found in the fluid that would contaminate the fluid or cause system blockage. Problem seemed corrected for several days. It resumed again. Went back to my Honda dealer. At the Honda dealer it was suggested that I needed to replace my rack and pinion setup. This is a costly repair! I have had 15 hondas and never had to have this done. The problem is progressively becoming more pronounced. It comes at varied times during the operation of the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while making a slight right turn, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes seized and the vehicle violently jerked forward. As a result, the contact drove over a curb and crashed into a stop sign and a gravel road. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tension bolt snapped causing the belt to loosen and no power steering while I was driving, all this happend while I was on a highway was the scariest moment of my life having no steering power! Also check engine light went on few months ago issue with oxygen sensor. I taught Honda is such a good car, this will be my last time buying a Honda. This car has cost me so much money and towing its rediculos. I read that people had issue with this and Honda only made that bracket 2 years becuase of issues why was there never a recall on this?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact had to manually turn the steering wheel. The dealer (brighton Ford, 8240 grand river ave, brighton, mi 48114, [phone]) was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while going for a routine oil change, it was informed that the power steering rack was leaking fluid. The dealer diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12v5222000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. Updated 05/18/16
Whenever I turn my steering wheel in either direction, it makes a noise. Took it to Honda dealer and they are now replacing the steering wheel column and asking me to pay some $800. I see that this is a regular Honda Accord problem, not sure why I have to bear the cost.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Honda Accord. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle made a whining noise when depressing the accelerator pedal. The dealer daignosed that the rack and pinion failed and needed to be replaced. The approximate failure mileage was 30,360.
Steering complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Honda Accord, 4% of the model year's 727 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Honda Accord steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Honda Accord, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Honda Accord steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.