Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have a 2011 Honda Accord V6 coupe. At approximately 11:39 hours on 8/15/2023 my car lost all steering and brakes and spun violently multiple times across the highway. Thankfully the car did not impact another vehicle and ended up on the side of the road in soft sand. A scan tool revealed a trouble code for a failing or fault within the VSA modulator. This module controls both the brake system and stability control in one unit. At the time of the above aforementioned incident 2 warning lights were on the dash for the following: ABS and Stability control. The Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to the incident. I file this complaint because the safety of other drivers and myself were placed in serious jeopardy.
At only 61,083 miles, the rack and pinion on my 2011 Honda Accord was diagnosed as leaking by Baierl Honda in Wexford, PA. The dealership documented the issue as: "FOUND RACK AND PINION LEAKING; PARTS/LABOR (INCLUDING ALIGNMENT AND POWER STEERING FLUID) $2,777 PLUS TAX." This is a major steering component that should last well over 150,000 miles under normal conditions, yet mine failed extremely early. A leaking rack and pinion creates a serious safety concern. Prior to diagnosis, I experienced increased steering effort and inconsistent steering feel, especially during low speed turns and parking maneuvers. Loss of hydraulic pressure in the steering system can lead to sudden difficulty steering, which poses a risk during highway driving or emergency situations. This failure is part of a known pattern affecting 2008-2012 Honda Accords. …
The rack and pinion needs to be replaced with just over 63k miles. This appears to be a common occurrence amongst 2008-2012 Honda Accords but it appears Honda is ignoring the issue. I have included a forum of complaints from owners that have very low mileage. Could you please look into this? [redacted]
I was pulling slowly out of a drive-through bank facility onto a one-way street with no traffic, and suddenly my car started to turn to the side. I had no control over the steering and the car ping-ponged from curb to curb, striking several stationary objects and a parked car.
Transmission makes a loud whining noise. Dealer diagnosed a power steering rack fluid leak. I'm told very unusual for only approx. 46K miles. No recalls for this year model yet. The repair estimate is over $1500. My 36K mile warranty is expired so dealer won't cover the repair. I bought a Honda because I heard and believed they were very good cars. I no longer have that belief! I will not purchase another Honda. No other maker has required extensive repair work at such low mileage.
I have took my car to the shop because it keeps speeding up and down and they said they didn't couldn't find anything wrong with the transmission and it's still doing it and I had the transmission fluid change hoping it would help it but it didn't .. They changed the fluid but not the filter.. Now the transmission seal is leaking.. I have had this car to the shop several times.. The car speeds up going up or down hills or driving straight on flat roads.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Honda Accord. While driving unknown speeds, the steering wheel became uncontrollable. The steering wheel failed and turned in a circle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to pohanka Honda (1772 ritchie station ct, capitol heights, md 20743, [phone]). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 104,000. The VIN was not available.
Heard a whirring noise and smoke started coming out of the right side of my engine, my rack n pinion power steering was leaking and my car almost caught on fire. Had the car towed to my mechanic and he stated there is a crack in the rack n pinion which is leaking fluid, estimated 600-1200 dollars to fix it. I looked online and there was a previous recall for this problem on another year but not the 2011.
I lost power and I notice battery light indicator came on after making a right turn while going 5 MPH while raining in a puddle of water. Shortly after which, maybe 5 seconds, I regained power back. This has happened twice while turning during a rain, although it does not happen every time it rains.
This car currently with 20349 miles.I was driving on the highway for over 50 mi.all of sudden there's no power steering.I managed to drive home in few miles. I check the steering fluid still full.please check is this problem is the same recall with 2007 Honda Accord model??
Steering complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Honda Accord, 7% of the model year's 296 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2011 Honda Accord steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Honda Accord, though it has 9 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 2011 Honda Accord steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 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.