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 2020 Honda Accord owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tire pressure warning light and brake system warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the driver assists cruise control system, emergency brakes system, collision prevention system, and electrical steering assist all failed at the same time. The contact stated that the safety assist features became disabled but returned after the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure occurred more frequently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver while the electric power steering and steering assist reduced errors illuminated and the power steering warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. The Brake System, TPMS, Power Steering, and Check Engine warning lights were illuminated. The message "Reduce Speed" was displayed with an audible beeping alert. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,309.
I put in a complaint before and the problem still persists. I've been to Honda over 10 times and they claim they cannot recreate it which is just a tactic to not repair the issue. Seems A LOT of other Honda owners are having this issue which is the gear box. There are multiple years affected including 2018-2020. The steering wheel sticks while trying to drive straight. No issues with turns. The steering wheel will hold in the straight position and when trying to drive straight and ease with the road the wheel will not turn even the slightest without some force which causes you to overcorrect. It is VERY dangerous and I don't know why Honda is not recalling the problem parts. I bought my car new and never had an issue until the second month I drove the car. 3 years later and over 10 visits to Honda and it's still happening. Please PUSH Honda to fix this issue ASAP!!!!
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the messages "Emissions System Failure," "Electric Power Steering Failure," "Hill Start Assistant Failure," "Collision Mitigation," "Collision Road Departure," "TPMS Failure," "Brake System Failure", "Brake Performance Reduced", "Vehicle Stability Assistance Failure," "Adaptive Cruise Control Failure", "Road Departure Mitigation Failure," and "Brake Hold System Failure" were displayed. The contact stated that the check engine, TPMS, brake system, traction control, and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the head gasket and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
On August 7th, I was driving on I 75 South at highway speed ( 75 -70) and I felt the steering wheel begin to move from side to side. After approximately 5 mins of my steering wheel moving from side to side but very subtle, then my car veered to the left lane and then to the right lane. At this point, I had no control of my car. My car was swerving from one lane to the next. I attempted to press the brake to gain control of my car and that made it worse. I gently took my feet off the gas and I felt that I had some control of my car after a few seconds. I went to the right lane and pulled over to the media. I checked my tires and they look fine. I took my car to Honda and they couldn't find anything wrong with my car. I want to know what's wrong with my car because I don't feel safe in this car. I could have killed myself or someone else.
At approximately 9,000 miles I noticed a steering problem with my accord. It started very subtle over a few weeks. Driving at a speed over 50 mph, the steering wheel felt as if it was sticking when trying to turn slightly to the right or left. It became more and more noticeable to a point where I did not feel safe driving it on the interstate at high speeds. When it would stick, I had to pull the wheel harder to the right or left to release it, making me feel I would over correct and run off the road or into another car. The problem was very noticeable after about 30 minutes of driving when the car was warmed up, and at a speed greater than 50 mph. The steering was normal at low speeds during slower traffic in town. The dealership duplicated the problem and replaced the car steering rack. This corrected the problem.
I noticed a loud grinding noise and reduced braking power coming from my 2020 Honda Accord while driving at normal city speeds. A local mechanic inspected it and found that the rear brake caliper was sticking and causing premature wear. I contacted Honda service, but they refused to cover the cost or inspect it under goodwill, even though similar issues have been reported with other Honda models. This issue puts my safety at risk as braking is compromised and steering becomes harder. The problem was confirmed by a local certified mechanic and is available for inspection if needed.
When driving, the steering wheel sticks and you almost have to jerk the steering wheel over when not going in a straight line. I have seen that people with Hondas have been having similar issues for years. This is a safety concern because I have a 16 year old learning how to drive and she is unable to drive the car straight due to the issue with the steering. I refuse to pay to have this issue resolved when it seems to be something that occurs, and has been occurring, in Accords.
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicles steering becomes locked in place requiring a substantial amount of force to turn with the road causing the car to jerk which then cause me to over correct. There are no warning lights that have come on. The vehicle has less then 60k miles. The problem has been reproduced by a Honda dealer. They stated that they don't know how the steering rack could have failed.
Steering complaints in other Accord years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2020 Honda Accord?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Honda Accord, 6% of the model year's 364 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Honda Accord steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2020 Honda Accord, though it has 5 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 2020 Honda Accord steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 9,000 miles, and 78% 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.