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 2006 Honda Civic owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
VIN is not actual vehicle in complaint; complaint is related to issue no. 11460208, where cars leased from Enterprise Auto Rental [ (next to Ontario Honda)- 4/7/2022 unnecessary lane departure warning and keeping assistance that resembled shoving in front of Quest Diagnostics at 6102 Orbis Way Ste 510, Eastvale, CA 92880 ], and Hertz Auto Rental (next to West Covina Honda; not Hertz in Texas) issue radio broadcasts to deter use of vehicle through radio broadcasts to cause impression that driver should not be driving vehicle, but w/ other continuous activities, such as through rentals from Uhaul City of Industry (17959 E Valley Blvd, City Of Industry, CA 91744). Its always alternative broadcast or a voice actually emitted, similar to CHP, that acts like I'm being pulled over. …
My daughter was driving at a speed of 70 MPH. When her steering wheel locked up on her she had no control of car. She hit her brakes and that is when she got control of steering but spun out of control going into the medium. Breaking the passanger side wheel to come off
Im having the same issue that another recall on a similar model has recieved the dc-dc converter has a problem charging the 12v battery causing engine failure, power failure , stearing failure and ABS failure. I am unable to turn on hazard lights because of it also battery will take u jump but will not keep the charge in the battery. I was driving home and on a flat street the car was losing all instrement lights the power stearing light came on as well as the battery light the ABS light and the ims light. I had to force the wheel to turn to a safe location due to being unable to turn on any warning lights. I could have been hit by another vehicle. I was driving in city conditions. I brought my vehicle to the dealership and they say my VIN number does not match the recalled one.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel exhibited an unusual grinding noise and became increasingly stiff and difficult to maneuver without warning. Within five minutes of the failure, the contact noticed that the engine was smoking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed her that the tensioner pivot bolt had fractured and entered the engine block causing the vehicle to smoke and the steering failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,500. Updated 12/14/11
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a loss of the electric power steering, and the vehicle struck a tree. The warning light illuminated to indicate a failure after the incident occurred. There were no injuries were sustained. There was minor damage to the front of the vehicle. The police were alerted, and a report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who determined the electronic power steering needed to be reprogrammed. Afterwards, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 12/29/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic hybrid. The contact was driving 34 MPH as the vehicle exhibited an abnormal clunking noise. The contact suddenly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. He sustained cracked ribs and several bruises as a result. A police report was filed. The contact had not called the manufacturer in regards to the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was unsure as to what caused the crash. The failure mileage was 78,000. Updated 4/01/11 updated 04/06/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. While driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning. The contact also heard an abnormal sound in the engine compartment. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the auto tensioner pivot bolt had fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. Findlay Honda henderson (933 auto show dr, henderson, nv 89014, [phone]) and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
This Civic has a defect on rear control arms causing tires to wear uneven and rapidly and making a horrible noise coming from the back this is unsafe issue I replace the rear shock absorbers, the whell hubs and ofcourse the tires and the problem still there until control arm be replaced for an adjustable one for proper aligment ,,, Honda motor company is not paying for anything , I think costumers don't have pay for Honda mistakes that's not fair.
My 2006 Honda Civic ex is causing excessive, uneven wear to the tires because the rear control arm causes negative camber on the rear tires. As a result, I replace the tires once per year. In addition to the added cost, the car becomes unsafe after a period of driving because of the wear on the tire - creating cups and bald spots on the tire which could lead to failure of the rear tires and a loss of control for the driver.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the pivot bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Steering complaints in other Civic years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Honda Civic?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Honda Civic, 3% of the model year's 1,403 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Honda Civic steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2006 Honda Civic, though it has 13 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 2006 Honda Civic steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.