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 2008 Honda CR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V228000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact self-inspected the vehicle and noticed that the power steering fluid level was low. The contact filled the power steering fluid reservoir; however, two days later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side front ball joints were replaced, the power steering kit was installed, and the drive belt was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,500.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the steering wheel would emit a high pitch squeaking noise whenever turning and upon initial l start of the vehicle. There were no warning lights. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that there was a leak causing the rack n pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure had reoccurred approximately 2 months after. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who had not repaired the vehicle a second time due to the repair no longer being covered under warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
After noticing a whining noise coming from the engine compartment I began to experience difficulty controlling the steering wheel during turns at any speed. After a day or two it became worse and much louder. A straining noise could be heard every time the wheel was turned whether in motion or at rest. I topped off the power steering fluid until I could get to the dealership, but the leak is so bad it only stays full for 24 hours. There were several times that week where turning was difficult and erratic as if the wheel was not wanting to steer in the direction I was pointing it. Brought to rick hendrick Honda of charleston south carolina and was told the same as the other 50 complaints reported to the NHTSA. The power steering fluid is leaking onto engine belts that now need to be replaced.that the power steering hose, pump, switch, and various steering parts need replacement. …
Hello I'm [redacted] and own a 2008 Honda CRV that runs fine. VIN [redacted] , but previous owner never went to the recall and I bought the car in 2014 and recently, during a brake job, I first became aware of the problem when my mechanic alerted me to the recall situation and the rusting out that was putting drivers in a very dangerous situation. My car failed the recall because of the rust causing the degradation of the rear suspension trailing arm, and now I'm left with a car not fit to drive? and I would be liable for whatever happens but I was never offered a solution to buy the car back something to help and I cannot be without one to get to Dr's or buy food live rural I have no choice living alone at [redacted] need a car. So a question, why am I the problem? …
I took my Honda CR-v 2008 to local Honda dealer for air bag recalls. I asked them to check the sound coming from engine, sort of engine racing at a high speed while the vehicle was stationary. Also, I was hearing noises when turning left or right. It felt like I had to apply force to turn the steering. After running diagnostics, the dealer came back with $1800 quote for replacement of rack and pinion, and the power steering pump. Doing a simple google search, I came across postings from multiple Honda CR-v 2008 owners, who were having the exact same problem. I called Honda customer support number, who talked nicely, but said that they could not do anything as that was not part of the recall, and that I will have to get that fixed on my own. Since so many people seem to have the exact same problem, Honda should assist with repair, which otherwise is so very expensive. …
Recently on the visit to Honda dealer for air bag recall replacement the service advisor told me that my rack and pinon steering on the vehicle was leaking. I was surprised as the vehicle has been well maintained and not abused. It also has less than 98K on it. A search online shows that numerous other Honda 2008 CR-v owners have noted a similar problem and this seems to be a common occurrence on this model which I believe warrants a recall for Honda to repair at their expense. Failure of this part would lead to sudden loss of steering and I feel this is a safety issue. Complaints by other 2008 Honda crv owners regarding this issue can be found at is this issue being escalated to a recall? Steering failure should be considered a safety issue of the highest priority. Quote was $1,600
While driving my vehicle and making a turn in a residential area the steering wheel got stiff and felt as if the steering wheel locked I was able to turn but very slowly as if the car were in neutral almost felt like idling. I checked my steering fluid level and it was at the proper level so I'm not too sure what is going on but I've been reading up on this issue and find it to be common with this generation of Honda CR-vs. I will be taking my vehicle to a mechanic to be looked at immediately but feel this is something that should be looked into I have never felt more unsafe driving than when that happened it was a very scary feeling and I am thankful that the speed of traffic was not fast paced otherwise I would have very likely been in an accident.
Bought our 2008 crv, brand new from the dealer. Brought car for routine oil change. Mechanic mentioned that in his years of working there, this is on of the worst leaks he has seen. My car is driven in the suburbs, to pick up kids and no long road trips. We bought a Honda specifically for their craftsmanship and durability and now we have to shell out $2000 for replacement of the steering rack. I think with all the complaints of 2008 crv models about their steering racks, Honda should recall and replace it! I'm afraid that this is a fire hazard and a big safety issue and that something might fail when we are driving. What a big disappointment, Honda
The 2008 Honda CR-v has issues with the power steering system. I purchased my car new car and recently brought my car into the dealer for a door-lock actuator recall at david mcdavid Honda in texas and I was told by the dealership that I have a leak in my rack and pinion that cannot be fixed. I have to replace the entire power steering/ rack and pinion system with an alignment for about a cost of $1500. This is a significant problem/defect with the 2008 CR-v and Honda should recall the model. This is a safety issue due to a fire hazard. My car mileage is only 11, 637. It does not make sense for it to have a power steering problem at this time.
Took my 2008 Honda crv in for "Takata recall" and was told that my car with 73027 odometer reading, steering rack has oil fluid leaks / seepage and will cost $1916.12 to fix. A/C compressor is also out $1200 to fix which would have been covered if it had gone out before June 2015. Read on line that it was not if this compressor would go out but when, because Honda knew their was a problem with the compressor. The compressor and this steering oil leak should have been a recalled. These are dangerous problems and I can't afford to get this fix, I called Honda's head office and they refused to help me.
Steering complaints in other CR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Honda CR-V?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Honda CR-V, 7% of the model year's 962 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda CR-V steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Honda CR-V, though it has 11 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 2008 Honda CR-V steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
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.