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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 1,693,199 vehicles are subject to a nationwide recall due to a manufacturing issue that could make it more difficult to steer the vehicles.
"Due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear," the recall alert states.
"In addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the sliding force between the components."
That condition means that with reduced grease film and an increased sliding force, friction could build, causing the steering difficulty.
According to the NHTSA, signs that the Honda may be malfunctioning include abnormal noise and / or a momentary "sticky" feeling when the vehicle is in operation and the steering wheel is turned.
Vehicles impacted by the impact include model years 2022 to 2025 versions of certain Acura Integras, Honda Civics, Honda CR-Vs and Honda HR-Vs.
As of late September, there have been more than 10,000 warranty claims related to the issue over the course of three years.
Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and instructed to take it to an authorized Honda dealer, which will replace the worm gear spring with an improvised part.
Notifications began last week.
"To reduce the friction and load between the worm wheel and worm gear, the supplier revised the pressure angle (tooth tips) control value, the spring load specification, and the worm gear meshing area grease application process," officials said.
Steering gearboxes with reduced friction and load were incorporated in the vehicle production as of Aug. 30.
Owners who have previously paid to have those repairs completed on their own dime may also be eligible for a reimbursement.
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