2003 Honda CR-V Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 468 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Honda CR-V, 3% of the 468 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In my 2003 Honda crv ex I had been noticing that my steering wheel tilt lock lever had been getting looser after each time I adjusted the steering wheel position. Sometimes I would just be driving down the street and the steering wheel would suddenly go up and down and I would have to react very quickly by pushing the steering wheel tilt lever back up into the locking position. Eventually this problem would occur up to 5 times a day. Recently I was driving on the interstate with my entire family in my crv. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371531, filed 2010-12, 139,100 miles“There is two problems with my 2003 Honda CR-V. When car has sat overnight or when the air conditioner was on full and the car was off when we went to start the car it sounded like the main starter had been corroded not allowing the car to start it's not the battery nor the alternator and whats keeping the starter from starting the car only has 92,000 miles. The bigger safety issue is that the tilt steering is not locking allowing it to stay loose while driving, this is a big issue when in motion and cannot find a solution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10328834, filed 2010-05, 92,000 miles“The steering wheel locked/hung while turning off of an exit ramp. I was unable to straighten out the steering wheel, which resulted in hitting the curb, damaging the wheel and wall of the tire. Honda dealership could find no apparent cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10030749, filed 2003-08, 16,000 miles“Steering hangs in a turn causing dangerous loses of control, steering wheel must be forced back to staighten out. Dealer tried to fix but could not. Honda tech-line engineers said problem is inherent in new design, and there is no fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10023825, filed 2003-06, 15 miles“The steering wheel has locked and vehicle could not be controlled while the vehicle was moving. This has occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle had to be turned off then on again in order for the steering wheel to be unlocked.”
NHTSA complaint #10041408, filed 2003-10, 11,469 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 10% |
| 2025 | 57 | 22% |
| 2024 | 127 | 32% |
| 2023 | 325 | 63% |
| 2022 | 143 | 53% |
| 2021 | 114 | 34% |
| 2020 | 43 | 12% |
| 2019 | 198 | 18% |
| 2018 | 334 | 15% |
| 2017 | 66 | 4% |
| 2016 | 17 | 4% |
| 2015 | 45 | 7% |
| 2014 | 15 | 3% |
| 2013 | 15 | 4% |
| 2012 | 35 | 9% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 14 | 3% |
| 2009 | 15 | 4% |
| 2008 | 70 | 7% |
| 2007 | 31 | 3% |
| 2006 | 17 | 4% |
| 2005 | 23 | 5% |
| 2004 | 11 | 2% |
| 2003 | 14 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Honda CR-V
125 complaintsEngine cooling
86 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsExterior lighting
39 complaintsEquipment
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
17 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Honda CR-V
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology