I tried to get the car repaired by Honda, they refused (3 times), and so I was one of the people that filed a complaint with the NHTSA.
I received a letter last week from Honda informing me of the recall and immediately made an appt to get it inspected. Upon bringing it to the dealer, I let the service adviser know I have been having steering issues with the car. He immediately begins to doubt me and try to convince me that maybe it's just how the car is supposed to drive, despite the fact that I was there for a recall on the steering wheel. I cut him off, told him I know what normal steering is, and that there is an issue with the car that needs to be repaired. I politely requested they inspect it and get back to me.
Two hours later, I receive a call saying the car passed the inspection and that I was all good to go. I was furious but I requested a ride along. The tech was a cool guy and once I explained to him how to recreate the problem, he tried it out for himself and then he was able to notice it. He said he was going to try to help me out and would contact the Honda tech advisers to have them walk him through diagnostics. Lo and behold, they call me next day and tell me that there is an issue with the steering rack and they're going to replace it under the recall.
The part is on backorder which I expected, but what frustrates me is the great lengths I had to go to convince Honda that there was an issue with the car. It also makes me wonder how many people with faulty steering racks are they letting drive off the lot, despite there being a recall? I love the Civic, but this experience has been super frustrating and definitely makes me reconsider whether I want a Honda for my next car.
