NHTSA Complaint #11429921 — 2019 HONDA ACCORD

The car’s steering wheel doesn’t respond to driver’s input correctly causing the car to constantly wander around within the lane. It is impossible for the driver to keep the car centered within a highway lane. In creates an increased chance of hitting nearby vehicles. Also, it requires the driver to focus mostly on centering the car inside the lane and less time on wider observation of the surroundings. During an emergency maneuver to avoid any object on the road, the car may not respond to the driver’s input as intended. As shown in the attached video, as the driver tries to turn the steering wheel clockwise from the centered position, the steering wheel doesn’t move a bit as if something is tightly holding it. When more turning force is applied by the driver, the steering wheel loosens up instantly which creates an over turning of the car. Although the degree of the movement appears small in the video, this is big enough to noticeably shift the car within a highway lane. I am very afraid that if the car will let driver turn the steering during an emergency situation. This problem happens with all the active safety system turned off including lane departure warning and lane keep assists. The problem is more reproduceable in certain condition.The temperature should be around 50 degrees or below. The car must be driven for 30min or longer on highway at around 70mph. The steering wheel must be turned from the centered position. The car is available for inspection upon request. Other Honda Accord and civic owners seem to experience the same problem as discussed in Internet forums. I took the car to the dealer and they couldn’t reproduce the problem or stated that it is within design specification. There haven’t been other problem in the car to cause this behavior. I purchased this car new and the problem started after a year of ownership.