Do Hondas need special power steering fluid?

Yes. Most Honda and Acura vehicles that use a hydraulic power-steering system require Honda-specific power steering fluid, and many newer models use electric power steering and don’t use any fluid at all. The safest choice for hydraulic systems is Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid (U.S. part no. 08206-9002A) or an aftermarket fluid explicitly labeled as “for Honda/Acura.” Using ATF or generic power steering fluid can cause noise, leaks, and premature pump or rack failure.

Why Honda specifies its own fluid

Honda’s hydraulic systems are engineered around a fluid with particular viscosity, anti-foaming, and seal-conditioning properties. Fluids that are too thick, too thin, or improperly additized can aerate, whine in cold weather, or degrade rubber seals over time. That’s why many reservoir caps on older Hondas say “Use Honda Power Steering Fluid Only.” The correct fluid maintains quiet operation, consistent steering assist, and long-term reliability.

Which Hondas do—and don’t—use hydraulic fluid

The answer depends on whether your vehicle has hydraulic power steering (HPS) or electric power steering (EPS). EPS systems have no hydraulic pump, lines, or reservoir, so they don’t use any steering fluid. The models below reflect typical U.S.-market transitions; always confirm in your owner’s manual or by checking for a reservoir under the hood.

• Civic: Mostly EPS since the 2006 model year.
• Accord: EPS for 2013 and newer; earlier years generally hydraulic.
• CR‑V: EPS from the 2007 model year onward.
• Fit: EPS on U.S. models (all years sold here use electric assist).
• HR‑V: All model years use EPS.
• Ridgeline: Second generation (2017+) uses EPS.
• Pilot: Third generation (2016+) uses EPS; earlier years generally hydraulic.
• Odyssey: Fifth generation (2018+) uses EPS; earlier years generally hydraulic.
• Acura (overview): Most late-model Acuras use EPS; MDX (2014+), RDX (2013+), TLX (all years) and ILX (all years) are EPS. Older Acura models may be hydraulic.

If your Honda/Acura predates these transitions, it likely uses hydraulic power steering and therefore requires the correct Honda-type fluid.

What to use in hydraulic Honda systems

When topping up or servicing a hydraulic Honda/Acura steering system, choose one of the following to avoid compatibility issues.

• Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid (U.S. P/N 08206-9002A) or Genuine Acura PSF. This is the manufacturer’s recommended fluid.
• Aftermarket fluids that explicitly state “For Honda/Acura” and meet Honda PSF requirements. Reputable options are typically labeled for Asian vehicles and specifically call out Honda/Acura compatibility on the bottle.

Avoid “universal” or generic PSF unless the label clearly specifies Honda/Acura compatibility. When in doubt, use the genuine fluid.

Do not use ATF or generic PSF

Despite myths, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is not a safe substitute in Honda hydraulic steering systems. ATF and many generic PSFs differ in viscosity and additives, which can lead to pump whine, foaming, sticky or heavy steering, leaks, and premature component wear. If the reservoir cap says “Honda Power Steering Fluid Only,” treat it as a hard requirement.

How to check and top off correctly

For hydraulic systems, a quick visual check and careful top-up can prevent damage. Here’s a safe approach you can do at home.

1. Identify the reservoir: Look for a small translucent tank labeled “Power Steering Fluid,” often with “Use Honda PSF Only” on the cap.
2. Check level: With the engine off and on level ground, verify that fluid sits between the MIN and MAX lines. Some models specify checking with the engine warm; follow your manual.
3. Inspect condition: Fluid should be clear to light amber. Dark, burnt-smelling, or foamy fluid suggests service is needed.
4. Top up carefully: Add a small amount of Honda PSF (or Honda/Acura-specific PSF) using a clean funnel, recheck, and avoid overfilling.
5. Clean up and test: Wipe spills, start the engine, and turn the wheel lock-to-lock slowly to purge air. Recheck the level.

If the level keeps dropping, inspect for leaks at hoses, pump, and rack—steering fluid loss is a safety issue that needs prompt attention.

What if the wrong fluid was used?

If ATF or a non-compatible PSF was added, acting quickly can minimize damage.

1. Limit driving: Avoid extended use to prevent seal and pump wear.
2. Dilute immediately: Use a syringe/turkey baster to remove fluid from the reservoir and refill with Honda PSF; repeat a few times to reduce contamination.
3. Schedule a full flush: Have a shop or DIY a complete exchange with the correct PSF until the return flow runs clear.
4. Monitor: Listen for pump whine and check for new leaks over the next few weeks.

A prompt correction usually averts permanent damage; ignoring it can shorten pump and rack life.

Service intervals and cost

Honda generally does not prescribe routine power-steering fluid replacement by mileage for hydraulic systems, but recommends service if the fluid is contaminated, noisy, or discolored. A professional fluid exchange typically runs $80–$170 in the U.S., while a DIY top-up with genuine fluid costs only a few dollars. Electric systems require no fluid service.

Bottom line

Hydraulic Honda and Acura power-steering systems are designed for Honda-specific fluid—use Genuine Honda PSF or an equivalent explicitly labeled for Honda/Acura. Many newer models have electric power steering and don’t use fluid at all. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual and the reservoir cap.

Summary

Older Hondas with hydraulic power steering need Honda-type power steering fluid; newer Hondas with electric power steering use no fluid. The correct choice is Genuine Honda PSF (08206-9002A) or a clearly Honda/Acura-compatible aftermarket PSF. Avoid ATF and generic fluids, verify your system type, and service promptly if the wrong fluid was added.

Can I put regular power steering fluid in my Honda?

Comments Section NO. You need Honda power steering fluid, or a Honda compatible fluid. Do not put generic steering fluid into a Honda hydraulic power steering system, you won’t have power steering for much longer if you do.

What type of power steering fluid does a Honda use?

Lubegard 24242 Complete Synthetic Power Steering Fluid for Honda/Acura, 32 fl. oz. Idemitsu PSF Universal Power Steering Fluid for Asian Vehicles – 12 oz.

Is it okay to use other brands of power steering fluid for Honda?

Stick to One Power Steering Fluid for Safety and Performance
Mixing different brands of fluid may seem harmless, but it can lead to problems over time. For optimal performance and safety, it’s best to use the same brand and type of fluid recommended for your vehicle.

Is Prestone power steering fluid ok for Hondas?

Product Description. Prestone Power Steering Fluid for Asian Vehicles is a premium full-synthetic formulation specifically engineered for Asian vehicles, including: Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, and all other Asian-manufactured vehicles.