What 333 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Bought this vehicle in December 2025 used from a dealership. After about a month, I started hearing a noise coming from behind the steering wheel inside the dashboard area. Being that it was a new car to us. We weren’t sure if the noise was problematic so we didn’t take it in right away. The noise started getting worse after a few months and we brought it in. The mechanic couldn’t find the reason for the noise however did notice that there was metal in the oil and heard a knocking that was abnormal in the engine. After some investigation, we discovered that 2017 Honda Ridge lines were known for connecting rod, bearing failures, and many of the vehicles were under recall. We checked the VIN number of our vehicle and were told that this was not under this warranty. We called Honda Customer Care to talk to them about the fact that this problem seem to be the same problem as the service bulletin problem. We asked if they could cover the cost of the repair. They suggested we needed to have it diagnosed by a Honda dealership. We brought it to the Honda dealership who told told us that it would cost $1000 out-of-pocket to be able to diagnose this problem properly. We now have a car that potentially has a extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic engine problem with premature deterioration and failure of the crankshaft connecting rod bearings that we are afraid to drive and we don’t have the money to fix. When doing research it suggests that there are at least 1.4 million vehicles that are under investigation for the possibility of having the problem that is addressed by the recall, and many of these vehicles are still having this engine failure and we think ours may be one of these. We have not seen any engine warning lights yet however, the mechanic suggested that it is premature crankshaft connecting rod bearing failure as evidenced by the amount of metals showing up in the oil. We just recently replaced the oil in early June (less than 2,000 miles ago).

NHTSA ODI 11749063

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear subframe, rear axle, and suspension were corroded and rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The contact was concerned that the suspension could fail due to the corrosion. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11743296

Transmission Jutter or pulsing going up a slight incline at 45mph 50k miles on vehicle Problem repaired by dealer under extended warranty Now same problem occurring again at 90k miles

NHTSA ODI 11740778

My car alarm randomly goes off. With no user interaction, the dashboard lights will flicker and i hear clicking noises from the dashboard. Then the alarm triggers randomly. i have to manually use the key fob to turn the alarm off. Honda has acknowledged this issue with service bulletin 21-055. This has caused my car battery to die and i was left stranded. Honda has failed to put a warranty extension or recall for this item.

NHTSA ODI 11739998

Camshaft failure, component not available for inspection. It was replaced at dealer. If this had failed on the highway at highway speeds it could have resulted in a serious accident. This issue was diagnosed and repaired at a dealership. There were numerous warning lights that came on. That is what alerted that there was a problem. Camshaft failure at 51,350 miles.. Premature failure of camshaft was wobbling and caused the failure of other engine components including camshaft, camshaft sensor, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, and other components, seals, and gaskets. Repair total was over 2,600

NHTSA ODI 11739909

Engine seized while driving on the highway. Diagnosed to be a failed rod bearing leading to catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle and engine have 84,000 miles. I have owned and driven it since new.

NHTSA ODI 11734655

The automatic transmission light/warning lid up. Took to the dealer for diagnostic test. They recommended for transmission replacement based on the codes. Contact Honda to remedy. They review the diagnosis and agreed with the dealer for transmission replacement. It’s terrible that Honda transmission had to be replaced at less than 120,000 miles. The cost to replace is so expensive l, ~$10,500. Honda should recall these defected transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11733130

Engine Wiring harness. Safety recall denied to me. NHTSA #16V888000 Safety issue details are in the safety recall. VSA braking can malfunction causing accident. Honda ran diagnostic . Problem with 3rd party Delphi wiring harnesses . I have the exact problem as the safety recall confirmed by the honda service department. yes there was the exact warning lamps associated with the safety recall I had to pay out of pocket and have tried to resolve with honda corporate vin specific is a game they play and they have a history of undercutting their issues and warranties to get out of fixing their manufacturing errors. I can give you plenty of examples

NHTSA ODI 11729822

Transmission started shifting roughly last year, dealership has changed fluid a few times and shifting was better but last time rough shifting came back within a few months. I was driving on a two lane highway and did three individual passes of slower vehicles, after the third pass my transmission lost its mind and started banging into gear then going into neutral, I had to feather the accelerator all the way home. Next drive a few days later in regular traffic it clunked into gears, I did feel the judder for the first time, entered the freeway; check emissions, transmission, blind spot warnings all came on. Got it home a few miles later and had it towed to my dealership, was told the trans is shot, there was metal debris in the fluid. Negotiated getting a reman trans from Honda at a huge expense for a truck only worth $10k according to what carvana would give for it but I can’t find any light truck that I want to spend $45k on again. Having the trans replaced made the most sense since my truck is in really good shape (knock on wood) otherwise. Honda adjusted the cost under Goodwill which I appreciate but the cost should’ve been lowered much more and increase the warranty for others with this trans. People think Hondas are bombproof but then we’re blindsided by this huge repair and people don’t know what they’re getting into by buying these used when used car dealers can really take advantage knowing this fatal flaw exists and knowing most shoppers won’t know and will trust that it’ll be fine being a Honda product.

NHTSA ODI 11729270

The transmision failed with 120,000 miles, Code P0776 "solenoid B Performance/stuck Off, vehicle goes into limp mode and it shifts really hard but never goes past 3rd gear, the recomended fixes by the shop are replace solenoid pack whith NO garantee that it would fix the issue for $3,000, or replace transmision with a rebuilt one for $9,000. There is a recall for the torque converter on this trucks but it has to generate a different code. Honda will not honor any warranty on this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11729071

MY ENGINE IS EXPERIENCING ROD BEARING FAILURE AT 155,000 MILES, RESULTING IN ENGINE REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT CONFIRM BY INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER. NO WARNING LAMP BUT LOUD KNOCKING NOISE IS AUDIBLE. MY SAFETY IS VERY MUCH AT RISK DUE TO THE VEHICLE COULD BE FAILING AT ANY MOMENT IN TIME AND COULD LEAVE ME STRANDED ANYWHERE. THIS WAS IN A SERVICE BULLETTINS FOR 2017. HOWEVER WHEN CHECKING MY VIN. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT LISTED ON THERE.

NHTSA ODI 11728182

The car engine stalled on highway and was not able to stall. Mechanic shop checked the car, and told me that the problem is a seized engine.

NHTSA ODI 11727953

Problem: Engine rod knock that could be related to open investigation NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25008 The vehicle is available for inspection. Risks: Engine stall, loss of power, fire, or total engine failure. The rod knock is reproduced every time the engine is started. It has not been confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning, lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. It just started at some point mid November. I have not driven the vehicle since.

NHTSA ODI 11723844

The dealership has advised replacing the transmission at a cost of $11,937.77 following diagnostic code P0776 (A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Valve B Stuck Off). I believe this expense should not fall entirely on me for the following reasons: • Honda has a documented history of transmission and torque‑converter‑related issues on the 2017–2019 Ridgeline. Honda Service Bulletin 23‑078 extends warranty coverage to 8 years/150,000 miles for torque‑converter failures associated with DTC P0741. My vehicle has previously undergone multiple transmission‑related warranty repairs and software updates intended to address judder, slipping, and torque‑converter concerns (referenced in earlier service records at 39,678 miles and during warranty-extension procedures). • My service history shows consistent dealer maintenance and multiple prior transmission‑related interventions. The attached service records reflect that I have followed Honda’s recommended maintenance schedule and have repeatedly brought the vehicle to Honda dealerships for all inspections, fluid services, and software updates. The dealership has also previously documented transmission judder and performed warranty-related ATF flushes and software updates intended to correct torque‑converter and clutch‑pressure issues. • The current failure appears related to long‑term degradation of the same transmission systems Honda has acknowledged as problematic. Although the stored DTC is P0776 rather than P0741, both faults relate to clutch‑pressure control and hydraulic operation within the 6‑speed automatic transmission. These problems are highly consistent with the known failures described in Honda’s own bulletin and with my vehicle’s earlier symptoms recorded by Honda technicians—specifically hard shifting, juddering, and slipping under load. • A nearly $12,000 repair on a well‑maintained Honda with documented history of related issues is unreasonable for the customer to absorb entirely.

NHTSA ODI 11723321

When driving the vehicle on I-94 near Taylor, MI, 2 codes popped up on my dashboard cluster: 1) Transmission System Problem 2) Blind Spot Info System Problem When diagnosing this at a local auto stores & the Honda dealer itself, a stored code of DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF is listed. Honda has identified a problem with this under Service Bulletin 23-078, but after talking with the dealer & calling American Honda they state the issue does not relate to my vehicle, even though it falls under their 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline model.. The model in question is a 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition. American Honda is not taking ownership of the same issue as described in their bulletin stating improper specifications when manufactured.

NHTSA ODI 11722100

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while starting and driving the vehicle, the driver became aware that the engine was knocking. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11720461

I had went to the store which is about 3 minutes from my house and on the way back my truck started running hot all of a sudden we were almost home and it was boiling hot from the temperature gauge we pulled in we get out and we look and my vehicle is pouring antifreeze out so my partner looked and he thought it was the crush washer and bolt he replaced the crush washer we drove to Morganton NC but it wasn't the engine actually had a hole in it and the antifreeze was pouring out of the engine there is a hole in it behind the drain plug there is no reason they should even be a hole in it I only have 64,000 miles on it it's been very well taken care of and I know that there is an investigation going on on these vehicles between 2017 to 2019 on the Honda ridgelines I drive to working back I work the most 6 miles from my house text me not even 5 minutes to get to work and then I'll leave the office and it takes me about 5 more minutes to get to the place I'm going cuz I work with hospice but for my vehicle just to start overheating for no reason pull in the driveway moments later and there's a big hole in it there's something bad wrong and I need help with this I'm in healthcare and I have to have my vehicle I've not had this vehicle but about 2 years and I'm paying on it it's like it's corroded from the inside out I guess you could say!

NHTSA ODI 11720266

At 96k miles, the transmission started slipping and juddering. Three warnings appeared: transmission system, emission system, and blind-spot monitoring problems. Also P-D indicator flashing to not drive. Took into dealership. They said that code P0776 was appearing - clogged solenoid in the transmission. Also said that transmission fluid had a foul burnt smell and had large pieces of the clutch. All of these are symptoms of the torque converter failure, which is covered under TSB 23-078 with warranty extension to 10 years, 150 k miles in letter of June 2025. The TSB states that the warranty will only cover these problems if code P0741 appears. Visually, the dealership has confirmed that my torque converter has failed and my transmission needs replacing. However, because code P0741 isn't showing up, they will not cover replacement. Also they confirmed that the clogged solenoid was due to the failed torque converter. They are fixated on the code reading and refuse to repair the transmission. They quoted me a price of over $13,000 to do this work. The TSB 23-078 should have included any code associated with the transmission, torque converter, or other transmission components such as the solenoid B that would be affected by the failed torque converter.

NHTSA ODI 11719077

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe to be a potential safety-related defect in my Honda vehicle, as well as an unresolved dispute with American Honda regarding responsibility for resulting damage. Recently, I was informed by my case manager at American Honda that my claim had been closed and that Honda would not cover the necessary repairs. When I requested an opportunity to escalate the matter, I was told that no escalation was available. I am seeking NHTSA’s review because the circumstances involve component failures that may affect vehicle emissions, performance, and potentially safety. The fuel injectors in my vehicle failed,this failure caused the catalytic converter to become damaged, andHonda accepted responsibility for the faulty fuel injectors. Honda has refused to cover the damage to the catalytic converter. Because the catalytic converter failure was reportedly caused by faulty fuel injectors—components for which Honda accepted responsibility—I believe the manufacturer should cover all resulting damage, regardless of warranty status. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Investigate whether similar fuel injector failures are occurring in Honda vehicles. Review whether these failures are causing catalytic converter or other engine damage. Determine whether the manufacturer is appropriately addressing these failures.

NHTSA ODI 11717308

75k miles on the engine, routine 5k oil change intervals, rod bearing failure.

NHTSA ODI 11713164

The engine in my 2017 Honda Ridgeline started making an unusual noise coming from the engine. My mechanic completed testing and said that the piston rod bearing was failing. He suggested taking into the Honda dealer and they also confirmed it was the piston rod. The VIN was apparently not included the current recall so they suggested that we replace the motor. It is unclear why all the engines weren't recalled but there is obviously a problem with Ridgelines not included in the recall. My mechanic indicated that it is a safety problem when the piston rod fails. He also indicated that it's just a matter of time until it fails..

NHTSA ODI 11712585

Driving down the highway road I lost full power and the engine made a bad knocking sound when the gas pedal was pressed. It is at the dealership they stated there was metal in the oil and stated the bearings wore out. No warning lights while driving. It has approximately 72,000 miles. I was able to control the vehicle, but could not drive it far. Going uphill it could not travel at the same speed as traffic. That put my safety at risk one, because it caused others to slow down, two I was in a remote part of the state by myself if it stopped altogether I would have been stranded.

NHTSA ODI 11712570

Engine failure at 95,000 miles due to connecting rod bearing failure. Honda Dealer has replaced engine with new short block. Engine was making a knocking noise during acceleration. Removal of the oil pan revealed a failed rod bearing on one cylinder and a discolored bearing on a second.

NHTSA ODI 11712164

At about 2:30pm Oct 14, 2025 I had a catastrophic engine failure (called the “Connecting Rod Bearings Failure”) while driving my 2017 Honda Ridgeline truck back home from shopping (a 30 minute ride). I was driving on route 95 in Massachusetts about 8 minutes from home when suddenly, out of nowhere, a noise from the front of the truck started making a knocking sound getting progressively louder while the truck was also slowing/ hesitating/seizing-up/jerking while its speed was slowing down. (I could not accelerate, and simultaneously ALL the lights/icons/warnings on the dashboard began blinking on and off). I struggled to get the Honda Ridgeline off the highway onto the ascending exit, and then off the exit, across the bridge to a large parking lot. I was concerned with my safety, worried I might be rear-ended while on RT95 and while ascending the exit I worried about barely making it to the end of the exit. Also, I was relieved and especially grateful to not have my 2 little grandchildren in the truck with me! I usually have 1 or both of them with me in the truck once or twice a week! Later that same afternoon I had AAA come with a flat-bed truck and brought the truck to the nearby Honda dealer. The dealer inspected and confirmed the vehicle and advised that the engine was destroyed,!! ... caused by the “Connecting Rod Bearings Failures" !! My truck only had 96,200 miles on it on October 14, 2025 and it was always serviced regularly by Honda. I've learned there are many Honda 2017 & 2019 Ridgelines that have been re-called for that defect, but for some reason my VIN number was not included by NHSTA. My truck should be included in the re-call category. It has experienced the same engine disaster as other Ridgelines that were included in the re-call. Please help. I hope the new August 25, 2025 probe will include my truck. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11712250

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (20E068000 (EQUIPMENT) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

NHTSA ODI 11711393