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

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 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

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

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

Total engine failure on 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is available for inspection upon request at Milton Martin Honda, Gainesville GA. On the highway going 65 mph when my truck lost power, started shaking and the engine started making loud scraping noises. The engine light then came on. Pulled off the highway slowly with flashers on. The first time turning the ignition back on, all the warning lights came on solid and the warning messages started cycling through. The second time turning the ignition on the engine light started flashing. I then had the truck towed to the Honda dealer I purchased it from. Their diagnosis is total engine failure and it needs the engine replaced. All recommended maintenance has been kept up to date on the vehicle. This engine failure is a huge safety risk and appears to be the same issue as in the earlier recall from November 2023 although my VIN is not one of the ones listed.

NHTSA ODI 11708745

The connecting rod bearing failed, it is available for inspection. Caused engine failure on motorway. The vehicle was towed to residency and has not been inspected since engine failure. The vehicle was inspected the same day prior to the engine failing. The engine light came on a few seconds after the engine blew.

NHTSA ODI 11708131

Total engine failure on 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is available for inspection upon request at Findlay Honda, Flagstaff AZ We were on a highway going 70 mph when the engine started making loud thrashing noises. Luckily, I was immediately able to pull over into shoulder the as the engine seized up. Then got towed and haven't driven it since. Took it to local Honda dealer - they inspected and confirmed that it was a total engine failure due to this connecting rod bearing issue and claimed a refurbished engine would be $10K and a brand new engine would be $20K Bought it in June 2017, very well maintained. We are only owner. Yes, our safety was put at risk based on this connecting rod bearing issue being a known issue based on NHTSA report - [XXX] This pdf and other info found online is exactly what happened to our Ridgeline. But mine wasn't recalled for this issue because apparently my VIN was not part of the recall...that said, this is exactly why other Ridgelines were indeed recalled. Honda Service Manager verified the diagnosis. There were no warning lamps or messages until the moment this incident happened on Friday Dec 5th near Seligman AZ. (Tried to upload something but the software wouldn't allow it) Thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11708233

I was driving on the highway when there was a sudden drop in power, accompanied by a flashing engine light. I was unable to proceed at normal highway speeds and was worried about a complete loss of power. I was able to coast/stay in a low gear to get off the highway and find a safe place to park the vehicle. Shortly after parking, the engine stopped and would not engage on attempts to restart. It was hauled to the local Honda Dealer who confirmed that the engine was completely seized and would need to be replaced. They have not disassembled it yet to confirm the precise failure point. Prior to the loss of power, there appeared to be some light, intermittent clicking sounds that I was trying to localize, but appeared to be coming from the front of the vehicle. This lasted for several miles. At the time of the decrease in power, this was accompanied by increased noise/knocking form the engine area. On stopping the vehicle was noted to be idling very rough. This vehicle experienced a failed torque converter around 2021 that Honda eventually had to extend their warranty to cover. In 2023, it had issues with misfiring fuel injectors which was also subject to an extended warranty by Honda to repair. Due to parts shortages, Honda was unable to fix the fuel injectors for over 8 months. This vehicle would be available for inspection on request.

NHTSA ODI 11703849

On October 8th, 2025 I was driving my 2017 Honda Ridgeline home from work when I noticed the engine light started flashing. I stopped at a nearby Meineke less than a mile from where I was. It seemed like a misfire and the truck had a tune up and ignition coils replaced. They also noted other suggested work such as a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor upstream & downstream. The next day on 10/09/2025, I was driving when suddenly I hear a knocking sound, the engine light and all electrical warning lights were flashing and the engine shuts off. It was scary and I had to react quickly because I was travelling in the middle lane of a 3-lane highway; there were vehicles on both sides, in front and behind me. Everything electrical soon disappeared, the power steering was practically gone and it got harder to steer, the braking system was slow reacting. I placed the truck in neutral steering to the right at the first side street off the main highway because there was no shoulder. As the truck was slowing down, two men came to my aid and quickly helped push the truck as I kept trying to turn the steering wheel and make sure, I could apply the brakes were not working as well with engine off. I called my insurance to report a claim for roadside assistance. The tow truck driver arrived he tried to jump start the battery and it started smoking and sparking. We were both surprised. I had the truck towed on a flatbed tow truck to the same Honda dealership where the truck had been serviced since I bought it 3yrs ago. By Friday 10/10/2025, the dealership stated that the truck needed a new battery before it could even be assessed. By Monday, 10/13/2025, I heard back from the dealership that the truck needed to have the engine replaced; they drained the oil and found metal shavings in the engine. I researched information since the indecent and found out that there was this recall investigation. How does a truck meant to last 300K miles ends this way? A Honda?

NHTSA ODI 11696932

Catastrophic Premature In-Service Water Pump Failure at 28,330 miles on 10/20/25 with loud metal-to-metal noise with complete loss of coolant. Engine was shutdown to prevent further engine damage. Failure occurred as vehicle was being parked after leaving city street. Failure on city street could have resulted in an accident due to engine failure and collision with other vehicles, coolant spill resulted in a large slippery spill area and possible loss of steering of following vehicles. Vehicle was towed to the vehicle’s dealer who replaced the water pump and related parts [Timing Belt Kit Package]. The failed parts are not available for inspection as the dealer routinely discards damaged parts replaced during the repair. There were no warning lamps, or messages prior to failure. Regular under hood checks by owner for: fluid levels, leaks, unusual noise, belt damage showed no issues including during an oil change with fluid level checks [the radiator level bottle showed the proper level of coolant] 5 days prior to the water pump failure. Three dealer performed Multi-Point Inspections on this vehicle on 3/20/19, 3/29/23 and 10/23/24 during ‘Campaign Recalls’ with no defects reported. The dealer Multi-Point Inspections included inspections for: Cooling System [leaks], Hoses [cracks, damage, leaks], Drive Belts [cracks, damage, leaks] with no defects reported.

NHTSA ODI 11696153

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, I was driving home from work about 5:00 PM. I started hearing a ticking noise coming from the front of the car. It would come and go, but then it got progressively worse, and finally there was a loud squelch and the engine shut off. I still had electrical control of the vehicle, steering, brakes, dash, etc. I just had no power. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic, and they next day the mechanic confirmed the motor was seized. The car is well maintained, with service records. The mechanic and I found the existing recall on 2017-2019 Honda Ridgelines with the same issue, but I guess the recall does not apply to my vehicle. The mechanic advised me to call American Honda and see if my vehicle is covered. They said it was not. Started working with Grapevine Honda to get the vehicle over there so the dealership could start communicating with American Honda to try and get this covered under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11695433

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle severely hesitated and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was almost rear-ended due to the failure. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was driven without the failure recurring. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the failure occurred while exiting the granddaughter's school parking lot. In addition, the contact's granddaughter was an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with moisture in the intake manifold. The contact was informed that an unknown foam substance needed to be installed between the engine and the intake manifold. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: 24-085; however, the repair was not covered under the Technical Service Bulletin. The contact was provided with a customer discount to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695230

Our 2017 Honda Ridgeline suddenly had clunking sounds and a rough sounding engine. Later that day, the engine entirely seized. We are being told. The engine is locked up, and needs to be entirely replaced. The person at the Honda dealership told us that they suspect this was something in the engine that was bad from the start, and just went. They thought it had something to do with a rod. They are quoting us almost $24,000 to replace the engine with a new one, or about $9000 to replace it with a used engine with comparable mileage. Our Ridgeline has always been fully maintained, all oil changes done on time or early, And only has about 71,000 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11692179

The contact's employer owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the contact's employer was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact's employer drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact's employer then heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The employer inspected the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The employer was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle would be towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 91,967.

NHTSA ODI 11685096

My engine started making a knocking/sparking noise while I was driving on the interstate (with two children) in Utah, had to pull over to a gas station, barely made it there before the engine stalled. Had a mechanic come and affirm the engine was out, truck was towed to Ken Graf Honda in Riverdale where I was told it would be pointless to replace the engine since it would cost over $14k. Was compelled by circumstance (being stranded) to buy a new 2019 Honda Ridgeline for $8000 more in cumulative payments, even after trade in allowance. Salesmen were extremely condescending and suggested the engine failure was my fault because I had a small pallet of ceramic molds in the back of the truck when it failed. Dealership gave us $6k worth of trade in value for 2017 and immediately replaced the engine at no cost (they sent me the invoice of repairs by accident) and will no doubt put it out on the lot for sale. Contacted the Idaho Falls dealership where we had purchased the car 1.5 years earlier and were told we were a month past our warranty and they “could not” contribute to a resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11684116