2017 HONDA RIDGELINE Complaints

Recently, while driving approximately an hour and a half from home, traveling at 80–100 km/h, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently, almost ripping the steering wheel from my hands. I immediately turned down the radio and heard a loud squealing and clacking noise coming from the engine. At that time, no warning lights or codes were present. Moments later, multiple errors appeared on the dashboard, and the engine lost power and shut down completely. With nowhere safe to pull over, I attempted to restart the vehicle just to get it off the roadway into a nearby farm entrance, but it died again shortly after. I had the vehicle towed on a flatbed back home, where I began diagnostics. I initially suspected a timing issue or tensioner failure, so I checked timing components, replaced the spark plugs and swapped coils. A compression test showed over 150 psi across all cylinders. I then brought it into my shop for further inspection. A scan revealed a cylinder #3 misfire, and upon removing the oil pan, I discovered the rod bearing on cylinder #3 had failed catastrophically. When I contacted Honda about the rod bearing recall, I was told that although over 250,000 vehicles were recalled for similar issues, mine did not qualify as it was manufactured in July 2016, just outside the affected range. I was advised to transport the vehicle 2.5 hours to a dealership for a technician inspection, as my diagnosis would not be accepted. This failure was not only unexpected and costly—it was a serious safety concern that could have resulted in injury or worse. Given the severity of the situation and the number of similar cases reported, I respectfully request that Honda cover the repair under warranty or goodwill. This failure should not have happened on a well-maintained engine and is clearly part of a wider issue.

After taking my 2017 Honda Ridgeline to First Honda in Simi Valley, CA for its 100,000-mile maintenance, including a brake service and an oil change, I experienced a major engine failure just two days later. I let my son drive the vehicle from Simi Valley to the East Bay area for college. The next day, the vehicle broke down and had to be towed to Hayward Honda. At Hayward Honda, they informed me that the oil was extremely dark and looked like it had not been changed, despite being billed for it at First Honda. Furthermore, they diagnosed that the engine failure was due to a connecting rod bearing failure — the same issue currently under investigation by the NHTSA. This breakdown happened without warning right after scheduled maintenance and may indicate both negligence by the servicing dealer and a defect in the engine. I believe this incident should be included in the NHTSA investigation related to engine failures in 2017 Honda Ridgeline models.

Transmission failure (6 speed). Vehicle has 56200 miles. Never towed and kept in great shape. Noticed judder symptoms around 35000 miles and have changed the transmission fluid 3 times. Recently experienced large jolts from rear of truck during gear shirting. Warning lights on dash went off ( Emissions system problem; Trans system problem) and my plug in analyzer showed code P0776 - pressure control solenoid B performance/stuck off. Took into dealer - they flushed the transmission 3 times and added fluid. Said they could not find anything wrong but did see the codes and dash warnings. Drove vehicle for about 20 miles and now getting jolts in rear end when shifting. Dealer says I need a new transmission.

I started getting a p0306 code on my truck on Thursday Jan 2, 2025. I took it to my mechanic and he said that it is a lower engine problem. On Saturday Jan 11,2025 there was a loud clunk from the engine and the vehicle lost power. My mechanic said that the connector rod broke. I contacted Honda but they said my vin is not in the recall and I would have to deal with the dealership. I know that they won't do anything so I am in the process of trying to install a used engine myself.

My engine started to have a clicking or a ticking sound, and then abruptly stop running. The dealer said that the engine is seized up. From what I have read, it sounds like the connecting rod problem that other 2017 models have had. I think that my engine needs to also be on the recall. Honda has offered NO help with this, what-so-ever, even though I think they know there is a manufacturing defect.

My truck often clicks inside the cabin, the dashboard flashes on/off, the horn honks, outside lights flicker, and it has drained the battery three times. I cannot lock my truck in fear that it will not open. I've been places where they've asked me to move my vehicle due to this problem causing a disturbance. I've purchased 3 batteries in 7 years and have been stranded each time. I see that this problem has been reported several times by other affected honda ridgeline truck owners. It should become a safety recall due to these disturbing incidents as well as leaving people stranded with drained batteries because of the electrical problem.

a smell of gas came into the car. fuel pump was the problem as per the dealer. could cause driver to pass out or fire

Have taken in a few times for engine knocking, Honda has down oil changes and reported noise is normal but is getting louder, purchased extended warranty from Honda dealer. Also had at Honda for oil and filter change a month ago, they also were supposed to have completed the tailgate harness but told me it had be previously complied with but never took it off the list of open recalls. Honda isn’t the company it used to be. After my purchase of my new Honda pilot and issues- it will be my last Honda period.

The Stop/Start button does not start or stop the engine when pushed. Honda has an "extended warranty" but will only honor the warranty "if a code has been set" regardless of the error messages displayed on the dash or the failure of the button to function While an extended warranty is of some value, in my opinion, the failure of the "Stop" button to stop the engine immediately when required (which happens frequently) creates a safety hazard and should result in a recall rather than simply an extended warranty, which has limitations of time and mileage in addition to the "circumstances" (i.e. the "trouble code must be present")

Connecting rod bearing on the #6 cylinder...after the injectors failed and the vehicle was barely drivable the Honda mechanic heard a knocking in the motor which was confirmed when I agreed to pay $700 for them to tear it down to look. Mechanic confirmed issue which is EXACTLY same issue as the recall for other 2017 Ridgelines. I am somewhat lucky as I had purchased an extended warranty but it will still cost me over $700 to get a used motor. The insurance company confirmed issue. There were no warning lights or anything that came on prior to the injectors failing. Could have been a major issue as mechanic said it was just a matter of time before motor completely blew up.