Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Honda Ridgeline - part 1

The engine light came on and cam shaft caused the rod bearing to fail. I see there is a recall 23v751. But my vehicle VIN. Is not on it 2019 Honda Ridgeline.

See all problems of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was inspected and determined that there was potential damage to the bearings and that the crankshaft and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v751000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the recall covered older model Honda Ridgelines. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

See all problems of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

The contact's husband owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 mph, the vehicle went into limp mode and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the timing belt, the water pump, and the tensioner pulley were replaced; however, the knocking sound persisted. The dealer determined that the lower bearing had failed, and the dealer recommended replacing the engine with a used engine. Additionally, the contact was advised that the oil pump was leaking and might need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer requested the vehicle service records. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: ea25004 (engine and engine cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

See all problems of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

Spun rod bearing at 70,000 miles. Truck will need a new short block. Truck has been at the dealer for all recommended service and oil changes.

See all problems of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

Service engine light came on and mechanic stated the failed rod bearings have made the vehicle undriveable.

See all problems of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

While driving the vehicle to the dealership to have them inspect the vehicle for a knocking noise coming from the engine at startup, the engine stalled. The engine locked up and had to be towed approximately 10 miles to the dealership. Upon inspection by the dealership after pulling the oil pan and inspecting for evidence of rod bearing failure, it was confirmed by the shop manager that there was indeed evidence of this in the oil pan.

Vehicle did not restart when using the auto start stop feature at a red light.

See all problems of the 2022 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

My engine started knocking from the connecting rod bearings and my vehicle is now not usable. The active recall on 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines is not covering my VIN and I have read many others are having the same issue. This issue if left untreated could cause my vehicle to die resulting in a loss of power. The manufacturer is refusing to repair the issue.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway unattended, for unknown reasons, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact had not experienced a failure with the vehicle prior to the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to an undisclosed recall related to engine and fuel pump. There were no reported injuries. The fire department was called and arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact stated that a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not yet towed from the scene. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

My check engine light came on and within minutes there was a loud noise, smoke and my vehicle lost power. I was on hwy 20 returning to boise, id from bend, or. Luckily this occurred just as I had cell service since I was without cell service just before this occurred. This happened in the evening on Nov 2, 2025. I had just had it serviced for regularly needed maintenance as recommended by Honda. 10/20/2025 I spent $2274. 28 on service at the Honda dealership. Service included transmission service, oil change, strut service, replace front struts, wheel alignment, and resurfaced front rotors. I've had all my regular maintenance handled timely and at the dealership. I was 75 miles from the dealership and had to spend $521 to have it towed to the dealership. My truck lost power so fast after the check engine light leaving me on the side of the hwy 15 miles from the nearest town as the sun set. I waited in the dark for a tow truck. So grateful that I had regained cell service to call for help. The truck is currently at the dealership awaiting resolution. Dealership notes: engine oil leaking all over the engine assembly, used bore scope and inspected behind bank 2 catalytic converter and found a hole in the engine block. Recommend replacement of the short block with new heads or replace the engine. Service department suspects the problem a connecting rod bearing failed. We've had multiple phone and in person discussions regarding the matter as we try to resolve this. There is a recall on the 2017 and 2019, but not the 2018. There is an open probe regarding the 2018. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that three rod bearings and that cylinders #3, #5, and #6 had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

New 2025 Honda Ridgeline black edition with under 4k miles on it. Driving one day (10/30/25), smoke started to bellow out from the sides. Nothing on the dashboard indicated a problem. Everyone jumped out and was safe from injury. The truck went up in flames and literally blew up. We have a video of the incident. The truck was a complete loss, and it was difficult to deal with Honda, so we decided settle with the insurance company. Honda after a while stopped taking my calls and would put me on hold indefinitely if I call in. They were given permission to inspect the vehicle from the insurance agency but to my knowledge have not.

While driving to work, engine started knocking, engine and battery light came on, then engine shut off. . . . All of this in a matter of seconds. I coasted to a stop and had truck trailered to my dealer.

I was driving to work, engine starting knocking, check engine and battery light came on, and truck shut down. I coasted to a stop and had truck trailered 110mi. To dealer.

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.

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.

The contact owned a 2022 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that the next-door neighbor knocked on the contact's door, screaming that the vehicle was on fire. The contact stated that the fire originated from under the engine hood before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called. The fire department extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the contact's driveway, and the fire consumed the vehicle. The vehicle was melted down and almost spread to the contact's house. The contact stated that it would probably take special equipment to remove the vehicle from the contact's driveway. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, there were no warning lights illuminated and no issues with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

I began to hear a knocking noise at 2500 to 3500 rpms and I immediately took my vehicle to the dealer who confirmed rod bearing damage.

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?.

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.

The rod bearings had failed on cylinders 3,5, and 6 at 140 thousand miles with proper mantice being done to it. This has been confirmed by the dealer Honda maryslviie in maryslive, ohio. The vehicle has just been looked at by the dealer. No warning lamps but just started to hear knocking in the engine.

While stopped at a traffic light on a state highway the idle stop did shut off the engine. When the light turned green, I released the brake, but the engine did not crank or start. After placing transmission into park, I attempted to start normally. There was no response to the start button being pushed, other than all the typical pre-start warning lights check on the panel. Tried to start with transmission selector in neutral. . Same result. All doors and hood was closed, driver in seat, belt fastened, and key nearby. I attempted to get out and push the truck to the side of road with assistance. Unable to do that because of the transmission park interconnect. After about 3 minutes trying multiple times to start the engine, it finally did start normally. The vehicle battery is pretty new and checking the voltage at home, it is fine. This is a dangerous situation. This “ idle stop” system is senseless and a safety hazard. I have not received any notice from Honda about any recall on this system.

Between 1,000-1,400 rpm there is a lower end engine knock. Sounds like a bearing.

See all problems of the 2024 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

The vehicle lurches forward when accelerating. You start off from a stand still, as you are accelerating the vehicle slows, then speeds up, then slows then speeds up. This happens multiple time. You can watch the tachometer, it goes up then down, then up then down. It can happen 10, 20 times while accelerating.

My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an auto idle/start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an intersection. The auto idle system automatically turned off the engine as intended. About 2 minutes later, when the brake was released and gas pedal pressed, the engine did not restart. The truck stalled. Various efforts (~ 1 minute of panic) ensued to start the engine. Eventually, put the truck in park, waited, then started the engine. This situation occurred during high traffic at a busy intersection. It caused other drivers to take risks pulling out in front of other cars to get around my stalled vehicle. It was a very dangerous situation. A class action lawsuit was filed against Honda about this. Honda claims their software update fixed the problem. My scary experience shows that it did not fix the issue. Their auto idle/start system is simply unsafe. Also, it is not possible to permanently disable it.

Engine started making a knocking noise on start up. Got progressively worse for the next 3 days before I stopped operation. Dealer states "engine has a rod knock likely due to a spun bearing". No warning lights or messages displayed.

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed however, the dealer found no failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,300.

2022 Honda Ridgeline with 22,000 miles failed to auto restart at a traffic light. Driver had to manually restart the vehicle. Other drivers were forced to drive around at the intersection. No error codes were present on obd2 connector.

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that recently the vehicle stalled and was difficult to restart. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to technical service bulletin: 21-010 related to the fuel injectors; however, his vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

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.

Truck stalls repeatedly at intersections due to failure of ignition to restart after stop signs or stoplights. Warning lights come on and complete restart is required. Other motorists become agitated.

Engine began knocking from the bottom end at 53k miles. It was determined that a connecting rod bearing had failed and Honda is replacing my engine under warranty. No cost was incurred to me but I am adding my complaint because my VIN is not included in the recall for this exact problem in other years close to mine and the recall my need to be expanded to a wider range of vins.

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.

Component/system: suspected engine lower end/connecting rod bearings. Vehicle is currently being towed to keeler Honda of latham, NY for diagnosis and is available for inspection upon request. What happened: on Friday night, [xxx], I was traveling about 63mph in the 65mph zone on the [xxx] which is a moderate uphill. The engine all of a sudden began making a very violent knocking noise and the truck started to lose power very fast. I activated my hazards and coasted to the shoulder narowly sideswiping the cars near me. The malfunction created a huge collision risk. There is no crash or fire. Confirmation by shop/inspection: jmr auto is a well-known and long-running independent shop located in nassau, NY and is also the first place I towed the vehicle to. They stated based on listening to it it is indeed rod knock. Official Honda dealer confirmation is pending, the vehicle is currently being towed to keeler Honda of latham, NY where they will inspect and confirm internal connecting rod bearing failure. Warnings: no warning lights before the event. At failure, the engine light along with some driver assistance lights were displayed. Context: symptoms match Honda recall 23v-751 (prematrue connecting-rod bearing wear/seizure) reported on this model/year, but my VIN shows no open recalls. I understand NHTSA has recall query rq24-013 into similar failures outside 23v-751's VIN range. I am reporting this for safety tracking and potential expanded recall consideration. Maintenance: vehicle reasonably maintained per Hondas' maintenance minder; some services were at shops that do not report to carfax. Documentation being gathered. Dealer ro/case numbers to follow. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).