Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Honda Ridgeline - part 1

Driving home from work on a Friday about 1am and my engine started t knock and sputter and the engine light started flashing. Luckily I made it home. I let it sit for a minute and started it back up and it ran fine. I let it sit over the weekend I made an appointment the the dealership for the following Monday. On Monday it started fine to go to my dealer appointment but half way there every caution light imaginable came on and the info screen was scrolling failure of every system in the truck it seamed. Even the d for drive was flashing. It was knocking, sputtering with loss of power. Like it was in limp mode. Made it to the dealer and they said it was misfiring which caused the engine to come apart inside. 11k for a new engine or 8k for a used one with 46k miles. The truck only had 86,000 miles on it and has been always dealer maintained. We buy Hondas mostly for their reliability. Skeptical about buying another one.

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After parking on the roadside with engine off for about 10 minutes, the truck would not start. I tried to start twice; the dash lights came on, I could hear the starter try to engage, felt a slight forward lurch from the vehicle, then nothing. The starter seemed to disengage' the dash lights stayed on, and the electric system went into acc mode. I tried twice with same result. I attempted to put the shift selector in neutral, but it stayed in park. I was seated in truck, seat belt on, foot pressing on brake pedal. After waiting a few minutes, it cranked and started normally. No further issues the rest of the day. The weather was mild, sunny, temperatures in the mid-60’s fahrenheit.

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Coming down a ramp in parking deck with right foot lightly riding the brake pedal to control the car’s descent when all of a sudden the vehicle accelerated full throttle as if the gas pedal had been “floored. ” the acceleration was so intense that it drove my body backward into my seat and pulled my foot off the brake. At this point, the only control I had was my hands on the steering wheel. With the car continuing to accelerate towards the parked cars, I quickly turned the steering wheel to the right, but too late and the front driver side of my vehicle clipped one of the parked cars. My foot is still in the air and yet the car is still surging ahead full throttle and my vehicle is flying towards a car that had come down the ramp a few seconds ahead of me. At this point I slam my right foot onto the brake pedal, but not in time to avoid the passenger front bumper of my vehicle from hitting the rear of that car. At this point, my vehicle’s engine shut off and the Hondalink automatically dialed for help.

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

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The cel flashed 2 days earlier, I immediately pulled to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off, suspecting it may be a misfire. Restarted the vehicle and all seemed fine. After arriving home I plugged in my scanner to check for a code. No codes were found. I decided to carry my scanner in the vehicle, and plugged it in before starting a 10 mile drive to a store. After 3 miles, the cel flashed and displayed code p0303 cylinder 3 misfire. I pulled to the side of the busy interstate I was on and turned the vehicle off. When I restarted the engine, a heard a rattling sound and turned it off. I then called the dealer and asked me to have it towed in. The dealer diagnosed a cylinder #3 spun rod bearing. This occured at 68,517 odometer miles.

On 1/5/2026 while pulling unto a major intersection, my 2019 Honda Ridgeline with 64,000 miles suddenly jolted, lost engine power, and every dash light came on indicating that all electronics were inoperable. Fortunately there was no fast moving on coming traffic. After examination in mechanics shop, it was found that the camshaft was bad. Attached is the $3,900. 00 invoice. Attached also is a picture of the sensor showing that the camshaft was moving and hitting the sensor which caused the truck to go into safe mode. According to your own investigation and speaking to the Honda service department, this obvious is a factory defect that Honda needs to address. The cam obviously is not strong enough. There are 4. 3 million complaints. I want to be reimbursed or will never, ever buy a Honda product. This is a safety issue as well as a consumer protection issue.

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Vehicle has stalled after being stopped at red light. Does not occur all the time. Only when in idle mode.

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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.

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.

The check engine light came on Dec 26 which I took to have checked and was told that it should go to the shop. The code was not being stored. I took it to the Honda dealership and they did a complete check and said the engine had gone back. The connecting rods and barrings cause the engine to fail and it needed to be replaced. I contacted Honda goodwill and they declined to do anything to help repair the engine.

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.

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.

My engine seized up at only around 74,859 miles. As I was driving it immediately seized up on the roadway causing a hazardous condition. There was no check engine light on to warn me. I had the vehicle towed to dealership and had them inspect the vehicle and take the engine apart. They told me the crankshaft bearings were disintegrated. There were consistent oil changes done with this vehicle. I am now expected to pay $5,000 to $13,000 for a new engine. This is a 2022 Honda Ridgeline.

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. .

Connecting rod/bearing failure.

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.

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.

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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).

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.

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.

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

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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.

Stranded in traffic unable to start almost got rearend because the start-stop died and to cycle to park to get it started. This has happen on more than one time.

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

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.

I own a 2019 Honda Ridgeline rtl. I presently have 66000 miles and am having issues with my engine emmision system, the number 2 sensor keeps going off and on and fuel rpm at 1. 5 make my truck sputter until it gets pass 2 rpms. The lights going off and on! and the media system goes from music to gps and volume goes up and down spontaneously! Honda in calhallen texas say no recalls on it! not sure what is going on I just don't want it to leave me in the road! I take care of my vehicles with the miles it has it shouldn't be having these many mechanical problems. Hope you can help or advise!.

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.

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.

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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.