Engine Exhaust System Problems of Honda Ridgeline

We love our Honda's (3 other), I was so excited about my purchase of a Ridgeline from a la dealership in Dec 2006. My nephew purchased it from Honda finance directly and shipped it to utah for me and I have meticulously cared for and loved my Ridgeline! in December at 93,460 miles my truck lost its perfect harmony . . . It began putting out white/blue smoke. I had an incident where the accelerator took off and I had to shift down and brake real hard to gain control of the speed. I was traveling south on I-15 through salt lake county at the time, speed around 65 mph. Very scary! soon after the "check engine" light came on and when I idled it flashed. I was told that this is probably the moment that the cylinder "blew out". I took it in and was told that my #4 spark plug was "gummed" up and needed replacement, it was suggested that because of the increased mileage I should do a full valve replacement. $785 later, the smoke exhaust was the same and 3 weeks later the light came back on. I took it back and they "scoped" the cylinders and found #4 had "pouck" marks and had lost compression. I needed a new engine. I called 5 auto shops in my general area and found that 2 of them had seen the same issue with a 2006 ridgelne and a 2007 pilot. Both mechanics told me that the owners had taken them to Honda dealerships & Honda had replaced their engines, they "were under 100,000 miles". I did so, $97 later I was told that "no. Honda had deemed my situation not worthy of a warranty. " what?! I can't even trade it in to a Honda dealership to purchase a new one without the $5k reduction in value! I have a history of timely and meticulous care with my local Honda dealership and a mechanic shop, this is not what I expected from Honda! you must have an issue if in my little suburb 2 others have had #4 cylinders go bad just before 100,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline 🔎.

Noticed large amount of smoke at engine start up. Turned off engine checked oil level, discovered it was about a quart low. Last oil change about 3,500 miles prior to event. Topped off oil drove about 25 miles moderate to light smoking from exhaust. Dropped off at Honda dealer for maintenance on 27 Dec 07. Dealer determined cause to be blown head gasket, requiring new cylinder head estimated repairs due to be complete about 3 Jan 08. Call from dealer inquiring about oil change records on 3 Jan info provided, truck not ready. Called dealer on 4 Jan for status and informed that a new engine is required after guidance from regional service rep. New completion date about 9 Jan. Called dealer 11 Jan to check on status, new engine installed still smoking, trouble shooting in progress. New cylinder head required for new engine completion due 17 Jan 08. Work completed on 17 Jan.

Fire in engine bay of new Honda Ridgeline, debris caught between exhaust and catalytic converter. Major damage. Bought 2nd. Ridgeline. 2 minor episodes of burning smell while using on dirt roads. This is not a coincidence!.