2018 Honda Ridgeline Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/12/2026

My truck has a persistent driveline vibration, judder, and hesitation issue. This condition creates sudden, unexpected driveline surge and power-delivery hesitation, which poses a distinct safety concern. Honda TSB 23-078 (Warranty Extension for Torque Converter), acknowledges a manufacturing defect in the torque converter lock-up piston. Moreover, failure of the torque converter may also compromise my truck's transmission and cause a significant safety risk to myself as well as other vehicles and persons in them. The problems with my truck have been documented by local dealer Island Honda during a recent recent service visit. The dealer invoice explicitly states: "While driving recorded snapshot when judder happened, verified spike seen on data snapshot." Despite the technician capturing real-time diagnostic evidence of the torque converter lock-up clutch slipping and surging, the dealership refused to perform the warranty repair because the vehicle’s computer had not yet stored Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0741. The condition of my vehicle poses an immediate highway safety hazard. The severe juddering introduces unexpected powertrain vibration, distracting the operator and causing sudden drops in acceleration consistency. Furthermore, the manufacturer American Honda Motor Co. is actively enforcing an unsafe corporate policy regarding this manufacturing defect. Honda denied any assistance (Case #16556664), stating that it will not honor the warranty extension or perform repairs unless the vehicle's onboard computer registers DTC P0741. Honda requiring a vehicle to experience complete mechanical failure or illuminate a specific code while driving in traffic—despite of failure creates an unsafe condition for vehicle occupants and others. By tying safety remediation exclusively to a software flag, Honda is forcing me to drive an actively malfunctioning vehicle. Honda's arbitrary use of codes to deny critical safety and powertrain failures must be stopped.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/27/2026

My 2018 Honda Ridgeline experienced an internal transmission failure June 2026. Local Honda dealership installed a Honda remanufactured transmission under my extended warranty, I picked up the vehicle on July 7, 2026. About 400 miles later, about July 25, the replacement transmission exhibited delayed engagement when shifting into Drive, shuddering and severe jolts during shifting. The dashboard displayed “Transmission System Problem,” “Blind Spot Info System Problem” and “Emission System Problem” warnings. Safety concern: The delayed engagement and unexpectedly harsh shifting may interfere with my ability to accelerate or control the vehicle, particularly when entering traffic or driving at highway speeds. I am concerned that these symptoms could recur without warning and put me at risk. On July 27, I drove directly to local Honda dealership while the warnings were active. The dealership observed the warnings and retrieved diagnostic trouble codes. The codes were subsequently cleared. Local Honda dealership consulted American Honda's technical personnel, changed the transmission fluid and road-tested the vehicle for approximately 200 miles without reproducing the malfunction. The dealership has therefore confirmed the warning condition and retrieved fault codes, but it has not identified the root cause of the post-replacement malfunction or demonstrated to me that the problem has been corrected. Local Honda dealership inspected and serviced the vehicle and communicated with American Honda's personnel. I have not been informed that an American Honda representative personally inspected the vehicle. No police or insurance inspection is known to me. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection. The replacement transmission remains installed. American Honda has advised me that no further repair will be authorized unless the fault codes reappear. My concern is recurrence of the delayed engagement and severe shifting while driving.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/22/2026

From researching this, my Honda 2018 Ridgeline is having a problem with the Keyless Access/TPMS Control Unit, causing the vehicle security alarm to go off when the vehicle is idol which could result in a dead battery if not attended. Honda referenced this manufacturing defect in its Service Bulletin 21-055 dated XXX. I have attached a copy of the Service Bulletin. Since this problem is affecting a number of different Honda models, my question is if this admitted manufacting problem is under consideration for a recall by NHTSA. Honda dealers are changing upwards of $800-$1,000 to replace and program the unit. Thank you. [XXX], [XXX] or [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 03/17/2025

I have had the vehcile in traffic when it can cause banging sounds, have transmission slippage, and not allow the transmission to shift into higher gears, other occurences include transmission shudder. I was told the reset would be to change the transmission fluid with a 3 flush process at the dealership with a cost in excess of $750. Unfortunately that did not work. I have multiple error code lights on the dashboard that light up to include emission control issue, On the site transmission trouble hub. com they list the following: Consequences of Ignoring Transmission Problems Ignoring transmission issues can lead to severe consequences that affect not just your vehicle’s performance but also your safety. Here’s what can happen if you let these problems slide: Increased Repair Costs: What starts as a minor issue can escalate into a major repair if not addressed promptly. Complete Transmission Failure: Continuing to drive with transmission problems can lead to total failure, leaving you stranded and facing hefty towing fees. Safety Risks: Slipping gears or delayed engagement can lead to accidents, especially in critical driving situations.

ENGINE — Filed 07/18/2026

The vehicle was being driven under normal highway conditions while towing a boat within the vehicle's rated towing capacity. The driver observed the oil pressure warning light illuminate and continued driving normally for approximately 20-30 minutes, at which point the engine lost power and stalled. The vehicle would not restart. Upon inspection, engine oil and transmission fluid were both found at proper levels with no signs of contamination, and the crankshaft was confirmed to be fully seized (will not rotate by hand). There was no prior knocking noise or warning sign before the oil light illuminated. The safety of the driver was put at risk due to the possibility the bearings could eject from the engine. The engine seizure has been confirmed by Right Honda, 7875 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. The vehicle was inspected by them and they produced a diagnostic.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 04/03/2026

I had been hearing a ticking or clicking sound from the engine. When I brought it to a Honda dealership that I had used about a year ago for the 100,000 mile maintenance, I was told that the truck had a rod bearing failure and that I needed a new engine. I was told that if I kept driving it as is, that I could have catastrophic engine seizure without warning at anytime. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I saw that the same part on both the Ridgeline models of 2017 and 2019 had been recalled in 2023. The truck only has 110k miles and I have faithfully had routine maintenance. For an expensive $9,500 engine to fail at only 110,000 miles is not right. I will try to upload a picture of the invoice in a separate email. I hope this information will be part of the second investigation of the initial recall and also the present lawsuit against Honda in the state of California, thus sufficing as more evidence that the 2018 Ridgeline should be included in a Second Recall.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/09/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, on the freeway while depressing the accelerator pedal the gear shifts shifted independently. No warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed however the diagnoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 58,538.

ENGINE — Filed 03/23/2026

Catastrophic Engine Failure. Reported to NHTSA on 10.11.24 for Recall 23.097. Investigation (RQ24013) which no issues were allegedly determined. Now a new investigation has opened PE25008: We had our engine replaced for a used one and are concerned that this engine still has the issues realated to Recall 23.097. Called Honda to ask if they can confirm whether or not this used/salvaged engine had been checked to see if it has rod bearing issues related to Recall 23.097 or was from a vehicle that was related to the recall. They said they had not. Furthermore, we provided the motor serial number so they can check and they said they were not able to. They have systems in place to quickly cross reference VIN and motor serial numbers, so it was surprising they would not be able to provide this information. Furthermore, why would Honda not have systems in place to ensure they are not installing a faulty motor given the absurdly expensive pricing for a used unit. Our families life was at risk previously with the first engine failure and now it could be again, and this was their response.

ENGINE — Filed 03/01/2026

Truck only has 40,500 miles. Was driving down road and made a clunk noise and engine seized up and wouldn't start. There were no warning signs. I had it towed to Honda dealership. Their official repair estimate states verbatim "Bearing on a connecting rod went bad and the rod snapped." The bill is $7800 for a remanufactured engine or $13500 for a new one. I had just had the vehicle's 40,000 mile inspection done at the same Honda Dealership 2 months prior, and no issues were found.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/27/2026

I had the backup camera harness recall performed on my 2018 Honda Ridgeline on 09/06/2023 by Honda of Escondido , CA. (See attached invoice of recall work performed.) On 01/27/2026, the backup camera failed to appear on the dash screen when the vehicle was in reverse. I restarted the vehicle and the camera view was still not visible on the screen. I drove home and parked the vehicle in my garage. I turned the ignition off and then on again and put the car in reverse with the brake applied. This time the camera view was displayed on the dash screen. Appears to be an intermittent problem. (See attached two pictures of rear camera view not projected to the dash screen and one picture of my vehicle"s mileage, 50,518 miles.)

ENGINE — Filed 11/25/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 11/26/2025

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/13/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake system warning light was illuminated after the parking brake was released. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,850.

ENGINE — Filed 11/02/2025

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)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 10/09/2025

Multiple warning lights appeared and remained illuminated on my dash, all related to safety features (LKAS, ACC, CMBS AND ROAD DEPARTURE). The problem was confirmed by Capitol Honda Service Department. The vehicle was scanned and stored DTC was found at INTEGRATED DRIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM. U3000-49 MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA UNIT INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. The DTC was set as hard code, unable to clear. RECOMMEND REPLACING MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA AND PERFORMING CALIBRATION. The estimate I was initially given for the cost of the repair parts and labor was close to $2,000. The repair was necessary because the inoperable safety features directly affects my safety on the road as well as the safety of others. Honda Sensing is a suite of driver-assist safety technologies that use cameras, radar, and sensors to monitor the vehicle's surroundings, alert the driver to potential hazards, and provide automatic steering and braking assistance to help prevent collisions. Key features include Collision Mitigation Braking, which applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a crash; Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set distance behind the leading vehicle; and Lane Keeping Assist, which provides subtle steering adjustments to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/05/2024

Infotainment system have a black screen

ENGINE — Filed 09/05/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 08/04/2025

Had a clacking noise that got louder depending on RPM's, scheduled a visit to the dealer same day to also take care of a B1 maintenance notification that appeared 2 days prior and on the way to the dealer from work the same day the clacking noise started, the engine light started to flash and then within a few seconds there was a complete loss of power to the accelerator and the RPM's dropped to zero; Had to pull off the interstate in a construction zone where there was no shoulder and just on a dirt slope. When towed to the dealer, dealer stated the engine had suffered Rod bearing failure and there were metal shavings in the oil pan. The car is available upon request, it is at the dealership at the moment and I am scheduling it to get an engine replacement. I contacted Honda because this is a Honda Ridgeline 2018 and they denied my request for goodwill consideration, I stated that this is surely apart of the ongoing investigation "RQ24013" as it sounds extremely similar and there have already been recalls issued under "23V-751". They stated the vehicle was not taken to dealers for maintenance before I bought the truck 5 months ago and that the truck has too many miles at 90k miles so therefore they will not help. This is an extremely dangerous car to own when the engine can die on you like that after only 1 day of a clacking noise, if you are on a bridge with no shoulder or like me in a construction zone, you will be a foot away from traffic moving at 70+mph next to you and stranded with no Hvac system. I was personally in my car for an hour and a half in the deep south in the middle of summer, so 90+ degree temps without A/C. Also I bought this from Carvana who did a "150 multi-point inspection" of the car and missed this and refuses to help in any way, they just stated "Oh sorry to hear that" and then closed the chat, so don't buy from Carvana, they won't help you at all.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/05/2025

The truck has a hard/rough shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear in an automatic transmission. No dash light indicating anything wrong with the engine or the transmission.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/08/2025

KEYLESS ACCESS CONTROL UNIT PART NUMBER: 38320-T6Z-A31 The vehicle headlights came on and dash lights flashed on and off. The alarm would also go off and on. This causes the battery to drain as well. Also I know of several other Honda Ridgeline owners who have had the same part failure

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/26/2022

A fire started in the engine compartment of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The vehicle was being driven while towing a lightweight trailer. The driver pulled over to allow vehicles to pass and check the trailer. The driver allowed the engine to idle. As the driver returned to the vehicle she smelled and saw smoke then saw flames appearing from under the hood near the windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. Recall work was performed under NHTSA Recall 19V-053 10/09/2019.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/17/2021

The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while stopped behind a truck that had attempted to make a left turn, the vehicle began to reverse and tapped his vehicle. There was no visible damage to the vehicle and a police report was not filed. Then a few days after the incident, the contact merged onto the highway at 30 MPH and attempted to apply the brakes however, the brake pedal failed operate as needed. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Automatic Emergency Braking System failed to operate as needed and the contact crashed into the vehicle in front of him without warning. The air bags deployed upon impact. There were no injuries reported and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. Due to the accident, the vehicle was initially towed to an independent mechanic however, the insurance had the vehicle towed to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The contact believed that the incident that occurred a few days prior to the second accident may have contributed to the Forward Collision Automatic Braking System failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/11/2020

BACK UP CAMERA INOPERABLE RELATED TO FAILURE OF WIRING HARNESS TO TAILGATE. STRESS POINT IN HARNESS SEVERS ELECTRICAL CONNECTION LEADING TO NO IMAGE FROM CAMERA. THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED WHILE BACKING BOAT TRAILER DOWN ACCESS RAMP AT NOBLEBORO, MAINE PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCH. HEAVILY TINTED REAR WINDOW IN THIS VEHICLE INCREASES DRIVER DEPENDENCE ON BACK UP CAMERA FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS. BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW FOR $42,000.00. CAMERA FAIL AT 43,000 MILES OF LIGHT USE. THIS RECURRENT SAFETY ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET AT HTTPS://WWW.RIDGELINEOWNERSCLUB.COM/THREADS/2017-2018-BROKEN-TAILGATE-HARNESS-CAUSES-BACKUP-CAMERA-FAILURE.217776/PAGE-9

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/13/2019

ON JUNE 13, 2019, I HIT A ROCK IN A PARKING LOT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. LATER TOOK TO A BODY SHOP WHEN RADAR SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MISALLIGNMENT OF THE RADAR SENSOR UNIT CAUSED BY THE ROCK COLLISION. BODY SHOP SAYS THEY RECALIBRATED, BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS STILL RANDOMLY COME ON. COUNLDN'T GET AN APT. WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AGAIN, FOR THE THIRD TIME, UNTIL MID SEPT. DECIDED RATHER THAN RISK A FALSE POSITIVE BREAKING SYSTEM ERROR CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING RADAR SENSOR, TO TURN IT OFF. I'M HEADING OUT ON A TRIP OVER 6 MOUNTAIN PASSES AND AM NOT PLEASED THAT I HAVE TO DO THIS AND FEEL THIS DEFECT AND LACK OF RESOLUTION FOR 3 MONTHS COULD AFFECT MY SAFETY.

SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/01/2019

WHENEVER I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MY LEFT FOOT GOES NUMB AFTER DRIVING FOR ONLY 5-15 MINUTES. MY LEFT FOOT AND LEG ARE VERY PAINFUL FOR THE BALANCE OF THE DAY ANYTIME I DRIVE THE RIDGELINE. (I AM OF AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT.) I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND AMERICAN HONDA (SEE CORRESPONDENCE) AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED DRIVING IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND ALL MY LEG ISSUES WENT AWAY. WHEN I RESUMED DRIVING, THE PROBLEMS REOCCURRED. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE RIDGELINE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW AT MAITA HONDA IN CITRUS HEIGHTS CA ON 12-31-18.