2023 Honda Ridgeline Complaints

STEERING — Filed 09/12/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-54 MPH and making a gradual left turn on the highway, the vehicle unintendedly made a quick sharp left turn, grazed the concrete barrier and veered to the opposite side of the road before coming to a stop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was completely flat and was pointing left at a 90 degrees angle, and the ball joint had disassembled. The contact could not determine whether the damage caused the crash or whether the crash caused the damage. The contact stated that the failure might be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V184000 (Steering). A Police report was filed. The contact's wife notified the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the body shop and was scheduled for repair. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/17/2026

9/17/2026. Complete electrical system shutdown while stopped in traffic, loss of power steering/brakes capability, all doors automatically locked with no emergency flasher capability. Vehicle became a hazard. Occurred twice. TSB-23-008 software update performed in 2024 but problem persists. Safety defect ENTRAPMENT with los of all vehicle power in active traffic. Please share complain with manufacturer.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 07/25/2026

This has happened for the last 2.5 years and has happened between 5 and 10 times. While stopped at a traffic light the Auto-Stop feature activates. When the light changes and I attempt to move, the vehicle enters "cuts off" and the dash board directs me to shift to Park or to step on the brake to restart the engine. It take multiple attempts but then it switches to Accessory Mode after which it generally starts. - Two pictures have been included. The one at night was in [XXX] and the other during the day, was taken on the corner of [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX]. I also have a short video clip of the [XXX] incident which occurred about two days before the [XXX] incident. Once this begins I put on my hazards to direct other vehicles to drive around. I have reported it to the dealer. The dealer assured me it was the battery and they tested the battery but the battery was fine. The issue is similar to other 2023 and is covered by TSB 23-008/23-010 (Video Link: [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 08/03/2026

ENGINE SHUTS OFF TOTALLY IN AUTO IDLE AND MUST BE RESTARTED.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/01/2026

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 23,995 miles. My primary concern is an intermittent transmission/powertrain malfunction. While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp/fail-safe mode and experienced a significant loss of power and acceleration. This created a potentially dangerous situation because I was unable to accelerate normally while traveling with highway traffic. I am concerned that this could happen again without warning while merging, changing lanes, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The electronic transmission selector has also intermittently stuck or failed to operate smoothly. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other 2023 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported similar transmission warnings, limp-mode events, loss of propulsion, reduced acceleration, transmission-selector malfunctions, or related powertrain problems. The vehicle also has premature deterioration of both headlamp lenses, including fading, hazing, and cloudiness. I am concerned this may reduce nighttime light output and roadway visibility. Additionally, the engine produces an abnormal rattling noise during cold starts. Rust/corrosion is developing beneath the door weather seals, and the exterior window/pillar trim is prematurely fading and deteriorating. My most serious concern is the unexpected transmission malfunction and loss of power at highway speed. At only approximately 23,995 miles, I believe this condition warrants investigation because an unexpected reduction in propulsion can increase the risk of a collision.

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/18/2026

Vehicle has significant rusting on the suspension & can be inspected upon request. The rust will deteriorate the suspension’s capacity to support the vehicle, creating a dangerous hazard for others and myself on the road. The problem was first noted by a Honda service technician, where they provided detailed images of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Images of the rust were found on the rear suspension, parts of the front suspension & in other areas like the differential box & along the shaft of the vehicle. The vehicle did not have any warning signs on the dash - however the suspension is squeaky when the vehicle is in motion.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/03/2026

On about 5 occasions, and at a stop light, the auto stop did not re-engage when I attempted to move forward. The first time it happened I only had about 28k miles on it and I was making a left at a light in [XXX]. On another occasion, about 7 months ago, I was driving in [XXX] and the vehicle shut down in the same manner - it went into Accessory mode and I then turned the car off and back on before I was able to move again. The most recent occasion was about two weeks ago in [XXX]. I was about to make a left onto [XXX] from Coliseum and stalled. I had to wave people around me because I was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. In the two weeks preceeding this incident, the system seemed to act up quite a bit more and began thinking about replacing the vehicle. There were at least 3 other instances. I reported the first instance to the dealer but since the could not replicate the issue, it was ignored. I went to the dealer last week and they simply had no interest in dealing with my issue since my VIN was not in the ones designated with the problem. This is an issue! My first report was more than two years ago and I did not know there was any issue at the time - I am aware now but I am told that my vehicle is not impacted. It is INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/28/2026

My sunroof exploded. The glass blew up and out of the vehicle while on the highway.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/04/2026

Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/23/2026

During warmer months of the year the vehicle can have a long pause when shifted into drive. Most commonly occurs when you finish backing up and want to go forward. The vehicle will pause and not go anywhere for 2-3 seconds. It also happens by shifting out of park into drive. Again, the vehicle will pause for 2-3 seconds. Honda dealerships are aware of this issue on the Honda Ridgeline with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It could easily cause an accident.

STEERING,ENGINE,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/07/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact The contact stated he experienced knocking in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an air compressor failure; however, the issue persisted. The contact also stated another issue is the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The contact also experienced loss of steering control with the vehicle pulling to the right. intermittently veering towards The contact associated the issues with NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for these issues. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

STEERING — Filed 05/20/2026

At approximately 31,800 miles, my 2023 Honda Ridgeline failed Massachusetts state inspection due to excessive play in the steering rack. A Honda dealership technician confirmed the steering rack and both inner and outer tie rods required replacement. This vehicle is the same year and model covered under NHTSA Recall 24V184000 (steering gearbox inner ball joint housing detaching from steering rack). My VIN was not included in that recall batch; however the failure is identical in nature — premature steering component failure at extremely low mileage. Steering racks are designed to last 100,000 to 150,000+ miles under normal use. This failure occurred at roughly one-third of the minimum expected lifespan, with no prior warning signs, no crashes, no unusual road conditions, and regular maintenance. Vehicle was driven exclusively on paved roads. Component is available for inspection upon request. Failure confirmed by Honda dealership. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Safety risk: potential loss of steering control at highway speed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 12/31/1969

The auto-dimmer function does not work. On high-beam there is no automatic dimming; on low-beam the high beam automatically and randomly flashes on for a couple seconds, then off. In the latter instance, oncoming traffic gets hit with a sudden blinding flash - creating a hazard. My understanding is that this has been a problem for several years even before we bought the vehicle new and the company misled us into believing the function was available on the vehicle. The company also simply ignoring and not trying to fix it. Given the false advertisement of the functionality in the vehicle and hazard to oncoming traffic when it is on, one might reasonably expect a recall to be issued.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/16/2026

The connecting rod bearing in cylinder one broke causing catastrophic engine failure. It has been inspected by a Honda dealer. The check engine light started flashing after the rod broke making me lose power in the vehicle at an intersection.

STEERING,SUSPENSION — Filed 09/15/2025

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, when the vehicle went over bumps in the road, it shook more than usual. Additionally, when the vehicle was slowed down and the brake pedal was depressed, it took more effort to depress the pedal. The vehicle was taken for inspection, where it was determined that there was a steering suspension failure and the inner and outer tie rods were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,604.

STEERING — Filed 04/02/2026

At roughly 20,000 miles, I began to notice a slight rattle/clucking sound from the front end of the vehicle on gravel surfaces. The issue gradually became more noticeable and upon owner inspection, inner tie rods had noticeable play. Independent shop (Frantz Automotive, Cary, NC) confirmed the play, and upon removing the tie rods and boots, discovered play within the steering rack itself (have video that could not be uploaded), and notified me that there was a recall for this issue on some 2023 Ridgelines (as noted on receipt). I then took the truck to the dealership where purchased (Autopark Honda, Cary, NC), which confirmed the issue (as noted on receipt) and offered to replace at a "goodwill" rate of $500, which they termed a "deductible." Given the safety concern and I needed the truck for transportation, I paid for the repair and will request a refund from Honda America.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/01/2026

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving or while stopped at a stop light, the Auto Idle Stop system activated, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "Auto Idle Stop Temporarily Unavailable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 04/14/2023

the auto high beam system is overly sensitive. lights flicker when a street sign is detected. dealer checked this issue and said the door switch was bad and replaced it. problem still exists. this makes night driving distracting and dangerous. no warning lamps or messages are shown on instrument panel.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 03/09/2026

03/09/26 Driver side Headlight assembly filling with a lot of water when driving in wet conditions. Headlight has a significant amount of water and condensation inside. It is very noticeable. I can see a slight difference in positioning of the driver side headlamp vs the passenger side. Driver side looks slightly misaligned on the part closest to the midline of the truck. Available to inspect upon request. Called Dealer to bring it in to inspect immediately. They told me to come in without an appointment bc they said i didnt need one for this issue and I can come right in. I drove all the way there and was told they couldn't help me bc they were to busy now. Scheduled service with Dealer on 3/23/26. They were unable to take me earlier and told me that it's not an emergency and that I can drive the vehicle saftely until the 23rd, in wet or dry conditions. I Inspected light and took photos. Was told by local mechanics that a dealer would need to inspect it for defects / warranty repair. Dealer will be able to see the water and condensation throughoyt the entire headlamp as soon as they look at it. You can't miss it, it looks ridiculous. Ive noticed my day time running lights aren't working consistently since the water has been in the headlamp. Also, they will be able to reproduce the water flooding into the headlamp with no problem. If they run it through a carwash, water will hemorrhage into it. No symptoms or warning indicators / messages prior to part failure. I've attached photos and have more upon request. The photos show the water in the headlamp is now frozen over the inside of the headlight. This is affecting visibility and I am concerned about this damaging other components / electrical systems.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 02/15/2026

The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/27/2026

A car turning left on a one lane both way street. The the auto breaking system hit the breaks I was about 6’ away from car going 10 miles per hour. Car behind me almost hit the back of my truck. It took second before breaks let off. System was in normal mode.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 02/21/2026

While driving home on 2/21/26 at night in light sleet/snow conditions, I noticed a dramatic decrease in headlight effectiveness in my Honda Ridgeline. When I stopped to check the headlights, they were coated with ice that needed to be scraped off. This is my first vehicle that has LED headlights so this was unexpected. I never had this issue with my previous vehicles that used incandescent /halogen headlights. I suspect this snow/sleet buildup is due to the fact the LED headlights, by their nature, are much more thermally efficient and generate less than 10% of the heat of an incandescent light source. As a result, LED headlamps do not generate enough head to melt any snow/sleet accumulations on the headlight lens. While this might not be an issue in southern states, it is a significant safety and visibility issue in areas where winter snows are the norm. NHTSB should consider requiring a wiping mechanism (as is done on Volvo headlights) or implement a defrost mechanism into the headlamp assembly or lens of vehicles with LED headlamps.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 03/03/2025

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving up a slope at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would fail to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred on two occasions, where on the first occasion, it almost crashed into the residence. On the most recent occasion, the contact stated that the vehicle had shuddered before independently jolting and crashing into a church building before coming to a stop. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed however was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the insurance provider related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V458000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,900.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/20/2024

After months of using my new Ridgeline the garage door closed inadvertently once i passed down the garage motor impacting the vehicle at the exit. The Ridgeline uses the homelink on the rear-view window which is included as part of the Ridgeline. I contacted HONDA and they referred me to Homelink for whom I also created an incident.

AIR BAGS,WHEELS — Filed 01/31/2024

I was on [XXX] and turned into [XXX] . I was driving at 25 miles or so. I don't know if my first or second tire flat first but immediately after my airbags at right and left front and back side got deployed and created a little fire and thick black smoke. I got shock, panicked and lost control for second and hit right front wheel trim of car to probably edge of road. I called Honda Road services to tow my car to nearest Honda services. They told me that a Tower would come over to take care of me in 120 minutes and take my car to Chantilly Honda services. Unfortunately they didn’t show up for 3 hours. I stayed outside in cold weather for 3 hours. Thankfully Police came over and saw the situation and he was really surprised with defectiveness of my car airbags. so He had to call Tow company that works for Police department to get my car to the nearest Honda services. I called Landmark Honda and told them the situation. Landmark Honda wanted me to bring my car to Landmark Alexandria instead of nearest Honda services in Chantilly. I towed my Truck to Alexandria. I paid for towing although they were supposed to pay. I talked to Honda headquarter in California but they didn't care about what i said. I could die lose my limbs or hurt other people. I am a Home improvement Contractor. I had to postpone my appointments with my new clients since then. i have no car and I have been losing business. I kindly ask you to help me with this issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)