2017 Honda Ridgeline

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle, which experienced a sudden engine shutdown while I was driving on the busy [XXX] toward the [XXX]. The engine unexpectedly stopped operating due to oil-related and engine issues, creating an extremely dangerous situation for me and potentially for other motorists traveling on the roadway. Having a vehicle suddenly lose engine power while traveling at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard. The unexpected loss of power can leave a driver with limited ability to maneuver safely, increase the risk of a collision, and expose the driver and passengers to danger from surrounding traffic. In my situation, the engine failure occurred without warning while I was on a busy highway, placing my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the circumstances surrounding this failure may indicate a potential safety-related defect involving the vehicle's engine or oil system. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this incident and determine whether similar complaints have been reported involving this vehicle, its engine, or related oil-system components. If a broader pattern of failures exists, I ask that the agency consider whether further investigation or appropriate corrective action is warranted. I would appreciate guidance regarding the proper process for submitting supporting documentation, including repair records, diagnostic reports, photographs, maintenance history, and any other information that may assist your investigation. I believe that sudden engine failure under these circumstances deserves serious attention because of the potential consequences for public safety. My intention in submitting this complaint is to ensure that this incident is documented and evaluated, and to help determine whether other vehicle owners may be facing a similar risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-T is having an issue where the right fog lamp acts as if its the left turn signal when activated. Example: I activate the turn signal to perform a left turn. The turn signal does not hyperflash as if it needs a new bulb. The rear left turn signal performs as expected, however the front left turn signal does not activate. The right front fog lamp flashes as if its a turn signal. This presents a risk in traffic as oncoming could assume that I'm turning right as I make a left hand turn.

Engine started running extremely rough, and multiple warning lights came on. Had to have it towed to a mechanic. This rod bearings failed, this is a Honda recall, but they refuse to honor it.

I own a 2017 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 128,000 miles. In late August 2026, I noticed a deep knocking noise coming from the engine shortly after an oil change. The knocking increased with engine RPM and continued even after the engine warmed up. The oil level appeared full, and there was no oil-pressure warning light. I brought the vehicle to Liberty Honda in Connecticut for diagnosis. Their technician investigated the noise, identified it as internal connecting-rod knock, and determined that the engine requires complete replacement. The dealership quoted approximately $19,210 plus tax for the repair. I have driven approximately 40,000 miles since purchasing this vehicle and have consistently maintained it. Oil changes were performed at Valvoline approximately every 3,000–5,000 miles using their premium oil service. Routine maintenance was performed by an independent mechanic, while major repairs were handled by Honda dealerships. The timing belt was serviced at approximately 84,000 miles. I am concerned because Honda previously recalled certain 2017 Ridgelines for connecting-rod-bearing defects, and NHTSA has separately investigated similar failures in 2017–2019 Ridgelines outside the original recall population. My vehicle has experienced the same type of failure being investigated This condition presents a serious safety concern because connecting-rod-bearing failure can cause sudden engine failure and loss of power while driving. I have avoided further driving because of this risk. American Honda denied my request for goodwill assistance toward engine replacement. I am reporting this failure so NHTSA can evaluate it alongside similar complaints.

This exact event is described in a Honda service bullertion (see attached)

connecting rod bearing (Recall 23V-751) failed in my 2017 Honda Ridgeline which was not part of the recall for this issue. Oil light came on and I took to my mechanic for service and on the way there i started to hear engine noise. As I pulled into mechanics shop he was outside and heard the noise. He told me that the car was getting ready to have catastrophic engine failure and was going to need a new engine. I was going to drive to the parking lot next door and leave the car to have it towed back to my house and it died as i was tuning into the lot. It was dangerous as it died where there was traffic passing by and i had to push the car out of traffic. The engine light came on Sunday, Monday (Labor Day)the car was not driven and then was taken to mechanic Tuesday morning.

The first time I was driving about 30 miles an hour. There was a car in front of me about 10 car lengths who put on his blinker to make a left turn. I started to tap my brakes to slow down. The car was so far in front of me that I didn’t even need to slow down, I was being careful. Suddenly the truck shuddered and stopped and BRAKE, BRAKE flashed on the screen in front of the steering wheel. Everything in the truck flew forward. The people in the vehicle behind me started blasting the horn because they almost rear ended me. My truck just slammed on the brakes for no reason. Another time I was driving down the interstate highway. There were no cars in front, behind or on either side of me. Suddenly, the truck shuddered and BRAKE, BRAKE flashed across the screen. I was driving about 70 miles an hour. The truck did not stop. It just shuddered and slowed down. Those were the two scariest times. The truck since then will flash BRAKE on occasion if I step on the brakes to start slowing down. I called customer service for American Honda and they told me to take it to a Honda dealer when it was happening.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The “4WD Failure” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,055.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating before becoming inoperable. The check engine warning light illuminated, and five seconds later the "Low Oil Pressure" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with a spun rod bearing and engine knock. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact stated that additional diagnostic tests confirmed that the engine rod bearings and connecting rods had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Engine self destructed while driving on the highway. Lot of smoke and the car came to a stop pretty quickly. Oil and coolant dumped out of the bottom.

Bought this vehicle in December 2025 used from a dealership. After about a month, I started hearing a noise coming from behind the steering wheel inside the dashboard area. Being that it was a new car to us. We weren’t sure if the noise was problematic so we didn’t take it in right away. The noise started getting worse after a few months and we brought it in. The mechanic couldn’t find the reason for the noise however did notice that there was metal in the oil and heard a knocking that was abnormal in the engine. After some investigation, we discovered that 2017 Honda Ridge lines were known for connecting rod, bearing failures, and many of the vehicles were under recall. We checked the VIN number of our vehicle and were told that this was not under this warranty. We called Honda Customer Care to talk to them about the fact that this problem seem to be the same problem as the service bulletin problem. We asked if they could cover the cost of the repair. They suggested we needed to have it diagnosed by a Honda dealership. We brought it to the Honda dealership who told told us that it would cost $1000 out-of-pocket to be able to diagnose this problem properly. We now have a car that potentially has a extremely dangerous and potentially catastrophic engine problem with premature deterioration and failure of the crankshaft connecting rod bearings that we are afraid to drive and we don’t have the money to fix. When doing research it suggests that there are at least 1.4 million vehicles that are under investigation for the possibility of having the problem that is addressed by the recall, and many of these vehicles are still having this engine failure and we think ours may be one of these. We have not seen any engine warning lights yet however, the mechanic suggested that it is premature crankshaft connecting rod bearing failure as evidenced by the amount of metals showing up in the oil. We just recently replaced the oil in early June (less than 2,000 miles ago).

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear subframe, rear axle, and suspension were corroded and rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The contact was concerned that the suspension could fail due to the corrosion. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Transmission Jutter or pulsing going up a slight incline at 45mph 50k miles on vehicle Problem repaired by dealer under extended warranty Now same problem occurring again at 90k miles

My car alarm randomly goes off. With no user interaction, the dashboard lights will flicker and i hear clicking noises from the dashboard. Then the alarm triggers randomly. i have to manually use the key fob to turn the alarm off. Honda has acknowledged this issue with service bulletin 21-055. This has caused my car battery to die and i was left stranded. Honda has failed to put a warranty extension or recall for this item.

Camshaft failure, component not available for inspection. It was replaced at dealer. If this had failed on the highway at highway speeds it could have resulted in a serious accident. This issue was diagnosed and repaired at a dealership. There were numerous warning lights that came on. That is what alerted that there was a problem. Camshaft failure at 51,350 miles.. Premature failure of camshaft was wobbling and caused the failure of other engine components including camshaft, camshaft sensor, timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, and other components, seals, and gaskets. Repair total was over 2,600

Engine seized while driving on the highway. Diagnosed to be a failed rod bearing leading to catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle and engine have 84,000 miles. I have owned and driven it since new.

The automatic transmission light/warning lid up. Took to the dealer for diagnostic test. They recommended for transmission replacement based on the codes. Contact Honda to remedy. They review the diagnosis and agreed with the dealer for transmission replacement. It’s terrible that Honda transmission had to be replaced at less than 120,000 miles. The cost to replace is so expensive l, ~$10,500. Honda should recall these defected transmission.

Engine Wiring harness. Safety recall denied to me. NHTSA #16V888000 Safety issue details are in the safety recall. VSA braking can malfunction causing accident. Honda ran diagnostic . Problem with 3rd party Delphi wiring harnesses . I have the exact problem as the safety recall confirmed by the honda service department. yes there was the exact warning lamps associated with the safety recall I had to pay out of pocket and have tried to resolve with honda corporate vin specific is a game they play and they have a history of undercutting their issues and warranties to get out of fixing their manufacturing errors. I can give you plenty of examples

Transmission started shifting roughly last year, dealership has changed fluid a few times and shifting was better but last time rough shifting came back within a few months. I was driving on a two lane highway and did three individual passes of slower vehicles, after the third pass my transmission lost its mind and started banging into gear then going into neutral, I had to feather the accelerator all the way home. Next drive a few days later in regular traffic it clunked into gears, I did feel the judder for the first time, entered the freeway; check emissions, transmission, blind spot warnings all came on. Got it home a few miles later and had it towed to my dealership, was told the trans is shot, there was metal debris in the fluid. Negotiated getting a reman trans from Honda at a huge expense for a truck only worth $10k according to what carvana would give for it but I can’t find any light truck that I want to spend $45k on again. Having the trans replaced made the most sense since my truck is in really good shape (knock on wood) otherwise. Honda adjusted the cost under Goodwill which I appreciate but the cost should’ve been lowered much more and increase the warranty for others with this trans. People think Hondas are bombproof but then we’re blindsided by this huge repair and people don’t know what they’re getting into by buying these used when used car dealers can really take advantage knowing this fatal flaw exists and knowing most shoppers won’t know and will trust that it’ll be fine being a Honda product.