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2017 Honda Ridgeline Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
93
Latest May 26, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
28%
of 336 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 93 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 93, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed May 26, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11739998
Incident
May 26, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 7, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11729822
Incident
Jan 9, 2026
Electrical
Filed Nov 2, 2025

My vehicle just reached 101,000 miles and is having engine problems, vehicle will not accelerate past 40mph which is really unsafe, I saw a article that this was a common issue on the 2017 model.

NHTSA ID
11697054
Incident
Oct 20, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 24, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID
11689491
Incident
Aug 28, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jul 22, 2025

Vehicle started on it's own without key fob triggering the alarming system to turn on. They only way to turn both off was to disconnect the battery.

NHTSA ID
11675258
Incident
Jul 22, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 23, 2025

I was driving home climbing a hill in the slight rain when the check engine light came on. I drove with the light on to get to the next closest city about 2 minutes out from where the light came on. The engine was running rough and shaking the car and was having issues stopping at a light before I could pull into a parking lot. I pulled into the parking lot, my book said that it was a misfire and to let the engine cool off so I sat for about 2 hours, checked fluids then started the car. the ticking noise was there but there were no lights on my dash at the time and assumed it could make it home after I let it idle for 5 minutes. I proceeded to get on the road and the vehicle did ok. I got on the freeway to get home, slowly let the car climb to 50 and kept it there. 1 minute later the whole dash glowed saying everything was not working and giving special pop-ups on the dash explaining the VSA, ABS, and electronic power steering were not working to name a few. I stopped the car and pulled over immediately and called for a tow. I took it to my local electric shop to see because the brakes still worked and they said that it was possibly the ECM, that they couldn't fix it, and the ticking was a heatshield, and to take it to the dealer. I then towed it to the dealer. The Honda techs said that they didn't know what was wrong because the car wasn't throwing any codes. They replaced the tailgate harness that the previous dealer I took it to didn't and said to replace the pully and tensioner before they drove and diagnosed it further. I had it towed to another shop to get those replaced. This shop listed some of the same fault codes as the first shop and when they tested the vehicle they had called me to come in and inspect the vehicle as they started it after it was at the dealer and told me it was an engine knock and that the engine would need to be replaced with the drive shaft. I called Honda's corporate office and they took my complaint and documented it only.

NHTSA ID
11662715
Incident
Mar 28, 2025
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 25, 2025

So I complained before and nothing has happened. I took my Ridgeline in for the recall on the backup camera and my camera still flickers or goes out. Happens randomly not all the time. I brought it up twice to the Honda dealership and they couldn’t help me since it was working fine when I brought it in. And my transmission since 20k miles still lags and jutters and makes clanking sounds. I have done multiple transmissions fluid changes like recommended but I don’t trust it. And only the first time they covered it and did a software update but that didn’t fix it then my warranty expired and they wanted to charge me for any repairs after. I have had this issue since I bought the Ridgeline. Not even 100k miles and I can’t trust it to drive more than an hour. This been happening for years and I complained before but nothing ever got done. My backup camera still goes in and out as of today and I have received multiple transmission is over heating warnings that then turn off. And now it’s starting to to not shift sometimes and high revs it.

NHTSA ID
11656715
Incident
Mar 12, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jan 21, 2025

My truck often clicks inside the cabin, the dashboard flashes on/off, the horn honks, outside lights flicker, and it has drained the battery three times. I cannot lock my truck in fear that it will not open. I've been places where they've asked me to move my vehicle due to this problem causing a disturbance. I've purchased 3 batteries in 7 years and have been stranded each time. I see that this problem has been reported several times by other affected honda ridgeline truck owners. It should become a safety recall due to these disturbing incidents as well as leaving people stranded with drained batteries because of the electrical problem.

NHTSA ID
11637503
Incident
Jan 18, 2020
Electrical
Filed Dec 23, 2024

The Stop/Start button does not start or stop the engine when pushed. Honda has an "extended warranty" but will only honor the warranty "if a code has been set" regardless of the error messages displayed on the dash or the failure of the button to function While an extended warranty is of some value, in my opinion, the failure of the "Stop" button to stop the engine immediately when required (which happens frequently) creates a safety hazard and should result in a recall rather than simply an extended warranty, which has limitations of time and mileage in addition to the "circumstances" (i.e. the "trouble code must be present")

NHTSA ID
11632144
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
Electrical
Filed Aug 17, 2024

The backup camera on my Honda Ridgeline was repaired under a recall but is now defective again. I hope Honda will investigate the previous recall repairs and issue another fix in the future.

NHTSA ID
11609095
Incident
Aug 16, 2024
Electrical
Filed Feb 3, 2024

My incident is related to Keyless system problem, it is drained out the battery and I can't be able start on my pickup. Because it is turn on and off the instrumental panel several times until the battery is drained out of power. This Keyless system, shouldn't affect the battery, because his function is only for turn on the vehicle. I never thought this kind of new turn on system buttons.

NHTSA ID
11569677
Incident
Feb 1, 2024
Electrical
Filed Dec 21, 2023

My 2017 Ridgeline had clicking noises in the dash and the interior lights were flickering, truck was in the garage at home. I was able to start the truck and move it outside. I was afraid it may be a short and start a fire. Upon turning off truck it started making the noises again and interior lights flickering. I took it to Honda the next day and after two days they claimed they couldn't figure it out but charged me to disconnect my after market amp and labor for diagnostic. Two days later the issue persisted. I called Honda again and brought it in, this time there was a code to read. The code was "keyless start system problem" so they ordered the module to fix it but explained that it was on backorder and there was no ETA on when I'd get the part. A few weeks later I was stranded at work because my truck had been trying to go into accessory mode all day with the horn blowing. This problem is very intermittent but if left it will drain the battery. It seems to be every 2-3 days that the problem happens.

NHTSA ID
11561405
Incident
Dec 6, 2023
Electrical
Filed Nov 5, 2023

The factory radio with a 5” display in my 2017 Honda Ridgeline is having multiple issues. 1: Freezing up 2: The unit will restart multiple times while driving 3: Sometimes the unit will display a black screen but still function in the background. I thought these issues would go away after I had my local dealership perform the most recent backup camera recall repair.

NHTSA ID
11553623
Incident
Sep 1, 2023
Electrical
Filed Oct 27, 2023

Wireless Control Module left me stranded when it stopped working not allowing me to start my car. According to the dealership, they are seeing this issue and more striking is the amount of complaints online nationwide regarding 2016-18 Honda Pilots, which I only assume to be the same module as the Ridgeline. Had to tow my car three times in 2 days because only the dealership can fix this problem. I feel I needed to report just in case there were others that did, because this seems like it should be a recall item. It is currently at the dealership waiting for parts. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID
11552150
Incident
Oct 22, 2023
Electrical
Filed Sep 3, 2023

Backup camera is inoperable. The radio will freeze up, shut itself off or reboot itself. I tried to get the necessary recall repaired through my local dealership but they tell me it cannot be done at the present time.

NHTSA ID
11542341
Incident
May 15, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalVisibility
Filed Aug 13, 2023

MY 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE's backup camera is not working. Screen its totally BLACK. I can not see to the rear in the camera.

NHTSA ID
11538199
Incident
Aug 3, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jun 22, 2023

This is a problematic issue for many Honda Ridgeline owner. The the instrument panel light flicker when the car is park and alarm will sound for no particular reason. when this happen, sometime I am not able to start the car. (if possible please below link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DClnLAj7G8I I wonder what would happen if this issue happen while the vehicle is in motion. I spoke to Honda and notify them about this issue. Note: base on my research, this problem started to occur when the mileage reach between 35,0000 to 45,000 miles and not just 2017 Ridgeline. There other manufacture years are having the similar issue.

NHTSA ID
11528232
Incident
Jun 21, 2023
Electrical
Filed May 21, 2023

I am writing in regards to our 2017 Honda Ridgeline. We have purchased 6 Honda vehicles over the years from Shockley Honda in Frederick Maryland, and this is our second Ridgeline. However our truck has been in the shop for almost a month and we do not know when it can be repaired. On April 29th at 4:30 AM our alarm system repeatedly went off. We got it to the dealership to learn that we would need to replace the Body Control Module However this part is on national backorder with no estimated date of delivery. We are currently without a vehicle which has been an extreme inconvenience. We have researched this problem and we have learned that this is a common problem and has happened numerous times in the 2017-2022 Honda Ridgelines. I do not understand how your large Company has not identified this as a major problem and safety issue. We learned that there has never been a recall for this or the problem solved all these years. Our truck only has 52.000 miles on it so it does not relate to wear. I am hoping that your company can look into this or reach out to inform us how long it will take to receive our part. Again this is not an isolated problem with these models but ongoing with numerous incidents for Ridgeline owners.

NHTSA ID
11523078
Incident
May 21, 2023
Electrical
Filed May 17, 2023

The vehicle alarm will go off intermittently, when parked. I have to keep the vehicle unlocked, which is extremely unsafe since it is in my driveway. You cannot replicate this since you do not know when it will happen. I travel a lot, and when I left the vehicle at the airport the alarm ran down my battery and I had to have it jumped. Now I cannot lock my vehicle when parked at the airport. I took it in to get it checked out and they said they found an error code identifying the control unit issue. I paid for the part, which was to be ordered and that was over a month ago. I called to check on the part, and they said there were over 250 in line ahead of me for this part. If there are that many folks waiting for this control unit part, there is obviously a problem. I am attaching the file of my payment for the part and labor. I have paid for something that has not been repaired and there is no date on when it will be repaired. There is a problem with this vehicle, and this is a safety problem by not being able to lock the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11522464
Incident
Apr 1, 2023
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 20, 2023

Issues with overall dash system. If truck is locked and off the truck will continuously attempt to start and will set the alarm off. Have been unable to leave the truck locked for a year now due to this issue. This has also transitioned into most of the safety features no longer working.

NHTSA ID
11518015
Incident
Apr 1, 2022
Electrical
Filed Apr 3, 2023

Dash lights flickering, clicking sounds coming from under dash and inside hood, alarm keeps going off intermittently. This vehicle has less than 100K miles

NHTSA ID
11515091
Incident
Apr 2, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jan 21, 2023

Keyless start system error: Vehicle displayed a warning with this message. I had the vehicle battery changed and the warning code went away. A month later the same warning code returned. In reviewing blogs, others say it is most likely the keyless start button gone bad. Honda fix is reported to be $400. Worried that the vehicle could lose power while moving or not be able to start in an environment that my safety could be jeopardized. Many blog entries from others with this same problem with 2017 Honda Ridgelines.

NHTSA ID
11502948
Incident
Jan 21, 2023
Electrical
Filed Nov 22, 2022

At 90,300 miles my backup camera stopped working. When I put the transmission in Reverse, the display just shows a black screen instead of an image of what is behind my truck. Upon visual inspection I can see that the wires at the tailgate have become frayed/broken.

NHTSA ID
11494545
Incident
Nov 20, 2022
Electrical
Filed Nov 17, 2022

Broken wire(s) from the truck body to tailgate. Backup camera fails to work, making it extremely dangerous backing up truck. Honda dealer found the broken wires and quoted $498.00 to correct the problem. The camera start shorting out intermittently in Fall of 2021. Continuously started failing in May, 2022. No warning lights come on to warn of failure of camera. The camera just fails to turn on when backing up. This also puts people walking behind vehicle in danger when truck is backing up.

NHTSA ID
11493946
Incident
Oct 15, 2021
Electrical
Filed Nov 8, 2022

According to research, a known failure for years. Back-up camera wiring harness failed approximately 1 year ago. Camera inoperable. Hazard to occupants, and other people & vehicles near Ridgeline. Vehicle available for inspection. Dealer wanted approx. $150 to diagnose; stated $600+- if faulty camera, $1200+- if wiring harness (part prices only, no labor). Dealer further stated a recall has yet to be issued for this safety problem.

NHTSA ID
11492806
Incident
Nov 25, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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