2018 Honda Ridgeline

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline.  The subject engine failures were analyzed as part of a Recall Query (RQ24013).  It was determined that these engine failures are outside the scope of Honda Recall 23V-751. Further, evidence gathered in conjunction with RQ24013 does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that is addressed by Honda in Recall 23V-751.  Based on analysis of data from RQ24013, NHTSA has closed that investigation. The significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of RQ24013 presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation.  ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues.  To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On November 23, 2022, American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) filed recall 22V-867 to address a loss of the Rear-View Camera (RVC) function in model year (MY) 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. On May 3, 2024 Honda filed another recall, 24V-321, relating to the loss of the RVC function in MY 2020-2024 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The production parts recalled under 24V-321 and the parts used for the remedy in 22V-867 used the same supplier and materials for critical components in the RVC wire harness. As such, on June 26, 2024, ODI opened Recall Query RQ24011 to investigate the long-term suitability of the remedy in recall 22V-867. After receiving 14 total reports of RVC wire harness failures in vehicles that received the remedy for recall 22V-867, NHTSA upgraded the RQ investigation to this Engineering Analysis (EA25003) to further assess these failures. Recall 22V-867 states that the RVC wire harness was manufactured with a protective corrugated tubing that was insufficient to protect against bending wear and zip ties that were insufficiently tightened and would not keep the protective tubing in place. The consequence is that the RVC wire harness may fatigue and break after the tailgate is repeatedly opened and closed. This ultimately results in the failure of the RVC to display an image due to a lack of connectivity. Honda’s remedy, as identified in the recall filing, was a replacement harness with longer protective corrugated tubing and sufficiently tightened zip ties. This remedy part was also installed as a production part in certain MY 2019 Ridgeline vehicles. Recall 24V-321 states that the RVC wire harness was manufactured with a material which was susceptible to breakage upon repeated opening and closing of the tailgate, which ultimately leads to a complete loss of RVC function. Honda’s remedy identified in the recall filing was a replacement harness manufactured by a new supplier with improved material properties to withstand wear from bending. Since the remedy parts for recall 22V-867 and the production parts recalled under 24V-321 use the same supplier and materials for critical components in the RVC wire harness, ODI opened this investigation. To date, ODI has received 4 allegations of RVC failures.  Honda reported a total of 27 complaints of RVC failure. ODI’s analysis of these reports revealed that the majority of these reports are related to different failure modes within the RVC or harness. Thus, these reports cannot be attributed to the durability concern being assessed in this investigation. During the investigation, ODI utilized NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) to analyze further the potential safety related consequence and frequency of the alleged failures. VRTC surveyed owners of the subject vehicles in Ohio to collect additional information on the presence of RVC wire harness failures in vehicles subject to recall 22V-867. VRTC also performed inspections of select vehicles identified from the survey responses. The survey responses received and results of inspections did not show any RVC failures resulting from wire harness damage. Additionally, VRTC completed durability testing on the subject wire harness in an attempt to duplicate the failure mode. The test results indicated that the subject part is not expected to fail within a reasonable vehicle life span. As a result of ODI’s analysis of the field data and available test data, this Engineering Analysis is being closed without further action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On November 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ24013 to assess the scope of Honda recall 23V-751 after receiving complaints that alleged connecting rod bearing failures in vehicles that were not within the scope of recall 23V-751. In November 2023, Honda recalled 248,999 various Model Year (MY)2016–2020 Honda and Acura vehicles equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine. Honda recalled these vehicles due to a crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused premature connecting rod bearing wear and engine seizure. While the out-of-scope failures involved in these complaints appear to have a very similar failure mechanism as the recalled engines, a thorough analysis of all available data from Honda has not indicated that the same manufacturing defect exists in the out-of-scope engines as the engines recalled by 23V-751. Based on this analysis ODI has determined that Honda has properly defined the scope of recall 23V-751. Consequently, ODI will close this RQ investigation.  NHTSA will continue to investigate these complaints of engine failure as part of a new Preliminary Evaluation Investigation (PE25008). The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.

On June 26, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ24011) to assess the long-term suitability of the remedy for recall 22V-867, which was filed on November 23, 2022 by American Honda Motor Co. (Honda). Recall 22V-867 addressed concerns of a loss of the Rear-View Camera (RVC) function in model year (MY) 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. Recall 22V-867 states that the RVC wire harness was manufactured with a protective corrugated tubing which was insufficient to protect against bending wear and zip ties which were insufficiently tightened and would not keep the protective tubing in place. The consequence is that the RVC wire harness may fatigue and break after repeated opening and closing of the tailgate. This ultimately results in the failure of the RVC image to display due to a lack of connectivity. Honda’s remedy identified in the recall filing was a replacement harness with longer protective corrugated tubing and sufficiently tightened zip ties. This remedy part was also installed as a production part in certain MY 2019 Ridgeline vehicles. On May 3, 2024, Honda submitted recall 24V-321 to ODI, addressing concerns of a loss of the RVC function in MY 2020-2024 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. Recall 24V-321 states that the RVC wire harness was manufactured with a material which was susceptible to breakage upon repeated opening and closing of the tailgate, which ultimately leads to a complete loss of RVC function. Honda’s remedy identified in the recall filing was a replacement harness manufactured by a new supplier with improved material properties to withstand wear from bending. Since the remedy parts for recall 22V-867 and the production parts recalled under 24V-321 use the same supplier and materials for critical components in the RVC wire harness, ODI opened RQ24011. To date, ODI has received 1 allegation of a 22V-867 remedy RVC wire harness failure. Honda indicated that it is aware of a total of 14 reports regarding remedy RVC wire harness failures associated with Recall 22V-867. Additional remedy parts may not have yet seen sufficient wear to induce the failure. ODI also believes further testing is necessary to assess the potential failures in these parts. RQ24011 is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA25003) to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety related consequences of the Rear View Camera harness failures in 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. To review the ODI report cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.

NHTSA ID

11765358

Incident

Jul 27, 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)

NHTSA ID

11760566

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11759800

Incident

Mar 17, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11758596

Incident

Jul 18, 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.

NHTSA ID

11737831

Incident

Apr 3, 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.

NHTSA ID

11737382

Incident

May 9, 2026

Mileage

58,538 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11731559

Incident

Mar 23, 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.

NHTSA ID

11722952

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

Mileage

40,539 mi

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.

Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2019 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inoperable. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.