2019 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.

While sitting in traffic on a 6 lane major thoroughfare the engine stopped running and would not restart. I had to exit the truck and cross multiple lanes of heavy traffic to get to a safe location. There was a slight engine knocking/tapping noise prior to the engine failure but no warning lights or messages of any kind alerting me to any sort of problem. I immediately had the truck towed to Price Honda in Dover, Delaware where I have been servicing it for the past 4 or 5 years. It is currently still there, and available for inspection, as I wait for some sort of resolution from American Honda. The dealership didn’t actually diagnose what caused the failure other than stating that there were metal shavings in the oil and oil filter. They only gave me a quote to replace the engine with a used engine for $8,225.53. There is currently a an NHTSA recall on some of these 2019 Ridgelines for failure of connecting rod bearings which I believe, and the Price Honda Technician who looked at my truck concluded was quite possible, is the reason for my engine failure. That NHTSA ID for that recall is 23V751000 Engine Damage From Connecting Rod Bearing Failure.

NHTSA ID

11766636

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

Multiple cylinder misfires P0306. There is a active TSB for My year and model and Honda denied my vin

NHTSA ID

11766502

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

Oil light flash and I receive a alarm from emssion system problem. I stop to check the oil quantity and it was OK. I was near home and to motor just stop and can not start the motor the crank is seize. My NIV is not on Honda recall for the engine problem about the connecting rod bearings so Honda don't won't to covert anytime for my problem. A lot of people seen to have the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11764645

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

On [XXX], at [XXX] am MDT, the closed sunroof on our 2019 Honda Ridgeline RTL exploded, without warning, while we were driving northbound on [XXX] north of [XXX]. At the time of the sunroof exploding, there were no cars close to us, in front or behind, and no overpass overhead. The glass projectiles of the sunroof, at high velocity, entered the cabin, struck and cut the back of my wife's left hand. My wife and I were covered in shards of glass. I could see a cloud of glass shards fall to the surface of the freeway in my rearview mirror at the time of the explosion. The vehicle is currently being serviced and estimated for damages at Ralph Schomp Honda in Highlands Ranch, CO. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11762614

Incident

Sep 7, 2026

NHTSA Recall Campaign Number Associated: 22V430000 (Honda Codes AOU/AOT) My 2019 Honda Ridgeline is registered in Maine (a designated salt-belt state) and has a completely rusted-through rear subframe. The local authorized Honda dealership inspected the vehicle and officially grounded it, stating it is fundamentally unsafe to drive and cannot pass Maine State Inspection due to structural failure at the suspension mounting points. Despite the clear language of Recall 22V430000 requiring Honda to "repair or replace affected components free of charge" if they fail inspection, American Honda Corporate has officially denied coverage. Corporate customer service stated they are not responsible for corrosion caused by winter road materials. This directly contradicts the purpose of this federal recall, which was issued because improper factory paint adhesion left the subframe vulnerable to road salt. Honda is actively violating federal law by refusing to provide the mandated remedy for a structurally failed, unsafe vehicle. American Honda Case Number: 1656861

NHTSA ID

11757663

Incident

Aug 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and emissions warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with fuel injector failures. The contact was informed that fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced another time. The vehicle was repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID

11751033

Incident

Jul 16, 2024

Mileage

46,000 mi

I have an engine failure at 99k miles. The car is in pristine condition inside out. Oil changes are done every 5k miles. Without any warning, check engine light or any indication from the car's computer, the engine just failed while driving. It sounded like there was something grinding inside the engine. The truck was towed to Honda dealer and they said I need a new engine replacement. They found metal shavings in the engine oil. The invoice indicates "Found more has bad rod knock recommend replace engine assembly"

NHTSA ID

11750643

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact associated NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); with the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and then to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a lower-end rod bearing failure and a damaged crankshaft. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11744792

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

Mileage

87,000 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.