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 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. This Engineering Analysis is being opened 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 Opening 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.

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

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pushed the vehicle into the parking spot. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod fractured, causing the engine to seize. The dealer suggested an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, filed a case, and advised the contact that he might be contacted within a week. The failure mileage was approximately 84,300.

NHTSA ID

11742656

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Mileage

84,300 mi

My wife and I had decided to empty our storage unit, so on Memorial Day we began moving everything into the garage. After five or six trips Honda, I pulled the car up beside the RV and close to the house for what turned out to be the last load. I unloaded my bicycle and nearly everything else, leaving only a few small items, and then removed the massage table from the back seat. The engine was off this entire time. That was when I noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. At first, I thought the radiator had overheated, so I tried to open the hood, but it was too hot. I went into the garage for gloves and a fire extinguisher and tried again, but still could not get it open. Realizing the situation was getting worse and that I could not stop it there, I jumped into the car and tried to start it. To my surprise, it started immediately, and I drove it as fast as I could out to the street in front of the house. Only later did I realize that this likely saved my RV—and possibly the front of my house as well—from catching fire. We were so blessed that I was able to move the car to a safer location and no one was hurt. It was a miracle.

NHTSA ID

11740191

Incident

May 25, 2026

While operating my 2019 Honda Ridgeline at normal driving speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning. Immediately prior to failure, a loud metallic knocking/hammering noise developed from the engine area. Within seconds, the engine lost power and shut off completely while the vehicle was in motion. After the shutdown, the vehicle would not restart. Attempts to start the engine resulted in minimal or no crank, even when using a jump start. The vehicle had to be towed. A subsequent inspection determined that the engine had no compression, indicating severe internal mechanical failure. The failure occurred abruptly and without any prior warning lights, temperature issues, or drivability concerns. This failure created a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle lost all power while driving, which could have resulted in a loss of control or increased risk of collision, especially in higher-speed or traffic conditions.

NHTSA ID

11729521

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable, and a black screen or a flashing screen was displayed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V867000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11725290

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

90,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. A diagnostic test revealed codes for the catalytic converter efficiency below threshold Bank 2, and Bank 2 air-fuel ratio imbalance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the dealer referenced NHTSA ID Number: 10187289 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11723342

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

60,000 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.