2020 Honda Ridgeline Owner Complaints

The vehicle's Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) feature is defective and creates a severe safety hazard. While stopped at a busy road intersection, the feature engaged and shut the engine off normally. However, when releasing the brake pedal to proceed, the engine glitched and completely failed to restart, leaving the vehicle completely stalled, unpowered, and stranded in live traffic. The vehicle became a sitting duck in the intersection. This is a recurring issue that requires a complete ignition power cycle to recover, posing an immediate risk of a rear-end or side-impact collision. It happens most often under heavy load. Hot day with AC on, or Cold day with Heater on and seat warmers. Dealer ignored or failed to re-create at first because it was intermittent. I've been through SOFTWARE UPDATE, STARTER, RELAY REPLACEMENT AND VALVE ADJUSTMENTS (twice) and a new BATTERY over several years and it still stalls. It's dangerous and terrifying to be immobilized in traffic when it won't start.

NHTSA ID

11754865

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

The vehicle's front-facing monocular camera experienced an internal component failure that triggered a permanent error code U3000-49. This hardware failure instantly disabled multiple core safety features simultaneously, including the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation, and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) ABS Braking and High Beam Support with all dash lights remaining on. The sudden, unexpected loss of automatic safety braking and driver-assist features while moving poses an immediate highway safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11754863

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, the contact determined that one of the ignition coils had failed. The contact purchased a new ignition coil, replaced the part, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed due to a loosened connecting rod and needed to be replaced. The contact ordered a new engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID

11752401

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

Mileage

118,000 mi

2020 Honda Ridgeline-Internal failure, multi purpose camera. Multiple lights on dashboard and codes associated with driving support system, Collision Mitigation, Braking System, Lane keeping assist system, Road departure mitigation, Transmission System error. All these are showing up because of the front camera going out due to overheating. Dealership quoted $1197.20 for replacement. Multiple safety violations making vehicle unsafe to drive. Extended warranty will not cover.

NHTSA ID

11751289

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

BCM module failure. Keyless entry error. Vehicle dashboard lit up with many errors. Car alarm went on and off. Car will not start . Disconnect battery toe reset. Drove home and the car doesn’t want to stop running or idling. Disconnect battery till it turns off.

NHTSA ID

11745207

Incident

Jun 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 26V332000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the bolt set needed to perform the suspension recall repair, and the parts needed to perform the air bags recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had expressed frustrations due to a lack of support from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11745015

Incident

Jun 18, 2026

My vehicle has safety recall, I contacted twice Honda Dealer and I was informed that part has been ordered. It has been timer a year, but so far no update.

NHTSA ID

11741066

Incident

Mar 8, 2025

While stopped in heavy traffic at a traffic signal, the engine stopped and would not restart. This was due to the AIS system. The car became disabled in heavy traffic. I was only a few feet from the entrance to a gas station, however due to the interlock system that locks the transmission in Park, the truck could not be pushed out of traffic. Honda, unlike other manufacturers the use the same transmission, does NOT supply an emergency over ride to get the transmission out of park ( hazard). After a few minutes of sitting in heavy traffic and nearly. wing hit by fast moving cars, the engine did restart. This is not the first time this has happened. The dealership is over 100 miles drive to have to checked (r/t).

NHTSA ID

11730561

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Connecting rod/bearing failure.

NHTSA ID

11716446

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

After parking on the roadside with engine off for about 10 minutes, the truck would not start. I tried to start twice; the dash lights came on, I could hear the starter try to engage, felt a slight forward lurch from the vehicle, then nothing. The starter seemed to disengage' the dash lights stayed on, and the electric system went into ACC mode. I tried twice with same result. I attempted to put the shift selector in neutral, but it stayed in Park. I was seated in truck, seat belt on, foot pressing on brake pedal. After waiting a few minutes, it cranked and started normally. No further issues the rest of the day. The weather was mild, sunny, temperatures in the mid-60’s fahrenheit.

NHTSA ID

11716114

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

Stranded in traffic unable to start almost got rearend because the start-stop died and to cycle to park to get it started. This has happen on more than one time.

NHTSA ID

11711752

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

Spun Rod Bearing at 70,000 miles. Truck will need a new Short Block. Truck has been at the dealer for all recommended service and oil changes.

NHTSA ID

11703371

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Dealership has not completed NHTSA Recall Number24V-064 Honda dealer is saying they do not have parts to perform this recall.

NHTSA ID

11699942

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

Auto stop start does not work properly in this vehicle after repeated fixes by Honda and dealership. Vehicle sometimes does not restart after stop start engaged at stop causing a stall like event. Auto stop start tries to start vehicle after stop but vehicle either stalls/fails to restart or is extremely slow to restart. Vehicle has been repaired, new starter, new battery, new relays less than one year ago and vehicle is now experiencing the same issues. Owner (me) is now disabling feature every time vehicle is started to prevent system from engaging.

NHTSA ID

11699941

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that three rod bearings and that cylinders #3, #5, and #6 had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11696828

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

Mileage

140,000 mi

The rod bearings had failed on cylinders 3,5, and 6 at 140 thousand miles with proper mantice being done to it. This has been confirmed by the dealer Honda Maryslviie in Maryslive, Ohio. The vehicle has just been looked at by the dealer. No warning lamps but just started to hear knocking in the engine.

NHTSA ID

11696748

Incident

Oct 7, 2025

1. Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior. Driver mirror fell off. 2. Windshield multipurpose camera unit, u3000-49, burned out. Requiring replacement within 4 years of purchase. 3. The auto idle stop stalls the car.

NHTSA ID

11692453

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

While stopped at a traffic light on a state highway the idle stop did shut off the engine. When the light turned green, I released the brake, but the engine did not crank or start. After placing transmission into Park, I attempted to start normally. There was no response to the start button being pushed, other than all the typical pre-start warning lights check on the panel. Tried to start with transmission selector in Neutral..same result. All doors and hood was closed, driver in seat, belt fastened, and key nearby. I attempted to get out and push the truck to the side of road with assistance. Unable to do that because of the transmission park interconnect. After about 3 minutes trying multiple times to start the engine, it finally did start normally. The vehicle battery is pretty new and checking the voltage at home, it is fine. This is a dangerous situation. This “ Idle stop” system is senseless and a safety hazard. I have not received any notice from Honda about any recall on this system.

NHTSA ID

11691717

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11690349

Incident

Sep 29, 2025

Truck stalls repeatedly at intersections due to failure of ignition to restart after stop signs or stoplights. Warning lights come on and complete restart is required. Other motorists become agitated.

NHTSA ID

11688039

Incident

Aug 16, 2025

My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an Auto Idle/Start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an intersection. The Auto Idle system automatically turned off the engine as intended. About 2 minutes later, when the brake was released and gas pedal pressed, the engine did not restart. The truck stalled. Various efforts (~ 1 minute of panic) ensued to start the engine. Eventually, put the truck in park, waited, then started the engine. This situation occurred during high traffic at a busy intersection. It caused other drivers to take risks pulling out in front of other cars to get around my stalled vehicle. It was a very dangerous situation. A class action lawsuit was filed against Honda about this. Honda claims their software update fixed the problem. My scary experience shows that it did not fix the issue. Their auto idle/start system is simply unsafe. Also, it is not possible to permanently disable it.

NHTSA ID

11685560

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

Auto start stop fails to work.

NHTSA ID

11684274

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

Multi purpose camera behind front mirror failed. Most safety systems will not work. Various warnings regarding system failure were noted on dash. Supposedly a bad battery installed and warranted by dealer caused this problem? Dealer covered the battery but charged $2100.00 to replace the camera!

NHTSA ID

11681392

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Auto Idle Stop system is not working correctly. Usual it happens at a traffic light, the truck Auto Idle Stop system sometimes will not start the engine and requires me to put it in park and restart with the primary starter. Took the truck to Honda dealer and they told me the best remedy was to turn off the Auto Idle Stop system every time I use the truck. This does not seem like a reasonable fix. I have had the truck or 5 years, but only have about 26000 miles on the vehicle.The Auto Idle Stop system has failed to work approximately 15 to 20 times since I bought the truck new in 2020.

NHTSA ID

11681064

Incident

Jul 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, a large sheep ran out of a yard and crashed into her vehicle with its head and horns on the driver's side front end near the bumper. The contact stated that the impact moved the vehicle to the right side of the road. The contact stated that she was lifted out of the seat and forward by the impact. The contact hit her head on the roof of the vehicle. The contact stated that her abdomen and left knee hit the steering wheel, and her right knee hit the dashboard. The contact stated that the air bag had not deployed, and the seat belt had not restrained her. The contact stopped the vehicle and saw that the driver's side headlight was shattered, and a part of the front fender was dented. The contact also saw that the engine shield had been sheared off from under the vehicle. The contact stated that the police arrived on scene and issued a report. The contact did not have the report number. The contact stated that the EMT team was not called. The contact stated that she had bruises on her knees and abdomen, and she had 2 bumps on the right and left sides of her head. The contact stated that she later went to see her doctor. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to a collision repair shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11680951

Incident

Aug 5, 2025

Mileage

65,000 mi