2023 Honda Ridgeline Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting3927.5%
- Driver assistance2316.2%
- Engine2215.5%
- Electrical1712.0%
- Powertrain (other)117.7%
- Fuel system64.2%
- Steering64.2%
- Brakes42.8%
- Body & structure42.8%
- Visibility32.1%
- Suspension32.1%
- Airbags21.4%
- Other / unspecified21.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The auto-dimmer function does not work. On high-beam there is no automatic dimming; on low-beam the high beam automatically and randomly flashes on for a couple seconds, then off. In the latter instance, oncoming traffic gets hit with a sudden blinding flash - creating a hazard. My understanding is that this has been a problem for several years even before we bought the vehicle new and the company misled us into believing the function was available on the vehicle. The company also simply ignoring and not trying to fix it. Given the false advertisement of the functionality in the vehicle and hazard to oncoming traffic when it is on, one might reasonably expect a recall to be issued.
the auto high beam system is overly sensitive. lights flicker when a street sign is detected. dealer checked this issue and said the door switch was bad and replaced it. problem still exists. this makes night driving distracting and dangerous. no warning lamps or messages are shown on instrument panel.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact The contact stated he experienced knocking in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an air compressor failure; however, the issue persisted. The contact also stated another issue is the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The contact also experienced loss of steering control with the vehicle pulling to the right. intermittently veering towards The contact associated the issues with NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for these issues. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
This has happened for the last 2.5 years and has happened between 5 and 10 times. While stopped at a traffic light the Auto-Stop feature activates. When the light changes and I attempt to move, the vehicle enters "cuts off" and the dash board directs me to shift to Park or to step on the brake to restart the engine. It take multiple attempts but then it switches to Accessory Mode after which it generally starts. - Two pictures have been included. The one at night was in [XXX] and the other during the day, was taken on the corner of [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX]. I also have a short video clip of the [XXX] incident which occurred about two days before the [XXX] incident. Once this begins I put on my hazards to direct other vehicles to drive around. I have reported it to the dealer. The dealer assured me it was the battery and they tested the battery but the battery was fine. The issue is similar to other 2023 and is covered by TSB 23-008/23-010 (Video Link: [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ENGINE SHUTS OFF TOTALLY IN AUTO IDLE AND MUST BE RESTARTED.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
This has happened for the last 2.5 years and has happened between 5 and 10 times. While stopped at a traffic light the Auto-Stop feature activates. When the light changes and I attempt to move, the vehicle enters "cuts off" and the dash board directs me to shift to Park or to step on the brake to restart the engine. It take multiple attempts but then it switches to Accessory Mode after which it generally starts. - Two pictures have been included. The one at night was in [XXX] and the other during the day, was taken on the corner of [XXX] and [XXX] in [XXX]. I also have a short video clip of the [XXX] incident which occurred about two days before the [XXX] incident. Once this begins I put on my hazards to direct other vehicles to drive around. I have reported it to the dealer. The dealer assured me it was the battery and they tested the battery but the battery was fine. The issue is similar to other 2023 and is covered by TSB 23-008/23-010 (Video Link: [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
On about 5 occasions, and at a stop light, the auto stop did not re-engage when I attempted to move forward. The first time it happened I only had about 28k miles on it and I was making a left at a light in [XXX]. On another occasion, about 7 months ago, I was driving in [XXX] and the vehicle shut down in the same manner - it went into Accessory mode and I then turned the car off and back on before I was able to move again. The most recent occasion was about two weeks ago in [XXX]. I was about to make a left onto [XXX] from Coliseum and stalled. I had to wave people around me because I was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. In the two weeks preceeding this incident, the system seemed to act up quite a bit more and began thinking about replacing the vehicle. There were at least 3 other instances. I reported the first instance to the dealer but since the could not replicate the issue, it was ignored. I went to the dealer last week and they simply had no interest in dealing with my issue since my VIN was not in the ones designated with the problem. This is an issue! My first report was more than two years ago and I did not know there was any issue at the time - I am aware now but I am told that my vehicle is not impacted. It is INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
During warmer months of the year the vehicle can have a long pause when shifted into drive. Most commonly occurs when you finish backing up and want to go forward. The vehicle will pause and not go anywhere for 2-3 seconds. It also happens by shifting out of park into drive. Again, the vehicle will pause for 2-3 seconds. Honda dealerships are aware of this issue on the Honda Ridgeline with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It could easily cause an accident.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.
There is a presence of gasoline in the oil which is causing two(2) safety issues. 1. The infiltration of gasoline in the oil can cause the engine to malfunction to the point of seizure which could cause a sudden stop in traffic flow. 2. The noxious gasoline fumes are unbearable in the cabin of the truck causing headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness which could cause an accident while driving and could cause the driver to become disoriented and cause an accident. I took the vehicle to Napleton Honda in Loves Park, Illinois to address the problem, and they, in turn contacted American Honda for guidance. The dealership said the technical arm of American Honda said the fumes and the gasoline infiltration was, "NORMAL. I was contacted by American Honda and they suggested that I get a second opinion from another dealership, which IMHO is moot because they will contact American Honda for guidance and they will be told the exact same thing. The case number with American Honda is: XXX. The vehicle is currently under warranty for approximately one(1) more month. I had the oil analyzed by Blackstone Laboratories and they did, in fact detect gasoline in the oil. I have those results. I talked to the Honda Case Manager and she said that Honda will not/does not accept third party testing. American Honda will not even agree to test the oil themselves to determine if what I'm saying is true. I would sincerely appreciate any assistance since my truck is almost unbearable and certainly unsafe to drive. There are currently no warning or check engine lights on, but a simple oil analysis would, 100% confirm the presence of gasoline in the oil. I have noticed the gasoline odor for approximately 9 months and it has progressively gotten worse. I try to combat the noxious odors and impending motor damage by changing my oil very frequently which is approximately every 500-750 miles with full synthetic oil. Please contact me if you need anything further. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
At approximately 31,800 miles, my 2023 Honda Ridgeline failed Massachusetts state inspection due to excessive play in the steering rack. A Honda dealership technician confirmed the steering rack and both inner and outer tie rods required replacement. This vehicle is the same year and model covered under NHTSA Recall 24V184000 (steering gearbox inner ball joint housing detaching from steering rack). My VIN was not included in that recall batch; however the failure is identical in nature — premature steering component failure at extremely low mileage. Steering racks are designed to last 100,000 to 150,000+ miles under normal use. This failure occurred at roughly one-third of the minimum expected lifespan, with no prior warning signs, no crashes, no unusual road conditions, and regular maintenance. Vehicle was driven exclusively on paved roads. Component is available for inspection upon request. Failure confirmed by Honda dealership. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Safety risk: potential loss of steering control at highway speed.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact The contact stated he experienced knocking in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an air compressor failure; however, the issue persisted. The contact also stated another issue is the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The contact also experienced loss of steering control with the vehicle pulling to the right. intermittently veering towards The contact associated the issues with NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for these issues. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was leaving a place of business crossing a four lane undivided road legally to make a left turn. There was an oncoming car (at an unknown speed) in the lane I was crossing approaching rapidly. I just needed to accelerate lightly to be clear. The collision braking system activated before I could clear. The driver was headed straight for me with a broadside collision imminent. He swerved at the last minute and avoided me by heading into the oncoming traffic lane ( no oncoming cars were present). Results could have been ugly. I have to manually turn that feature off every time I start the vehicle, unless you can have it disabled for me. I do not want my vehicle making decision which I cannot control. Thank you for addressing this matter and a response would be appreciated.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving up a slope at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would fail to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred on two occasions, where on the first occasion, it almost crashed into the residence. On the most recent occasion, the contact stated that the vehicle had shuddered before independently jolting and crashing into a church building before coming to a stop. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed however was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the insurance provider related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V458000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,900.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 23,995 miles. My primary concern is an intermittent transmission/powertrain malfunction. While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp/fail-safe mode and experienced a significant loss of power and acceleration. This created a potentially dangerous situation because I was unable to accelerate normally while traveling with highway traffic. I am concerned that this could happen again without warning while merging, changing lanes, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The electronic transmission selector has also intermittently stuck or failed to operate smoothly. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other 2023 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported similar transmission warnings, limp-mode events, loss of propulsion, reduced acceleration, transmission-selector malfunctions, or related powertrain problems. The vehicle also has premature deterioration of both headlamp lenses, including fading, hazing, and cloudiness. I am concerned this may reduce nighttime light output and roadway visibility. Additionally, the engine produces an abnormal rattling noise during cold starts. Rust/corrosion is developing beneath the door weather seals, and the exterior window/pillar trim is prematurely fading and deteriorating. My most serious concern is the unexpected transmission malfunction and loss of power at highway speed. At only approximately 23,995 miles, I believe this condition warrants investigation because an unexpected reduction in propulsion can increase the risk of a collision.
While driving down the road the lower passenger side rear door garnish flew off the truck and went flying out of the wheel well.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The automatic high beam system is terrible. It is too sensitive so the beams flash hi/low on and off. Even a small road reflector on a dark empty road will force it back to low beam. Other cars I own with this type system work much better. It’s a safety hazard because auto hi-beam is on by default and you can’t count on it providing the correct amount of lighting when on dark roads, plus it annoys oncoming drivers because of the constant flashing.
See attached document for complaint.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle has significant rusting on the suspension & can be inspected upon request. The rust will deteriorate the suspension’s capacity to support the vehicle, creating a dangerous hazard for others and myself on the road. The problem was first noted by a Honda service technician, where they provided detailed images of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Images of the rust were found on the rear suspension, parts of the front suspension & in other areas like the differential box & along the shaft of the vehicle. The vehicle did not have any warning signs on the dash - however the suspension is squeaky when the vehicle is in motion.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, when the vehicle went over bumps in the road, it shook more than usual. Additionally, when the vehicle was slowed down and the brake pedal was depressed, it took more effort to depress the pedal. The vehicle was taken for inspection, where it was determined that there was a steering suspension failure and the inner and outer tie rods were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,604.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger airbag is indicated to remain on when no one is in the passenger seat. The airbag off light comes on during warning light check but then shuts off and remains off. I do not confidence that the accurate weight is being accounted for when a passenger is in the front seat.
I was on [XXX] and turned into [XXX] . I was driving at 25 miles or so. I don't know if my first or second tire flat first but immediately after my airbags at right and left front and back side got deployed and created a little fire and thick black smoke. I got shock, panicked and lost control for second and hit right front wheel trim of car to probably edge of road. I called Honda Road services to tow my car to nearest Honda services. They told me that a Tower would come over to take care of me in 120 minutes and take my car to Chantilly Honda services. Unfortunately they didn’t show up for 3 hours. I stayed outside in cold weather for 3 hours. Thankfully Police came over and saw the situation and he was really surprised with defectiveness of my car airbags. so He had to call Tow company that works for Police department to get my car to the nearest Honda services. I called Landmark Honda and told them the situation. Landmark Honda wanted me to bring my car to Landmark Alexandria instead of nearest Honda services in Chantilly. I towed my Truck to Alexandria. I paid for towing although they were supposed to pay. I talked to Honda headquarter in California but they didn't care about what i said. I could die lose my limbs or hurt other people. I am a Home improvement Contractor. I had to postpone my appointments with my new clients since then. i have no car and I have been losing business. I kindly ask you to help me with this issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was on [XXX] and turned into [XXX] . I was driving at 25 miles or so. I don't know if my first or second tire flat first but immediately after my airbags at right and left front and back side got deployed and created a little fire and thick black smoke. I got shock, panicked and lost control for second and hit right front wheel trim of car to probably edge of road. I called Honda Road services to tow my car to nearest Honda services. They told me that a Tower would come over to take care of me in 120 minutes and take my car to Chantilly Honda services. Unfortunately they didn’t show up for 3 hours. I stayed outside in cold weather for 3 hours. Thankfully Police came over and saw the situation and he was really surprised with defectiveness of my car airbags. so He had to call Tow company that works for Police department to get my car to the nearest Honda services. I called Landmark Honda and told them the situation. Landmark Honda wanted me to bring my car to Landmark Alexandria instead of nearest Honda services in Chantilly. I towed my Truck to Alexandria. I paid for towing although they were supposed to pay. I talked to Honda headquarter in California but they didn't care about what i said. I could die lose my limbs or hurt other people. I am a Home improvement Contractor. I had to postpone my appointments with my new clients since then. i have no car and I have been losing business. I kindly ask you to help me with this issue. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a rear pickup cover. I used it without problems. I took the top off and stored it in my garage. When I put it back on, I noticed nothing wrong. When I went to open the cover to put garbage bags in the rear bed, I found the first part of the tri-top did not open correctly. I took it to 2 dealers when I was told the cover could not be repaired and there were no replacement parts. I have contacted Honds USA and they refuse to do anything about this $1000 part. I want my top replaced. This was a new top, not a used one.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .