2025 Honda Ridgeline Brakes Problems

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.

NHTSA ID

11762634

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

2025 Ridgeline. Brake pedal sinks when engine started. Brake pedal sinks below the footrest. When applying brake pedal in an emergency stop my left foot contacts footrest causing me to have to release then re-apply the brakes increasing stopping distance. And then Re-applying the mushy brakes causes me to push too hard resulting in erratic braking. Took it to Lynnwood Honda who inspected and bled the brakes but would not confirm any problem. There are no warning lights. The sinking mushy brakes have not caused an accident yet.

NHTSA ID

11755721

Incident

May 15, 2026

since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off during hot weather and you want to start the car again. You have to wait and try again. The car is laboring to start again. This vehicle is also known for slow starts.I hope you take this matter seriously. This is the issue with every brand new ridgline. Take your pick. I paid over 50k for a new truck and have to deal with these issues.

NHTSA ID

11755067

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The car finally started however I have no idea why it happened. We could have been killed sitting in the fast lane of a three lane road. There were three of us in the car.

NHTSA ID

11754845

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

1) Brakes spongy hard to stop have to pump like old truck to get good pedal. Dangerous almost rear ended vehicle ahead. Family uses caution to drive. Took to Honda world 8-8-25. Tec and sec mgr said nothing wrong w rakes. Ridgeline has 4181 miles on it Cyst num107536 inv # hocs468892 2)blind spot warning light appears in black background near dash. Had to highlight area around it so easier to find. Should b on mirror. Being blind in l eye it is a distraction to observe light. Also warning light is not very bright. If bright sunlight shines thru opposite or vehicle on the light you cannot see it at all Near collision on that

NHTSA ID

11711191

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

My vehicle has 10,800 miles on it, and it is 1 year old. About 1 month ago, the brakes started feeling spongy, and I also noticed a delay in the brake pad returning to its initial position after it had been depressed. I am concerned that this 1-year-old vehicle has already started having issues with the brakes. This is an ongoing issue.

NHTSA ID

11699479

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

1. Soft / Spongy Brakes. Brake pedal depresses 1/3 - 1/2 way to the floor before the brakes grab. I had one close call hard stop incident, and now I allow extra car lengths for safety. 2. In park, the truck rolls noticeably before the transmission lock engages. I'd estimate 3 degrees. Your foot drags noticeably if on ground. Purchased new the end of May 29, 2025 and noticed these issues immediately. Brought truck back to two different dealerships and was told it drives the same as other Ridgeline trucks twice on 6/13/25 and 7/11/25, and everything is okay once. Informed American Honda and we agreed to take it to the second dealership for a third brake / transmission check on 8/22/25. Dealer said everything is normal. Truck built on same unibody platform as the Honda Pilot, similar structure. Other: I have owned other truck brands and have not had these issues. There are no warning lamps, messages, etc. I have contacted / dealt with dealership management and American Honda, CA. Truck is available for inspection. I am told it drives like other Ridgeline trucks, I own two other Honda cars, and their brakes are responsive. I have no transmission roll with my other vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11683529

Incident

May 29, 2025

honda placed panels in the cargo area that are toxic and have a high voc. I have been unable to park the car in the garage because of the toxic odor. The other issue is the air in the brake lines, which makes stopping the truck difficult. the truck is heavy and it just keeps moving when the brakes are applied. I went to dealer and they refused to bleed the brakes.it is absurd!!! the panels are a health concern; can these panels cause cancer; this is a safety issue as well. I hope you take this matter seriously. I will be sending this information to the U.S. attorney general. we have to be certain that this panel is not harmful . it is like someone standing in front of you and blowing their cigarette smoke in your face.please look into this matter. the cargo area is under the bed.

NHTSA ID

11657077

Incident

Mar 17, 2025