NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
This page covers 12 recalls, 329 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2017 Honda Ridgeline cluster most heavily around the electrical system and engine. On the electrical side, owners describe wiring harness faults that can trigger warning lights and affect systems like the vehicle stability assist. Engine complaints are the more dramatic thread, owners across multiple reports describe rod bearing failures leading to complete engine seizure, often accompanied by loud knocking before the engine gives out entirely. These failures appear at a wide range of mileages, from the mid-80,000s into the 150,000-mile range, and several owners say there was little or no warning before the engine became inoperable. Transmission concerns also show up in a meaningful number of reports, with rough or delayed shifting being the most common description; some owners say fluid changes provided temporary relief before the symptoms returned.
329
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline has 12 recalls, the most serious being a fuel pump that can crack and leak pressurized fuel when exposed to certain car wash soaps, raising the risk of a fire.
The hood latch striker can also separate from the hood, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and blocking the driver's view. A connecting rod bearing inside the engine can wear and seize on certain vehicles, causing the engine to stall or run improperly. The rear suspension control arm can corrode and fail on vehicles sold in certain high-salt states, causing loss of handling and control. The front passenger seat sensor can misread the occupant and cause the airbag to deploy at the wrong threshold in a crash. There is also a fuel pump failure that can cause an engine stall without the fire risk noted above.
On the electrical side, water can enter the rear wiring harness through a connector under the truck bed drain hole, corroding the terminals and unexpectedly activating the stability control system. The tailgate wiring harness can also wear and break over time, causing the rearview camera to stop displaying when reversing. A Honda-branded tri-fold tonneau cover sold as an accessory can detach from the truck bed while driving and become a road hazard.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tailgate wiring harness can become damaged over time, which may cause the rearview camera to stop displaying an image when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Honda will replace the tailgate wiring harness at a dealership once parts become available. Honda will send you a second notice with instructions when they're ready to perform the repair.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera wiring harness can break when you open or close the tailgate, causing the rearview camera to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera wiring harness at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood, potentially causing the hood to open while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the hood latch striker or hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tri-fold tonneau cover may come loose and detach from the truck bed while driving.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the cover and install a tether between panels if needed, provide an updated manual, and apply warning labels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water from car washes can drain onto the fuel pump. Some detergents with sulfuric acid damage the fuel pump, causing it to crack and leak fuel.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump, replace it if cracked, and install a protective cover on the fuel pump.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Acidic substances like car wash soap can crack the fuel pump feed port, potentially causing fuel system failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump if needed and install a protective fuel pump cover at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep into the rear wiring harness connector under the truck bed drain hole, causing the connection terminals to corrode.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness and related components, replacing them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Moisture can enter the rear wiring harness through a truck bed drain hole, causing corrosion on wheel speed sensor connections. This corrosion increases electrical resistance, which the vehicle stability system may misinterpret as wheel slippage, triggering unexpected brake application.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the rear wiring harness and drivetrain components for moisture and corrosion. If found, affected parts will be replaced. If none is present, the harness will be repaired to prevent future moisture entry.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
