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Engine Crankshaft / Internal Hard Parts Failure — Recall 23V751000 (2017, 2019)
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
Catastrophic2017, 2019
OPEN HOURS MON–FRI | 9AM–6PM
Honda Ridgeline 2G has 20+ recalls: 3 fuel pump campaigns, engine bearing defect (25V266), phantom braking. CA lemon-law rights explained.
You bought a Honda Ridgeline because it promised the best of both worlds — pickup truck capability with the ride, reliability, and refinement of a Honda. The badge carries decades of dependability. The feature sheet is genuinely clever: a lockable in-bed trunk, a dual-action tailgate, Honda Sensing safety technology, and a smooth unibody chassis that handles California canyons better than any body-on-frame rival. It was supposed to be the sensible truck for people who do not need a truck.
What many Ridgeline owners have discovered — sometimes at 30,000 miles, sometimes at 80,000 — is that the 2nd-generation model carries a troubling recall record and a set of recurring defects that have required multiple round trips to the dealer for the same unresolved problems. The J35Y6 V6 engine has been the subject of three separate low-pressure fuel pump recalls (19V053, 21V215, 23V858) covering the same model years, plus a crankshaft bearing defect campaign (25V266) and an engine timing component recall (23V751) — five distinct campaigns targeting powertrain integrity on a single vehicle generation. The dual-action tailgate, one of the Ridgeline's most distinctive selling points, has generated two separate rearview camera wiring recalls (22V867, 24V321) because Honda did not redesign the wiring routing after the first campaign. The Honda Sensing system, marketed as a safety advantage, has generated hundreds of NHTSA complaints about phantom emergency braking at highway speed under an open federal investigation (EA22-009).
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act exists precisely for situations like this — when a manufacturer cannot fix the same defect within a reasonable number of attempts, the law gives the owner the right to demand a replacement vehicle or full refund. If your Ridgeline has been back to the dealer repeatedly for the same unresolved problem, you may have more options than you realize.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
engine knocking or ticking noise at startup; oil pressure warning light; sudden loss of power or engine stall at highway speed; check engine light with misfire codes; timing chain rattle on cold start; engine seizure or complete failure requiring replacement; blue or white smoke from exhaust
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 16V888000 addresses water intrusion into the rear wiring harness on 2017 Ridgeline AWD, which can cause erratic electrical behavior, loss of AWD function, or partial power loss. If an owner brought a 2017 Ridgeline AWD in for electrical faults before the recall was announced and received an incomplete repair, those visits count toward Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold. Any recurrence after the recall remedy (harness replacement) within the warranty period strengthens the claim that Honda failed to repair within a reasonable number of attempts.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness and related components, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KD3.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 18V221000 covers powered seat frame defects on 2018 Ridgeline: a seat frame that moves or collapses in a crash fails to protect the occupant and constitutes a safety defect under Song-Beverly. The recall remedy requires seat frame replacement. If a dealer's first repair attempt was incomplete and the seat continued to exhibit movement or looseness, a second visit for the same defect within the warranty period satisfies Song-Beverly's repair-attempt criterion for safety defects (two attempts is sufficient for safety-rated issues under California Civil Code §1793.22).
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service a
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 18V664000 involves the SRS control unit on 2019 Ridgelines having a manufacturing error that may prevent airbag or seatbelt pretensioner deployment in a collision — a direct safety defect. Under Song-Beverly's Civil Code §1793.22 presumption, a safety-related defect that is not permanently resolved after two repair attempts, or that leaves the vehicle out of service for 30+ days, qualifies the vehicle as a lemon. Owners who received the SRS replacement and later experienced other SRS warning lights should document those separately.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SRS unit, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B2R, C2P, and Z2Q.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 18V848000 covers the center pillar trim clip on 2019 Ridgeline — trim that was not properly secured could detach and become a projectile inside the cabin during a rollover or side-impact event. While the remedy (bracket installation) is straightforward, any vehicle requiring multiple dealer visits to properly secure the trim (e.g., clip re-loosening after the first fix) creates a repair-attempt record. Document all visits for this recall in writing.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is D3D.
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 19V053000 covers 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks: acid exposure from car wash soaps cracks the fuel pump feed port, risking engine stall or no-start. A vehicle that stalls at highway speed creates a rear-end collision risk. Under Song-Beverly, this safety-rated defect triggers the two-attempt presumption — if the fuel pump or cover installation did not resolve the stall condition, or if the replacement pump subsequently failed within the warranty period, the owner has strong grounds for a lemon-law buyback.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
Recall 19V298000 addresses a timing belt tensioner defect on 2019 Ridgeline: the tensioner spring can fracture and allow timing belt slippage, causing misfires, loss of power, and potential engine damage. Engine failure or stall from a timing system defect is a safety issue under Song-Beverly. If the belt tensioner replacement did not permanently resolve engine hesitation or misfire codes, each subsequent dealer visit for the same symptom adds to the repair-attempt count.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may c
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 20E068000 covers Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers sold for 2017-2020 Ridgelines: if the cover is not properly installed, it can open while driving and obstruct the driver's view or become a road hazard. Though the component is an accessory, it was sold as a Honda Genuine part and the manufacturer issued a formal recall — meaning Honda accepted responsibility. If tethers were installed but the cover continued to open, document the service visits for a potential Song-Beverly claim involving the accessory.
Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user's information manual will be provided. T
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 21V215000 extends the LPFP defect coverage to 2019 Ridgeline (and Passport, MDX, and others): fuel pump impeller cracking causes stall or no-start. This is a second separate recall campaign for essentially the same LPFP defect class — the existence of multiple LPFP recalls (19V053, 21V215, 23V858) covering overlapping model years is itself evidence of a systemic defect Honda failed to permanently remedy. An owner with a 2019 Ridgeline who received repairs under both 19V053 and 21V215 has documented two recall repairs for the fuel delivery system, substantially strengthening a Song-Beverly claim.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
driver seat cushion loose; seat fastener recall; seat may not stay secured
Recall 21V900000 covers the second-row center seat belt automatic locking retractor on 2021 Ridgeline — the retractor may not lock, allowing excessive belt slack in a crash and increasing injury risk for rear passengers. This is a belt-restraint safety defect under Song-Beverly's safety-rated two-attempt presumption. Owners who received the seat belt assembly replacement and later experienced belt malfunction should treat any subsequent retractor visit as the second qualifying attempt for lemon-law purposes.
Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 21V932000 addresses the hood latch striker on 2017-2020 Ridgeline: the striker can separate from the hood, allowing the hood to open while driving and completely block the driver's view — an acute crash hazard. If the striker repair or hood replacement was not completed properly and the hood subsequently showed movement or the latch warning light returned, each visit after the initial recall service is an additional repair attempt under Song-Beverly.
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 22V867000 covers 2017-2019 Ridgelines: the dual-action tailgate's wiring harness fatigues from repeated use, breaking the rearview camera circuit. FMVSS 111 mandates a functional rearview camera; a camera that fails intermittently or permanently is a federal safety violation and a Song-Beverly defect. If the wiring harness replacement under this recall did not permanently restore camera function — or if the harness failed again within the warranty period — those visits establish the repair-attempt record. Note that a separate recall (24V321000) later addressed the same wiring issue on 2020-2024 models.
Dealers will replace the rearview camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6RW.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 23V174000 addresses debonded mirror heating pad on 2020-2021 Ridgeline: in cold weather, the unheated mirror fogs over and reduces visibility, particularly during lane-change maneuvers. While the defect is primarily a visibility nuisance rather than an acute crash mechanism, Honda's decision to issue a recall confirms it is not acceptable under the implied warranty. If mirror replacement was not completed in a timely manner or the replacement mirrors exhibit the same bonding defect, the owner can document those visits toward the out-of-service day count under Song-Beverly §1793.22.
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
brake pedal problem; reduced braking; unexpected braking; brake warning light
Recall 23V458000 is among the most serious on the Ridgeline 2G: a loose brake booster tie rod fastener can allow loss of brake assist, requiring significantly greater pedal effort and increasing stopping distances. Brake assist failure at highway speed is a catastrophic safety risk. Under Song-Beverly, a brake safety defect triggers the two-attempt presumption for vehicles in the warranty period. If the fastener inspection and torquing did not restore full brake feel, or if the brake warning light returned after the recall service, document those visits immediately — do not continue driving if brake assist is questionable.
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
engine knocking; engine stalls; sudden loss of power; check engine light; engine failure recall
Recall 23V751000 covers 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines (specific VIN ranges) for a manufacturing defect in crankshaft hard parts that can cause engine seizure, stall, or oil-fed fire — a true Catastrophic-severity defect. This is one of the Ridgeline's most serious recall campaigns and is directly related to the broader 25V266 fleet recall (iss-21). An owner who suffered engine seizure or fire related to this defect has grounds for a Song-Beverly claim regardless of mileage, because the defect originated at manufacture. Engine replacement under recall does not preclude a lemon-law claim if the vehicle sustained diminished value or the repair required 30+ days out of service.
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner n
engine stalls while driving; vehicle will not start; loss of power; fuel pump recall
Recall 23V858000 is the third separate LPFP recall campaign affecting Ridgeline (alongside 19V053 and 21V215), this time covering 2017-2020 models for a fuel pump module impeller defect that causes stall or no-start. Three fuel pump recalls across the same generation is extraordinary and demonstrates a systemic defect Honda has been unable to permanently resolve. An owner who received repairs under any two or more of these LPFP campaigns has documented multiple attempts to fix the same underlying fuel delivery problem — a powerful Song-Beverly argument even if each recall was technically distinct.
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 24V064000 addresses the front passenger occupant classification system (OCS) on 2020-2021 Ridgeline: faulty seat weight sensors can cause the passenger airbag to be suppressed when it should deploy, or deploy when it should be suppressed — both conditions increase injury risk in a crash. Airbag suppression defects are safety-rated under Song-Beverly and trigger the two-attempt presumption within the warranty period. Owners who received sensor replacement should retain all service records in case the OCS warning light returns.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
sticky steering; steering wheel feels stuck; increased steering effort; steering recall
Recall 24V184000 addresses the 2023 Ridgeline's steering rack inner ball joint: the ball joint housing can loosen and detach from the rack, resulting in sudden loss of steering control — one of the most dangerous possible failure modes in a moving vehicle. Loss of steering at any speed constitutes a Catastrophic event; however, because the defect has not resulted in confirmed fire or fatality per NHTSA records, it is classified Safety here per brief guidance. An owner whose 2023 Ridgeline exhibited steering looseness, wandering, or click/clunk before the recall remedy can count pre-recall dealer visits toward Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold.
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 24V321000 mirrors recall 22V867000 but for 2020-2024 Ridgelines: the rearview camera tailgate wiring harness fatigues and breaks, disabling the backup camera. This is Honda's second tailgate wiring recall for the Ridgeline 2G — covering the same dual-action tailgate design defect Honda failed to permanently resolve in the 2017-2019 recall. Under Song-Beverly, the existence of a second recall for the same underlying design defect is evidence that Honda did not remedy the root cause. Owners of 2020-2024 Ridgelines who previously lost camera function before the recall was issued have pre-recall visit documentation.
Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
airbag warning light; passenger airbag may not deploy; SRS warning; occupant detection fault
Recall 26V332000 (May 2026) is a second OCS recall for the Ridgeline, now extending coverage to 2017-2021 and 2023 model years — a substantially broader population than 24V064000. Two OCS recalls on the same vehicle generation demonstrate a persistent airbag suppression defect Honda has not fully remedied through the first campaign. Owners who received sensor replacement under 24V064000 and now fall within 26V332000 scope should ensure both repairs are documented — each constitutes a separate repair event for Song-Beverly purposes.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO
warning light; recall notice; repeated dealer repair
Recall 26V365000 (June 2026) addresses rear subframe corrosion on 2017-2023 Ridgelines sold in high-salt states: the rear subframe can corrode to the point of structural failure, causing loss of suspension integrity and potential loss of vehicle control. This is a structural safety defect with direct crash consequences. California owners are generally not in the salt-belt scope, but owners who moved from affected states should verify VIN eligibility. Any Ridgeline with documented subframe inspection or repair visits has a safety-rated recall record that, combined with other open issues on this vehicle, substantially supports a Song-Beverly claim.
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Ho
engine knocking or ticking noise at startup; oil pressure warning light; sudden loss of power or engine stall at highway speed; check engine light with misfire codes; timing chain rattle on cold start; engine seizure or complete failure requiring replacement; blue or white smoke from exhaust
NHTSA recall 25V266000 (April 2025) confirms a fleet-wide manufacturing defect in the J35Y6 engine affecting 2017-2020 Ridgelines — a safety-rated defect with stall and seizure risk. If an owner brought the vehicle in for engine noise, power loss, or oil pressure warnings before the recall was issued and received incomplete or temporary repairs, those prior visits count toward the substantial impairment and repair-attempt thresholds under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. An engine replacement or repeated partial repairs on a vehicle still within the bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranty period is a strong lemon-law indicator.
Dealer inspection of bearing clearances per NHTSA recall 25V266000 procedure; engine replacement if clearances out of tolerance. Timing chain and tensioner replaced as necessary. Remedy covered free of charge under recall.
transmission shudder or vibration at 40-60 mph cruise speed; harsh or clunking 1-2 or 2-3 upshift; delayed engagement from park or drive; jerky acceleration at low speeds; shudder when towing; transmission slip under moderate acceleration; check engine or transmission warning light
Transmission shudder and harsh shifting directly impair the safe, comfortable use of the vehicle, constituting a substantial impairment under Song-Beverly. If the owner returns for the same shudder or shift-quality complaint three or more times within the warranty period without a lasting fix, the repair-attempt threshold is triggered. Honda TSB A20-004 acknowledges the defect, so a dealer claim of 'normal operation' in the face of this bulletin is bad faith — document every visit.
TCM software update to latest calibration; ATF drain and refill (DW-1 for 6AT, HCF-2 for 9AT). If shudder persists: valve body replacement (6AT) or torque converter replacement (9AT). Honda TSB A20-004 documents the 9AT procedure.
oil level drops 1 quart or more between oil changes; blue or gray smoke at startup; oil-fouled spark plugs; rough idle after cold start; check engine misfire code (P0300-P0306); engine hesitation under acceleration; oil smell from exhaust
Excessive oil consumption that triggers repeated dealer visits for topping off, spark plug replacement, or engine-related diagnostics within the powertrain warranty period satisfies Song-Beverly's repair-attempt threshold if unresolved after three visits. Critically, VCM oil consumption contributes directly to the 25V266 crankshaft bearing failure — an owner with documented consumption visits who later suffers engine seizure has a compounding lemon-law claim covering both issues.
PCM/ECM software update with revised VCM calibration (per TSB 19-066); spark plug replacement with NGK or OEM equivalent; oil consumption test over 1,000 miles. Piston ring replacement if consumption exceeds 1 qt/1,000 mi. Some owners fit an aftermarket VCM Muzzler or VTEC ECO disabler to keep all cylinders active.
sudden full brake application with no obstacle present; CMBS activation warning with clear road ahead; near-rear-end collision caused by unexpected stop; system triggers under highway overpasses, bridge shadows, or road signs; ACC adaptive cruise drops speed unexpectedly; warning chime without hazard
Phantom emergency braking at highway speed creates a direct rear-end collision hazard and constitutes a safety defect under Song-Beverly regardless of whether NHTSA has issued a recall. If an owner has experienced multiple phantom braking events and brought the vehicle in for Honda Sensing diagnostics without resolution, each visit counts toward the repair-attempt threshold. An open NHTSA investigation (EA22-009) confirms this is not an isolated complaint — strengthening a claim that Honda was on notice of the defect.
Honda has issued multiple Honda Sensing software updates via dealer reprogramming; camera calibration check and windshield cleaning recommended at each visit. NHTSA investigation EA22-009 remains open. No recall issued for Ridgeline as of July 2026. Owners advised to deactivate CMBS via infotainment setting until a permanent fix is available.
touchscreen goes completely blank or freezes mid-drive; backup camera unavailable when display is frozen; radio and audio controls unresponsive; navigation locks up; Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects repeatedly; system requires battery disconnect to reset; condition intermittent and hard to replicate at dealer
Infotainment freeze that disables the backup camera creates a safety dimension beyond mere inconvenience — federal law (FMVSS 111) mandates a functional backup camera, and a defect that renders it unavailable strengthens the safety-impairment argument under Song-Beverly. Repeated dealer visits for the same freeze or blank-screen complaint, each resulting in a software update that provides only temporary relief, establish the repair-attempt pattern California courts recognize as a failure to repair within a reasonable number of attempts.
Dealer-applied software update (Honda issues periodic Display Audio firmware via service campaigns); head unit replacement under warranty for severe/persistent failures. OTA update capability added for 2022+ models reduces dealer dependency.
air conditioning blows warm or hot air; loud grinding or squealing from compressor under hood when AC is on; AC system completely inoperative; refrigerant leak; metallic debris in AC lines requiring full system flush; repeated AC recharge needed within months of repair
In California's climate, a non-functional AC system constitutes a substantial impairment to the vehicle's use and value — particularly in summer months where interior temperatures can exceed 130°F without cooling. If the compressor fails within the warranty period or shortly after, and the dealer's repair does not hold, a recurrence triggers Song-Beverly's repair-attempt analysis. The high out-of-warranty repair cost ($2,500-$4,000) further supports the economic impairment argument under the statute.
Compressor replacement; full refrigerant circuit flush and condenser/expansion valve replacement if contaminated. Out-of-warranty repair cost: $2,500-$4,000. Honda extended warranty bulletin recommended if within powertrain coverage period.
standing water inside the in-bed trunk storage compartment after rain or washing; cargo in IBT damaged or soaked; mold or mildew smell from trunk area; trunk drain holes completely blocked by debris; water seeping into cab through IBT seal; IBT door seal degraded or cracked
While water intrusion into the IBT is primarily a functional and value-impairment issue rather than a safety defect, it constitutes a recurring defect if the owner returns for IBT seal or drain service multiple times within the bumper-to-bumper warranty period. Under Song-Beverly, impairment to the vehicle's value — including damage to stored cargo and mold remediation costs — qualifies as substantial impairment when combined with other open defects on the same vehicle.
Clear drain holes with flexible brush or compressed air (owner can DIY). Replace degraded IBT lid seal (dealer part). Honda service information bulletin advises inspection at each service visit. No recall or TSB with a permanent fix as of July 2026.
front brake pads worn to metal or warning indicator within 20,000-30,000 miles; brake grinding or squealing under normal deceleration; pulsation or vibration in steering wheel when braking; condition recurs after OEM pad replacement; front rotors show uneven wear or hot spots; brake dust accumulation heavier than expected on front wheels
Brake pads worn to metal within 30,000 miles — well inside the original warranty period for a vehicle expected to serve as a light-duty truck — constitute a defect in materials or workmanship rather than normal wear if the pattern recurs after OEM replacement. Under Song-Beverly, brake safety defects are among the strongest grounds for a lemon-law claim because reduced stopping ability directly impairs the vehicle's safe use. Document every brake visit with measured pad thickness at intake and after service.
Front pad and rotor replacement. Upgrading to a higher-friction compound pad (Akebono, EBC Greenstuff) extends service life. Confirm brake caliper slides are not seized — a stuck slide pin accelerates inside-pad wear and is often the true cause of rapid wear. Honda has no dedicated recall or TSB for this pattern as of July 2026.
water dripping from overhead console or A-pillar after rain; wet or stained headliner; musty smell inside cabin; sunroof drains overflowing onto windshield or onto passenger footwells; water in infotainment or HVAC plenum; electrical short caused by water infiltration behind dash
Water intrusion that causes secondary electrical damage — to the infotainment unit, HVAC system, or wiring harness — creates a compounding repair pattern that is difficult to permanently remedy and raises the vehicle's lemon-law profile. Under Song-Beverly, water intrusion causing interior damage and recurring electrical faults is a substantial impairment to use and value. Document every water-intrusion visit, the specific area affected, and what was repaired, to establish the pattern.
Clear drain tubes using compressed air or flexible drain snake (dealer procedure); inspect headliner and A-pillar for mold or damage. If water has reached electrical components, inspect for corrosion. Honda service information recommends annual drain inspection. No recall; consumer-serviceable if caught early.
tailgate drops unexpectedly while in swing-out (side-open) position; tailgate latch does not hold in closed position; rattling or looseness at rear of truck; difficulty switching between fold-down and swing-out modes; tailgate appears to unlatch while driving on rough roads; cracked or seized pivot pin in hinge assembly; camera wiring harness damaged by tailgate movement
A tailgate that unlatches unexpectedly while driving is a safety defect — flying debris from an open bed is a hazard to following vehicles and is reportable to NHTSA. Under Song-Beverly, safety-rated defects require fewer repair attempts before lemon-law eligibility is triggered. The mechanical hinge failure is distinct from the camera wiring recalls and constitutes a separate repair event for purpose of counting attempts. An owner with both camera wiring and hinge failure visits has a stronger cumulative case.
Hinge assembly inspection and lubrication (Honda recommended interval); pivot pin replacement if worn; latch spring replacement if spring tension insufficient. If tailgate unlatches while driving, dealer inspection is urgent. No dedicated recall for hinge mechanism as of July 2026 (separate from wiring recalls).
remedy available
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
remedy available
Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline vehicles. Opening and closing the tailgate may break the rearview camera wiring harness, causing the rearview camera to fail.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle. If this occurs, the hinges between the center and rear panel may deform, possibly allowing the rear panel to separate from the vehicle.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles. The mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar trim panel may be larger than intended. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain air bag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar trim panel in position and it may potentially interfere with the curtain air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
remedy available
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ridgeline AWD vehicles manufactured April 1, 2016, to August 11, 2016. Water may enter the rear wiring harness through the connector located under the truck bed drain hole, possibly causing the connection terminals to corrode.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Civil Code §§1790-1795.8) gives Ridgeline owners legal rights when Honda cannot repair a defect within a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period.
THE REPAIR-ATTEMPT PRESUMPTION. Under Civil Code §1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same defect within 18 months/18,000 miles, OR 30+ cumulative days out of service, creates a legal presumption the vehicle is a lemon. For safety defects — the Ridgeline's LPFP stall risk, brake assist failure (Recall 23V458), phantom braking, or airbag suppression — only TWO attempts are required.
YOUR REMEDIES. You are entitled to: (a) a full replacement vehicle, or (b) a refund of the purchase price including down payment, monthly payments, incidental costs, and out-of-pocket repairs — less a usage allowance. Honda must also pay your attorney's fees if you prevail, meaning qualified Song-Beverly claims are often pursued at no out-of-pocket cost.
USED AND CPO VEHICLES QUALIFY. A used Ridgeline purchased from an authorized Honda dealer with remaining manufacturer warranty, or a certified pre-owned vehicle within coverage, can qualify. You do not need a fire or accident — persistent defects that substantially impair use, value, or safety suffice.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
The Ridgeline's most frustrating defects — CMBS phantom braking, infotainment freeze, and transmission shudder — are intermittent. Here is how to build an undeniable repair record:
1. DOCUMENT IMMEDIATELY. When a warning light appears, your camera fails, or the car brakes unexpectedly, note date, mileage, and exact symptom. A voice memo creates a timestamped record that predates the dealer visit.
2. CONTROL THE REPAIR-ORDER LANGUAGE. Insist on specificity: 'Vehicle applied full CMBS braking at 65 mph on I-405 with no obstacle present on [date] at [mileage].' Vague descriptions like 'brakes hard sometimes' weaken your record.
3. CONFIRM OPEN RECALLS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS. For any engine, fuel, transmission, airbag, or camera symptom — ask the dealer to check VIN recall eligibility before closing the repair order. A recall-covered repair still counts as an attempt even if the recall was the real fix.
4. REQUEST THE TSB LIST. For transmission shudder (TSB A20-004) and VCM oil consumption (TSB 19-066), Honda has documented remedies. If the dealer says 'can't duplicate,' ask them to apply the TSB and note it on the repair order. A dealer who ignores a standing Honda bulletin is not acting in good faith.
5. KEEP EVERY REPAIR ORDER. Under Song-Beverly, every dealer visit — including 'no trouble found' visits — counts toward the repair-attempt threshold. Collect a copy before you leave the service drive each time.
6. ESCALATE IN WRITING. After two unresolved attempts, call Honda Customer Service and follow up by email or certified mail. Note the case number — this creates manufacturer-level notice that strengthens your claim.
The Honda Ridgeline 2G is a genuinely capable and cleverly engineered midsize pickup that has been undermined by a powertrain that needed more development time and a safety system (Honda Sensing) that Honda deployed before the phantom-braking algorithm was fully mature. Five powertrain-focused recall campaigns — three for the same fuel pump defect class — on a generation that has not yet completed its production run is not normal. The dual rearview camera recalls for the same tailgate wiring design reveal a pattern of incomplete fixes rather than root-cause engineering. For California owners experiencing repeat visits for fuel delivery, engine integrity, or CMBS issues, the legal framework exists to demand accountability. The Ridgeline's recall density, combined with active NHTSA investigation EA22-009, makes it one of the stronger lemon-law candidates in the Honda lineup.
— The Margarian Law team
If your Honda Ridgeline has been back to the dealer multiple times for unresolved engine, fuel pump, transmission, brake, or camera issues — or if Honda Sensing has ever slammed the brakes without warning — you may have a lemon-law case. Margarian Law has handled thousands of Song-Beverly claims across California and offers a free case review. Your warranty records are all you need to get started.
If your Ridgeline's backup camera goes dark or shows a distorted image when you open the tailgate, you are likely experiencing the defect addressed by NHTSA recalls 22V867000 (2017-2019 models) or 24V321000 (2020-2024 models). The Ridgeline's dual-action tailgate runs the camera wiring harness through the hinge pivot, and repeated use fatigues and breaks the wire. Honda has issued two separate recalls for this same design defect. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see if your truck is in scope. If so, the repair (harness replacement) is free at any Honda dealer. A backup camera failure is not just an inconvenience — federal law (FMVSS 111) requires a functional backup camera; driving without one is grounds for a lemon-law claim if the dealer cannot permanently resolve it.
Unexpected, hard braking with no obstacle present is known as phantom braking — a documented defect in the Honda Sensing Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) that affects Ridgeline models from 2017 through 2024. NHTSA opened engineering analysis EA22-009 specifically investigating Honda Sensing inadvertent activation across multiple Honda models including the Ridgeline. The system's forward camera misidentifies overhead structures — highway signs, bridge spans, grade separations — as collision targets and applies full braking. Honda has released software updates that reduce the frequency for some owners, but others continue to experience phantom activation. If this has happened to you more than once, bring the vehicle in and specifically request the latest Honda Sensing calibration update. Document every episode with date, mileage, and location. Repeated phantom braking that the dealer cannot resolve is a lemon-law-qualifying safety defect.
The 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline has been subject to three separate low-pressure fuel pump (LPFP) recall campaigns: 19V053000 (January 2019, for 2017-2019 models — pump feed port cracks from acid exposure), 21V215000 (March 2021, for 2019 models — impeller cracking), and 23V858000 (December 2023, for 2017-2020 models — fuel pump module defect). Three LPFP campaigns on a single vehicle generation is highly unusual and indicates Honda has been unable to permanently resolve the underlying fuel delivery defect. All three remedies involve dealer-performed fuel pump replacement at no charge. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN to confirm which campaigns apply to your specific truck. An owner who has had more than one fuel pump repair for the same stall or no-start symptom may have grounds for a lemon-law claim regardless of which specific recall covered each visit.
Yes. Shudder or vibration at 40-65 mph cruise speed — especially in 2020-2024 Ridgelines with the 9-speed automatic — is a documented transmission defect. Honda issued TSB A20-004 addressing harsh shifts, shudder, and torque converter vibration in Ridgeline and Pilot models with the 9AT. The bulletin prescribes a TCM software update and ATF flush with Honda HCF-2 fluid; if shudder persists after the fluid service, the valve body or torque converter may need replacement. Owners of 2017-2019 Ridgelines with the 6-speed automatic report similar shudder on 1-2 upshift, covered by a companion OEM bulletin. If your dealer has told you the shudder is 'normal,' ask them to document that in writing and reference TSB A20-004 — a TSB acknowledgment from Honda contradicts a 'normal operation' dismissal. Three unsuccessful repair attempts for the same shudder may qualify your Ridgeline for a Song-Beverly lemon-law claim.
Yes — and it is among the most serious defects on this vehicle. In April 2025, NHTSA recall 25V266000 was issued covering 2017-2020 Ridgelines (and Pilots, Passports) with the J35Y6 3.5L V6 engine. The defect involves crankshaft bearing clearance tolerances that allow oil starvation under high-load conditions, leading to timing chain stretch, engine seizure, stall, or fire risk. A related but narrower recall, 23V751000 (November 2023), covered 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline VINs for a related hard-parts manufacturing defect. The VCM oil consumption issue (TSB 19-066) makes the bearing defect worse because low oil levels accelerate bearing wear. If you have experienced engine knocking, oil pressure warnings, or sudden loss of power, contact a Honda dealer immediately for VIN-specific recall eligibility and do not delay — driving a vehicle with known bearing or timing chain defects can result in complete engine failure.
The 2017-2024 Honda Ridgeline has an unusually high recall density for its generation: 20 NHTSA recall campaigns covering fuel pump failures (three separate campaigns), engine bearing defects, rearview camera failures (two campaigns for the same tailgate design flaw), airbag occupant-sensor defects (two campaigns), brake assist failure, and steering rack separation. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle qualifies for a buyback or replacement when the same defect is not repaired within a reasonable number of attempts during the warranty period, or when the vehicle is out of service for 30+ cumulative days. A Ridgeline owner who has returned to the dealer three times for a stall caused by the fuel pump, twice for a phantom-braking CMBS issue that was never resolved, and once for a rearview camera failure may have already crossed Song-Beverly's threshold — especially if any of those defects impaired safety. Margarian Law offers a free case evaluation for Ridgeline owners in California who believe Honda has had its reasonable number of chances.
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