NHTSA FEDERAL EVIDENCE AUDITAudited: 2026-08-25

2017 Honda Ridgeline Common Problems & Defect Telemetry

Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 336 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 9 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.

Data Grade: HIGH63 Odometer Verified EntriesMethodology
Executive AI Defect Summary

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline receives a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 336 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 9 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports with a median failure point at 38,000 miles (IQR: 7,00047,430 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .

2017 Honda RidgelineNear-Luxury2017
DLC Port: Under driver dash above driver left knee area

*Representative vehicle platform imagery. Body styling varies across generations.

MazicBay Reliability Index
3.6 / 10

67.2 complaints / 10k sold

NHTSA Owner Complaints
336

Verified US federal records

Safety Severity Grade
Critical Risk

Crash, fire & stall audit

Federal Safety Recalls
9

9 Active / Free Remedies

Switch Ridgeline Model Year (2014–2025)
Defect Clustering

Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Complaint Frequency
#1 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERYHigh Severity83% Match Confidence

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

130
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):38,000 milesIQR: 7,00047,430 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$280 – $850 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
  • Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
  • Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11739998 • Filed: 05/26/2026

My car alarm randomly goes off. With no user interaction, the dashboard lights will flicker and i hear clicking noises from the dashboard. Then the alarm triggers randomly. i have to manually use the key fob to turn the alarm off. Honda has acknowledged this issue with service...

ODI #11729822 • Filed: 04/07/2026

Engine Wiring harness. Safety recall denied to me. NHTSA #16V888000 Safety issue details are in the safety recall. VSA braking can malfunction causing accident. Honda ran diagnostic . Problem with 3rd party Delphi wiring harnesses . I have the exact problem as the safety recal...

ODI #11697054 • Filed: 11/02/2025Odometer: 101,000 mi

My vehicle just reached 101,000 miles and is having engine problems, vehicle will not accelerate past 40mph which is really unsafe, I saw a article that this was a common issue on the 2017 model.

#2 ENGINE & COOLINGCritical Severity87% Match Confidence

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

111
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):71,500 milesIQR: 43,75095,300 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$950 – $3,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
  • Abnormal oil burning / consumption
  • Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
  • Engine overheating / coolant loss
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11756965 • Filed: 08/14/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering and vibrating before becoming inoperable. The check engine warning light illuminated, and five seconds later the "Low Oil Pressure" warning li...

ODI #11753927 • Filed: 07/31/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. While the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered metal shavings inside the engine oil. The cont...

ODI #11751218 • Filed: 07/17/2026

Engine self destructed while driving on the highway. Lot of smoke and the car came to a stop pretty quickly. Oil and coolant dumped out of the bottom.

#3 TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAINCritical Severity86% Match Confidence

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

48
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):62,600 milesIQR: 16,500112,575 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$1,400 – $3,800 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
  • Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
  • Transmission slipping between gears
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11749063 • Filed: 07/08/2026Odometer: 2,000 mi

Bought this vehicle in December 2025 used from a dealership. After about a month, I started hearing a noise coming from behind the steering wheel inside the dashboard area. Being that it was a new car to us. We weren’t sure if the noise was problematic so we didn’t take it in ...

ODI #11740778 • Filed: 05/29/2026

Transmission Jutter or pulsing going up a slight incline at 45mph 50k miles on vehicle Problem repaired by dealer under extended warranty Now same problem occurring again at 90k miles

ODI #11733130 • Filed: 04/22/2026Odometer: 120,000 mi

The automatic transmission light/warning lid up. Took to the dealer for diagnostic test. They recommended for transmission replacement based on the codes. Contact Honda to remedy. They review the diagnosis and agreed with the dealer for transmission replacement. It’s terrible ...

#4 BRAKING SYSTEM & ABSCritical Severity74% Match Confidence

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

36
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):5,000 milesIQR: 2,00046,464 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$350 – $1,100 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
  • ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
  • Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11723321 • Filed: 03/10/2026Odometer: 150,000 mi

The dealership has advised replacing the transmission at a cost of $11,937.77 following diagnostic code P0776 (A/T Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Valve B Stuck Off). I believe this expense should not fall entirely on me for the following reasons: • Honda has a documented his...

ODI #11696932 • Filed: 11/01/2025

On October 8th, 2025 I was driving my 2017 Honda Ridgeline home from work when I noticed the engine light started flashing. I stopped at a nearby Meineke less than a mile from where I was. It seemed like a misfire and the truck had a tune up and ignition coils replaced. They a...

ODI #11695433 • Filed: 10/24/2025

On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, I was driving home from work about 5:00 PM. I started hearing a ticking noise coming from the front of the car. It would come and go, but then it got progressively worse, and finally there was a loud squelch and the engine shut off. I still had ...

#5 STEERING & SUSPENSIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

31
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):7,000 milesIQR: 2,00024,248 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$450 – $1,400 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
  • Steering wheel pull or highway wander
  • Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11749063 • Filed: 07/08/2026Odometer: 2,000 mi

Bought this vehicle in December 2025 used from a dealership. After about a month, I started hearing a noise coming from behind the steering wheel inside the dashboard area. Being that it was a new car to us. We weren’t sure if the noise was problematic so we didn’t take it in ...

ODI #11743296 • Filed: 06/10/2026

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear subframe, rear axle, and suspension were corroded and rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were noti...

ODI #11696932 • Filed: 11/01/2025

On October 8th, 2025 I was driving my 2017 Honda Ridgeline home from work when I noticed the engine light started flashing. I stopped at a nearby Meineke less than a mile from where I was. It seemed like a misfire and the truck had a tune up and ignition coils replaced. They a...

#6 FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTIONCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

27
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):50,500 milesIQR: 46,46457,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$650 – $1,250 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Out-of-Pocket / TSB RemedyNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
  • Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
  • Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11717308 • Filed: 02/11/2026

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report what I believe to be a potential safety-related defect in my Honda vehicle, as well as an unresolved dispute with American Honda regarding responsibility for resulting damage. Recently, I was informed by my case ...

ODI #11703849 • Filed: 12/08/2025

I was driving on the highway when there was a sudden drop in power, accompanied by a flashing engine light. I was unable to proceed at normal highway speeds and was worried about a complete loss of power. I was able to coast/stay in a low gear to get off the highway and find a...

ODI #11703345 • Filed: 12/05/2025Odometer: 40,000 mi

All the warning lights came on. I took the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. They told me that the problem was the fuel injectors. The vehicle only has 40,000 miles. They said there was a factory problem with the programming in the ECU and they are aware of the problem. The...

#7 AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTSCritical Severity65% Match Confidence

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

4
Federal Complaints
Failure Mileage (Median):55,000 milesIQR: 35,00075,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost:$400 – $1,200 MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model
Recall Status:Under Investigation / Recall AuditNHTSA Campaign Audit
Reported Defect Symptoms
  • SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
  • Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
  • Seat belt retractor lockup
Potentially Associated OBD-II Codes

Correlated via MazicBay Diagnostic Engine (not NHTSA verified fact).

Sample Verified NHTSA Evidence Records (3)
ODI #11695230 • Filed: 10/23/2025

The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle severely hesitated and the check...

ODI #11492806 • Filed: 11/08/2022

According to research, a known failure for years. Back-up camera wiring harness failed approximately 1 year ago. Camera inoperable. Hazard to occupants, and other people & vehicles near Ridgeline. Vehicle available for inspection. Dealer wanted approx. $150 to diagnose; stated...

ODI #11269454 • Filed: 10/18/2019

BRAKING FROM 60 MPH FOR TRAFFIC LIGHT. ADEQUATE TIME AND SPACE TO PERFORM BRAKING PROCEDURE. SMOOTH AND EVEN BRAKING FROM 60MPH TO APPROX. 5MPH. AT THAT POINT EVEN WITH BOTH FEET APPLYING PRESSURE TO BRAKE PEDAL, MY VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP. HIT VEHICLE IN FRONT...

Safety Enforcement

Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (9)

100% Free Dealer Repair
NHTSA Campaign #19V053000Reported: 24/01/2019

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #16V888000Reported: 09/12/2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Corrosion of the wiring harness can cause increased electrical resistance, unexpectedly activating the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #20E068000Reported: 17/09/2020

EQUIPMENT

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is F8M.
NHTSA Campaign #21V932000Reported: 29/11/2021

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #22V867000Reported: 23/11/2022

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V751000Reported: 13/11/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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 notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
NHTSA Campaign #23V858000Reported: 18/12/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #26V332000Reported: 21/05/2026

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 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, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
NHTSA Campaign #26V365000Reported: 04/06/2026

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Summary: 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.

Safety Consequence: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer Remedy: 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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Before purchasing a used 2017 Honda Ridgeline, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:

1. Cold Start & Idle Diagnostics

Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).

2. Transmission Shift Quality Audit

Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.

3. Federal Recall Completion Check

Verify that all 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.

4. Electrical & Infotainment Drain Check

Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.

Frequently Answered Questions

Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline a reliable used car?

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline earns a 3.6/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 336 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.

What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?

The leading complaint category is Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports, with a median failure point around 38,000 miles (IQR: 7,00047,430 mi).

Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?

Yes, the NHTSA records 9 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.