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.
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: 7,000 – 47,430 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $280 – $850 .
67.2 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
9 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“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...”
“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...”
“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.”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“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...”
“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...”
“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.”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“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 ...”
“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”
“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 ...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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...”
“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...”
“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 ...”
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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 ...”
“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...”
“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...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“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 ...”
“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...”
“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...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“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...”
“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...”
“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...”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (9)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
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.
Verify that all 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
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: 7,000 – 47,430 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.

