2006 Honda Ridgeline: engine failure

Filed Nov 29, 2014 · Engine · 87,000 miles · CO

Truck failed to start after work, after several tries the truck started but warning lights came on and there was a knocking noise in the engine. After a couple of seconds the warning lights went off and the noise went away. When I started to drive it surged a couple of times and then ran normal. I checked the engine when I got home to find coolant on the dipstick and very low on coolant in the radiator. I took the truck to a honda dealer who inspected it and told me what I already knew and said that I need a new engine, they have not told me what the cause is. After a very brief search on the web I found numerous complaints on this model year truck with the same problem. Going to dealer today to talk with the service manager and discuss my options and ask for help from honda on this matter.

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Driver assistance, Engine · 80,702 miles · IL

Found out radiator/transmission on honda ridgeline has been having catastrophic failures due to transmission line failure. This issue will cause engine failure that could result in wrecks due to the violent nature of this failure. This would cause immediate panic to my pregnant wife and soon to be newborn baby girl. Honda is aware of the faulty connection on radiator that causes this issue and still hasn't issued recall. I believe they are acting negligently towards fixing this issue. Come to find out nissan had a similar issue with their pathfinder and has since performed a voluntary radiator assembly program (http://www.nissanassist.com/web/radiator/faqs.php?menu=22). Honda also directed us to contact the federal safety agency and I am hopeful that the fine staff at the federal safety agency will take a close look at this issue with honda and come to a decision to help consumers take preventative measures. Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope you and your family do not have to experience this type of issue.

Filed Jan 30, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · SD

There is a design flaw in the washer used at the transmission fluid junctions in the radiator. The fittings and washer are made of dissimilar metals. As a result, the steel washer used as a spacer rusts and corrodes, then swells and forcibly pulls the threads from their fittings. A catastrophic loss of fluids including an exchange of transmission fluid and engine coolant take place, rendering the vehicle not only inoperable but also perhaps significantly damaged. These fittings fail at random with no obvious pattern or environmental cause. The normal "underbody rust" does not seem to correlate with this failure. I have done substantial research on the internet regarding this issue, and many others report this type of failure and have come to the same conclusion. I feel this is a significant safety issue with this vehicle, as such a dramatic and immediate loss of fluid could result in engine failure, overheating, and transmission failure. If the engine were to fail and the vehicle were traveling at speed, a loss of power steering and power assisted braking would occur. Additionally, finding a location to pull off of the road presents a safety hazard in itself. This issue could be easily resolved by ceasing to use dissimilar metals in the radiator fittings. As far as I know, this same design is being applied to all honda ridgeline model years including those currently in production. Although I cannot verify this, I have heard that this particular part in the 2009 model year remained unmodified. This is an issue that must be addressed, as there are more and more failures of this type occurring. It is simply a matter of time before a serious injury occurs that could have been completely preventable.

Filed Mar 3, 2012 · Engine · 93,528 miles · UT

We love our honda's (3 other), I was so excited about my purchase of a ridgeline from a la dealership in dec 2006. My nephew purchased it from honda finance directly and shipped it to utah for me and I have meticulously cared for and loved my ridgeline! In december at 93,460 miles my truck lost its perfect harmony ... It began putting out white/blue smoke. I had an incident where the accelerator took off and I had to shift down and brake real hard to gain control of the speed. I was traveling south on I-15 through salt lake county at the time, speed around 65 MPH. Very scary! Soon after the "check engine" light came on and when I idled it flashed. I was told that this is probably the moment that the cylinder "blew out". I took it in and was told that my #4 spark plug was "gummed" up and needed replacement, it was suggested that because of the increased mileage I should do a full valve replacement. $785 later, the smoke exhaust was the same and 3 weeks later the light came back on. I took it back and they "scoped" the cylinders and found #4 had "pouck" marks and had lost compression. I needed a new engine. I called 5 auto shops in my general area and found that 2 of them had seen the same issue with a 2006 ridgelne and a 2007 pilot. Both mechanics told me that the owners had taken them to honda dealerships & honda had replaced their engines, they "were under 100,000 miles". I did so, $97 later I was told that "no. Honda had deemed my situation not worthy of a warranty." what?! I can't even trade it in to a honda dealership to purchase a new one without the $5k reduction in value! I have a history of timely and meticulous care with my local honda dealership and a mechanic shop, this is not what I expected from honda! You must have an issue if in my little suburb 2 others have had #4 cylinders go bad just before 100,000 miles.

Filed Feb 22, 2008 · Engine · 42,020 miles · FL

Noticed large amount of smoke at engine start up. Turned off engine checked oil level, discovered it was about a quart low. Last oil change about 3,500 miles prior to event. Topped off oil drove about 25 miles moderate to light smoking from exhaust. Dropped off at honda dealer for maintenance on 27 dec 07. Dealer determined cause to be blown head gasket, requiring new cylinder head estimated repairs due to be complete about 3 jan 08. Call from dealer inquiring about oil change records on 3 jan info provided, truck not ready. Called dealer on 4 jan for status and informed that a new engine is required after guidance from regional service rep. New completion date about 9 jan. Called dealer 11 jan to check on status, new engine installed still smoking, trouble shooting in progress. New cylinder head required for new engine completion due 17 jan 08. Work completed on 17 jan.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Engine · 39,600 miles · MT

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 honda ridgeline. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled two minutes later, the powertrain light illuminated on the instrument panel . The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to a local dealer. The dealer stated that a new engine was needed and they replaced the engine. The failure mileage was 39,600 and current mileage was 40,500. Updated 01-14-08. *kb updated 12/12/07.