2017 Honda Ridgeline: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

I own a 2017 Honda Ridgeline with the 3.5L V6. The vehicle developed a noticeable engine knocking noise along with a check-engine light. I took it to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer confirmed abnormally low oil pressure, reporting approximately 6–7 PSI at idle on Bank 2, and recommended complete engine replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,000. To my knowledge, the dealer has not identified the exact internal component causing the knocking noise or low oil pressure. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection. This vehicle has a significant prior engine-failure history. At approximately 102,851 miles, the previous engine suffered a spun No. 2 connecting-rod bearing, crankshaft/connecting-rod damage, and metal contamination in the oil system. That engine was replaced with a used engine, which is the engine currently installed. Before the current diagnosis, diagnostic code P2651 was present. The related oil-pressure switch and rocker-arm oil-control solenoid were replaced and the codes cleared, but the abnormal engine knocking remained. I am concerned this condition could result in engine seizure, stalling, or sudden loss of power while driving. Because of the knocking noise and confirmed low oil pressure, I do not consider the vehicle safe to drive. I am aware the federal safety agency is investigating connecting-rod-bearing failures involving 2017–2019 Honda Ridgelines and other Honda/Acura vehicles. Given this vehicle's prior documented connecting-rod-bearing failure and its current knocking/low-oil-pressure condition, I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can determine whether it may be related to the broader issue under investigation. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership, and I have contacted American Honda for assistance.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle, which experienced a sudden engine shutdown while I was driving on the busy [XXX] toward the [XXX]. The engine unexpectedly stopped operating due to oil-related and engine issues, creating an extremely dangerous situation for me and potentially for other motorists traveling on the roadway. Having a vehicle suddenly lose engine power while traveling at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard. The unexpected loss of power can leave a driver with limited ability to maneuver safely, increase the risk of a collision, and expose the driver and passengers to danger from surrounding traffic. In my situation, the engine failure occurred without warning while I was on a busy highway, placing my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the circumstances surrounding this failure may indicate a potential safety-related defect involving the vehicle's engine or oil system. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this incident and determine whether similar complaints have been reported involving this vehicle, its engine, or related oil-system components. If a broader pattern of failures exists, I ask that the agency consider whether further investigation or appropriate corrective action is warranted. I would appreciate guidance regarding the proper process for submitting supporting documentation, including repair records, diagnostic reports, photographs, maintenance history, and any other information that may assist your investigation. I believe that sudden engine failure under these circumstances deserves serious attention because of the potential consequences for public safety. My intention in submitting this complaint is to ensure that this incident is documented and evaluated, and to help determine whether other vehicle owners may be facing a similar risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · CT

I own a 2017 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 128,000 miles. In late August 2026, I noticed a deep knocking noise coming from the engine shortly after an oil change. The knocking increased with engine RPM and continued even after the engine warmed up. The oil level appeared full, and there was no oil-pressure warning light. I brought the vehicle to Liberty Honda in Connecticut for diagnosis. Their technician investigated the noise, identified it as internal connecting-rod knock, and determined that the engine requires complete replacement. The dealership quoted approximately $19,210 plus tax for the repair. I have driven approximately 40,000 miles since purchasing this vehicle and have consistently maintained it. Oil changes were performed at Valvoline approximately every 3,000–5,000 miles using their premium oil service. Routine maintenance was performed by an independent mechanic, while major repairs were handled by Honda dealerships. The timing belt was serviced at approximately 84,000 miles. I am concerned because Honda previously recalled certain 2017 Ridgelines for connecting-rod-bearing defects, and the federal safety agency has separately investigated similar failures in 2017–2019 Ridgelines outside the original recall population. My vehicle has experienced the same type of failure being investigated This condition presents a serious safety concern because connecting-rod-bearing failure can cause sudden engine failure and loss of power while driving. I have avoided further driving because of this risk. American Honda denied my request for goodwill assistance toward engine replacement. I am reporting this failure so the federal safety agency can evaluate it alongside similar complaints.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · NC

Problem: Engine rod knock that could be related to open investigation the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25008 The vehicle is available for inspection. Risks: Engine stall, loss of power, fire, or total engine failure. The rod knock is reproduced every time the engine is started. It has not been confirmed by a dealership or independent service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning, lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. It just started at some point mid November. I have not driven the vehicle since.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine · GA

Total engine failure on 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is available for inspection upon request at Milton Martin Honda, Gainesville GA. On the highway going 65 mph when my truck lost power, started shaking and the engine started making loud scraping noises. The engine light then came on. Pulled off the highway slowly with flashers on. The first time turning the ignition back on, all the warning lights came on solid and the warning messages started cycling through. The second time turning the ignition on the engine light started flashing. I then had the truck towed to the Honda dealer I purchased it from. Their diagnosis is total engine failure and it needs the engine replaced. All recommended maintenance has been kept up to date on the vehicle. This engine failure is a huge safety risk and appears to be the same issue as in the earlier recall from November 2023 although my VIN is not one of the ones listed.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Engine · NY

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 safe place to park the vehicle. Shortly after parking, the engine stopped and would not engage on attempts to restart. It was hauled to the local Honda Dealer who confirmed that the engine was completely seized and would need to be replaced. They have not disassembled it yet to confirm the precise failure point. Prior to the loss of power, there appeared to be some light, intermittent clicking sounds that I was trying to localize, but appeared to be coming from the front of the vehicle. This lasted for several miles. At the time of the decrease in power, this was accompanied by increased noise/knocking form the engine area. On stopping the vehicle was noted to be idling very rough. This vehicle experienced a failed torque converter around 2021 that Honda eventually had to extend their warranty to cover. In 2023, it had issues with misfiring fuel injectors which was also subject to an extended warranty by Honda to repair. Due to parts shortages, Honda was unable to fix the fuel injectors for over 8 months. This vehicle would be available for inspection on request.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Engine · NY

Component/system: Suspected engine lower end/connecting rod bearings. Vehicle is currently being towed to Keeler Honda of Latham, NY for diagnosis and is available for inspection upon request. What happened: On Friday night, [XXX], I was traveling about 63mph in the 65mph zone on the [XXX] which is a moderate uphill. the engine all of a sudden began making a very violent knocking noise and the truck started to lose power very fast. I activated my hazards and coasted to the shoulder narowly sideswiping the cars near me. The malfunction created a huge collision risk. There is no crash or fire. Confirmation by shop/inspection: JMR Auto is a well-known and long-running independent shop located in Nassau, NY and is also the first place I towed the vehicle to. They stated based on listening to it it is indeed rod knock. Official Honda dealer confirmation is pending, the vehicle is currently being towed to Keeler Honda of Latham, NY where they will inspect and confirm internal connecting rod bearing failure. Warnings: No warning lights before the event. At failure, the engine light along with some driver assistance lights were displayed. Context: Symptoms match Honda Recall 23V‑751 (prematrue connecting-rod bearing wear/seizure) reported on this model/year, but my VIN shows no open recalls. I understand the federal safety agency has Recall Query Rq24-013 into similar failures outside 23V‑751's VIN range. I am reporting this for safety tracking and potential expanded recall consideration. Maintenance: Vehicle reasonably maintained per Hondas' Maintenance Minder; some services were at shops that do not report to CARFAX. Documentation being gathered. Dealer RO/case numbers to follow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · NE

Most likely a connecting rod bearing failure leading to catastrophic engine failure per dealership service department. Vehicle is currently available for inspection. Safety was put at risk by engine part (likely connecting rod bearing) coming loose. It flew through my oil pan and bounced off the road, fortunately no people or other vehicles were hit by the part. Vehicle lost power and engine started smoking, oil spilled all over the road. I had to evacuate vehicle on busy highway (70 mph speed limit) since it was smoking. The vehicle was towed to the dealer which inspected it and said most likely connecting rod bearing failure but could not confirm unless engine taken apart. To my knowledge no one else has inspected it. All service for the life of the vehicle has been performed at Honda dealerships at recommended times. A check engine light had come on shortly before the problem occurred.

Filed Apr 13, 2025 · Engine · AL

Recently, while driving approximately an hour and a half from home, traveling at 80–100 km/h, the vehicle suddenly began to shake violently, almost ripping the steering wheel from my hands. I immediately turned down the radio and heard a loud squealing and clacking noise coming from the engine. At that time, no warning lights or codes were present. Moments later, multiple errors appeared on the dashboard, and the engine lost power and shut down completely. With nowhere safe to pull over, I attempted to restart the vehicle just to get it off the roadway into a nearby farm entrance, but it died again shortly after. I had the vehicle towed on a flatbed back home, where I began diagnostics. I initially suspected a timing issue or tensioner failure, so I checked timing components, replaced the spark plugs and swapped coils. A compression test showed over 150 psi across all cylinders. I then brought it into my shop for further inspection. A scan revealed a cylinder #3 misfire, and upon removing the oil pan, I discovered the rod bearing on cylinder #3 had failed catastrophically. When I contacted Honda about the rod bearing recall, I was told that although over 250,000 vehicles were recalled for similar issues, mine did not qualify as it was manufactured in July 2016, just outside the affected range. I was advised to transport the vehicle 2.5 hours to a dealership for a technician inspection, as my diagnosis would not be accepted. This failure was not only unexpected and costly—it was a serious safety concern that could have resulted in injury or worse. Given the severity of the situation and the number of similar cases reported, I respectfully request that Honda cover the repair under warranty or goodwill. This failure should not have happened on a well-maintained engine and is clearly part of a wider issue.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Engine · 122,255 miles · FL

I started getting a p0306 code on my truck on Thursday Jan 2, 2025. I took it to my mechanic and he said that it is a lower engine problem. On Saturday Jan 11,2025 there was a loud clunk from the engine and the vehicle lost power. My mechanic said that the connector rod broke. I contacted Honda but they said my vin is not in the recall and I would have to deal with the dealership. I know that they won't do anything so I am in the process of trying to install a used engine myself.

Filed Jun 9, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

On our way home the motor started ticking loudly and more and more loss of power. All the dash lights came on with the check engine light. We called the dealer and they said to bring it in. We babied it another mile and could no longer go more than 20 mph. We pulled over as soon as we could and the motor couldn’t go any more. Had it towed to the dealership and they said the whole fuel injection system failed and then discovered the rod bearings were destroyed. The car only had 84,000 miles on it and we have only owned it since November of 2023 we had the last service done at the dealership. I know the VIN isn’t right for the recall of the 2017 Ridgelines rod bearings but so many other people have had the same problem. I feel it should at least be looked into more. I do not have a repair invoice yet because it is still at the dealership waiting for a motor to be delivered to put in it.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Transmission · VA

I was driving and without any warning or indication that anything was wrong, I heard a loud clunk noise and immediately lost power to the wheels, but the engine continued running. I was barely able to get the vehicle to the shoulder before it came to a complete stop without me applying the brakes. A Police Officer came to assist and tried to push it, but even after shifting to neutral, the car would not move. The tow company had to drag it onto the flatbed because the front passenger wheel would not turn. The Honda Service Center indicated that the axle separated from the transmission. They are in the process of making repairs. While waiting for the tow truck, my car had to sit in a busy highway on ramp turn lane, nearly getting hit several times despite my hazard lights. Had this happened at a higher speed, busier road, or the highway, it could have been extremely dangerous to me and the cars around me. There were no warnings, messages, or other symptoms prior to the incident.