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)
2017 Honda Ridgeline engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 99, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2017 Ridgeline. I bought it brand new. Always keep up with the maintenance, keep it clean and well taken care of. I only have 45,000 miles on it. A few days ago the engine failed on me while on the freeway. Limped it off the freeway as it made a horrendous sound, like marbles in the engine. I had it towed, at a cost of $275. I took it to Honda. I told them I was aware of the federal safety agency investigation into the the 2017-2019 Ridgeline reports of failing connecting rod bearings. They said they were not aware of that and it was not showing on the recall list for my specific vehicle . Their diagnostic came back requiring a short block replacement as "oil was coming from the oil pan rod bearing." They took it the warranty department, as the original warranty of 5yrs/60,000mi has passed. Honda is going to cover 75% of a $9,738.35 bill because of the low mileage on the vehicle, which brings the cost to "only $1,850." They’re giving me a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty on their work. They’re also recommending that I do a 100,000 miles service that would require a replacement of a timing belt, water pump, drive belt, etc. that would cost an additional $2,123.58. It seems a bit counterintuitive to do that service since I only have 45,000 miles on an eight year-old truck that has been kept up on its regular maintenance schedule. The initial cost to do the diagnostic was stated at $199. I received a call to approve $697 to break down the engine to do further evaluation. After receiving the results of their evaluation, I am now awaiting the estimate with a breakdown of costs. I have yet to receive that, but can provide it when available. The vehicle is still sitting at the Honda service center. I have also contacted Honda directly and have opened a case with them.
I was driving home climbing a hill in the slight rain when the check engine light came on. I drove with the light on to get to the next closest city about 2 minutes out from where the light came on. The engine was running rough and shaking the car and was having issues stopping at a light before I could pull into a parking lot. I pulled into the parking lot, my book said that it was a misfire and to let the engine cool off so I sat for about 2 hours, checked fluids then started the car. the ticking noise was there but there were no lights on my dash at the time and assumed it could make it home after I let it idle for 5 minutes. I proceeded to get on the road and the vehicle did ok. I got on the freeway to get home, slowly let the car climb to 50 and kept it there. 1 minute later the whole dash glowed saying everything was not working and giving special pop-ups on the dash explaining the VSA, ABS, and electronic power steering were not working to name a few. I stopped the car and pulled over immediately and called for a tow. I took it to my local electric shop to see because the brakes still worked and they said that it was possibly the ECM, that they couldn't fix it, and the ticking was a heatshield, and to take it to the dealer. I then towed it to the dealer. The Honda techs said that they didn't know what was wrong because the car wasn't throwing any codes. They replaced the tailgate harness that the previous dealer I took it to didn't and said to replace the pully and tensioner before they drove and diagnosed it further. I had it towed to another shop to get those replaced. This shop listed some of the same fault codes as the first shop and when they tested the vehicle they had called me to come in and inspect the vehicle as they started it after it was at the dealer and told me it was an engine knock and that the engine would need to be replaced with the drive shaft. I called Honda's corporate office and they took my complaint and documented it only.
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the connecting rods needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
My vehicle has less than 95k miles on it. Purchased it brand new from the dealer in 2016. It was one of the first few Ridgelines in the state. I've always had it serviced on time at the dealer, and kept up with its maintenance and care. The engine started to fail out of nowhere - making a weird tapping/knocking noise. I made an appointment to have it checked out by the dealership, and that same day my check engine light came on while I was on the freeway going 70mph. It began shaking at an idle. I got off the freeway, and parked. I was afraid to turn the car back on. The check engine light listed off numerous warnings of failed systems. Since my appointment wasn't until the next day, I left my car near the dealership overnight, instead of driving it back home for fear of causing an accident, or having my engine overheat or explode. I brought it to the dealership the next day, and they confirmed that I had a fuel injector issue, consistent with a known issue, for which I had an extended warranty letter re: the MIL warnings. However, they also noted a possible connection rod issue in the engine, and said the engine would have to be completely replaced or rebuilt. I have read and heard from many other people with a 2017 Honda Ridgeline that they have experienced this issue with their engines failing well before they should - at 90k miles, 140k miles, etc. There is a known issue with many of the 2017 Honda Ridgelines - and a recall did occur, but my VIN says my vehicle is not part of this recall - however, clearly my engine had the problem that Honda was aware of. My whole family was in the car when the check engine light came on, and the sound got worse - we could have been injured in an accident on the freeway, or had the engine overheat/explode while we were in the car. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by the dealer service center, and has been inspected by them. No warnings or symptoms before the failure - just complete shutdown out of nowhere.
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.
After taking my 2017 Honda Ridgeline to First Honda in Simi Valley, CA for its 100,000-mile maintenance, including a brake service and an oil change, I experienced a major engine failure just two days later. I let my son drive the vehicle from Simi Valley to the East Bay area for college. The next day, the vehicle broke down and had to be towed to Hayward Honda. At Hayward Honda, they informed me that the oil was extremely dark and looked like it had not been changed, despite being billed for it at First Honda. Furthermore, they diagnosed that the engine failure was due to a connecting rod bearing failure — the same issue currently under investigation by the federal safety agency. This breakdown happened without warning right after scheduled maintenance and may indicate both negligence by the servicing dealer and a defect in the engine. I believe this incident should be included in the federal safety agency investigation related to engine failures in 2017 Honda Ridgeline models.
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.
My engine started to have a clicking or a ticking sound, and then abruptly stop running. The dealer said that the engine is seized up. From what I have read, it sounds like the connecting rod problem that other 2017 models have had. I think that my engine needs to also be on the recall. Honda has offered NO help with this, what-so-ever, even though I think they know there is a manufacturing defect.
Have taken in a few times for engine knocking, Honda has down oil changes and reported noise is normal but is getting louder, purchased extended warranty from Honda dealer. Also had at Honda for oil and filter change a month ago, they also were supposed to have completed the tailgate harness but told me it had be previously complied with but never took it off the list of open recalls. Honda isn’t the company it used to be. After my purchase of my new Honda pilot and issues- it will be my last Honda period.
Connecting rod bearing on the #6 cylinder...after the injectors failed and the vehicle was barely drivable the Honda mechanic heard a knocking in the motor which was confirmed when I agreed to pay $700 for them to tear it down to look. Mechanic confirmed issue which is EXACTLY same issue as the recall for other 2017 Ridgelines. I am somewhat lucky as I had purchased an extended warranty but it will still cost me over $700 to get a used motor. The insurance company confirmed issue. There were no warning lights or anything that came on prior to the injectors failing. Could have been a major issue as mechanic said it was just a matter of time before motor completely blew up.
Driver detected faint internal engine noise. There were no warning lamps or other messages displayed. Vehicle was taken to Nissan North, 8645 North High Street, Worthington, OH 43065, (614) 436-2768 ("Shop"). Shop diagnosed the internal engine noise as "connecting rod knock". Engine then seized up while in the possession of Shop. Engine was required to be replaced. See attached Nissan North invoice. Prior to the above described incident, vehicle owner had not experienced problems or symptoms with the involved engine. Owner has become aware that the engines in 2017 Honda Ridgelines are now the subject of an the federal safety agency safety investigation.
Complete engine failure at approximately 107K miles. Honda Corp denied warranty consideration. I paid to have Honda dealership replace engine. Subsequently Honda issued recall notice referring to the engine failure with description similar to the repairs listed on the Honda invoice I paid. I believe the recall notice is 23V‑751. I called Honda after the recall and they stated that my VIN was not included in that recall. I believe I paid to have the repairs completed instead of Honda honoring the recall.
Vehicle was diagnosed with "Rod knock" which requires to replace engine or rebuild it depending on damage. Honda has issued a recall for this issue but my vehicle was not part of that recall. American Honda said that my VIN # was not identified as of the defective engines. My reply was that it was a very big coincidence that my vehicle has the same issue as other vehicles were recalled. Thank you for reviewing my case.
I had taken the truck to the mechanic no sooner than a month ago who changed the oil and did an inspection of the vehicle performing routine maintenance. Few weeks ago I had been driving when my engine started breaking down, the car would turn on drive for a moment then lose complete power to the wheels forcing myself and a friend to hitchhike home through the pitch dark. When we took the car into the shop they told us the engine was blown and that it’d need a completely new engine, although I had not been driving recklessly (maxing revs, speeding, harsh breaking ext) the reason I bring this up is I saw you were performing an investigation and I would like to include my vehicle into the scope as this problem was simply an instance of shotty build quality
Engine failure on the highway. Vehicle came to a sudden halt almost causing an accident with a semitruck. Mechanic diagnosed as a failed rod bearing.
I was going home after picking my grandson up from school. Without notice 1heard a thud and my engine stopped. Iwas on the highway proir to an exit and luckily made it to a safe spot. If this happened 500 feet further down the highway., would have been in construction with no shoulder, Very dangerous! ! had my Ridgeline towed to my mechanic, the engine was frozen, |t showed the same symptoms as the crankshaft bearings recall but my vin was not included in the recall. 1 contacted Vandergrift honda who said they would diagnose the failure. had it towed to them, but once management got involved, they refused to spend any effort. 1 towed it back to my mechanic. With all the problems with this engine, parts and rebuild engines are hard to find. My mechanic replaced my engine and Honde claims no responsibility.
The engine began making an metallic clicking noise that increased with engine RPM. I made an appointment with the local Honda dealership service center as soon as possible. The Honda dealership inspected the engine valve springs and the connecting rod bearings. The connecting rod bearings had failed but I had brought the vehicle in to the service center quickly enough that the failed connecting rod bearings did not appear to damage the crankshaft. The options I was provided with were to either replace the engine or replace the connecting rod bearings and connecting rod bolts with no warranty on the work as they could not guarantee the crankshaft had not been damaged. I provided all receipts for engine oil changes, engine oil filter changes, and engine air filter changes to Honda USA. Despite having an active recall for this exact problem (connecting rod bearing failure) on other 2017 Honda Ridgeline's with the same 3.5L V6 Engine, and performing all maintenance as needed with proof provided to Honda USA they denied my claim for vehicle age and mileage. My VIN was not included on the recall. I opted to have the connecting rod bearing, and connecting rod bolts replaced at the Honda dealership and had to pay out of pocket with no reimbursement from Honda, and no warranty on the work performed.
Engine started pinging on the Freeway. Pulled over immediately and had it towed by Auto Club to Morgan Auto Repair in Tracy, California. After diagnostics, they determined that the crankshaft was impaired by connecting rod bearing failure. Morgan Auto repair confirmed that the engine HAD THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF OIL AND DID NOT OVERHEAT. The engine is still fully intact(i,e no destruction to the engine block).
In August of 2023 the engine seized up. It had about 120,000. I took it to the local Honda Dealership and they said the engine had no compression, engine knocking was valves and suspected bent valves in head. I was offered a used engine for about $9,000. I ended up trading the vehicle in on a new Subaru and was given $4,000 as trade-in. I just read an article that this agency is investing a crankshaft and connecting rod bearing issue with Honda engines including the make and year of my car. I think what happened to me is exactly what you are investigating.
The Drive Train / Transmission has always had a "pause" then a "clunk" before shifting into or from Reverse gear, its worse now. The engine is starting to make noises and Im afraid its part of the engine recall of 2017 and it may fail and injury me while driving. I take excellent care of my truck and its only adult driven by me, hence the concern.
Engine Push Rod on recall lists
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound and shaking coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine is seized.104k with regular and mostly dealer service, no MIL, fluids were in spec.
Driving home from work, my truck began to have a ticking sound from r/h front engine area. I drove the vehicle home. By the time I reached home the ticking sound became much louder. So, I shut off the vehicle and made an appointment with the dealership. I gingerly drove my truck to the dealership. By the time I arrived, I had a flashing engine light, and the sound had become much louder. The dealership looked at my truck and told me I needed an engine replacement.
[XXX], driving under normal conditions, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline truck suddenly burst into flames from under the engine hood. No warning lights lit, only a loud and very sudden bang was heard. Only with the good fortune that other motorists flagged down my wife who was driving. She stopped immediately and they helped her escape from the truck, after she turned it off. The flames subsided but unaware of what was the issue, she called 911 emergency services, and seven firefighters arrived from opposite directions to ensure the truck would not explode or burn after a thorough investigation. The Orillia, Ontario OPP has this event recorded as they dispatched the 911 emergency call. The next day, we had the truck towed to a local garage and it was determined after some investigation that the engine has seized. It is now understood that a Honda Service Bulletin #23-097 includes the safety recall for our truck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2017 honda Ridgeline started making loud noises coming from the engine. I took it to autozone and they used there diagnostic tool and all that came up was an issue with the oxygen getting into the fuel due to an issue with the fuel injector. On my way home it stopped running as I was making a turn. Mechanic confirmed engine failure. I did research and typed my vin into Kelly blue book recall section and 7 recalls came up, including the engine. But when I called Honda they said only 2 recalls were associated with my VIN.I take good care of my truck and there is not reason why my engine would fail unless there was an issue with manufacturing, or one of the other recalls caused the engine to fail. I purchased my truck for $30k a few years ago and I can’t afford for it to completely inoperable and am certain the engine seized because of a manufacturing issue.
Our 2017 Honda Ridgeline started making a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. We took it to our local mechanic, who determined the engine rod bearing had failed and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the local Honda dealer for repair in case it was covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer diagnosed that the engine rod bearing had failed and the engine needed to be replaced, but would not cover cost of the repair since the truck's VIN was not included in the recall even though the truck had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The truck had only 72,000 miles on it and had been regularly maintained. Per my mechanic, it should not have failed in this manner. In fact, he'd never seen a failure like this on a relatively low mile vehicle that had been maintained. I believe that the recall needs to be re-examined to see if the scope needs to be broadened to include more VINs. Based on my mechanics input and the nature of the current recall, I don't believe this failure was just an "bad luck" outlier.
Vehicle appears to have rod bearing failure and is available for inspection. Myself and family are at risk for being in a serious accident and/or stranded should catastrophic engine failure occur. Problem has been reproduced and confirmed by dealer (Howdy Honda Austin, TX). There is an existing technical service bulletin (TSB 24-002) for this issue and dealer believes my vehicle is affected, but my VIN does not show in affected VIN database. Vehicle has been inspected, but not affected part since that would require opening up the engine block. No warnings, just the engine knock which showed up a couple months ago. Besides taking vehicle to dealer for inspection, vehicle has been parked.
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