2018 Honda Ridgeline: engine failure

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle was being driven under normal highway conditions while towing a boat within the vehicle's rated towing capacity. The driver observed the oil pressure warning light illuminate and continued driving normally for approximately 20-30 minutes, at which point the engine lost power and stalled. The vehicle would not restart. Upon inspection, engine oil and transmission fluid were both found at proper levels with no signs of contamination, and the crankshaft was confirmed to be fully seized (will not rotate by hand). There was no prior knocking noise or warning sign before the oil light illuminated. The safety of the driver was put at risk due to the possibility the bearings could eject from the engine. The engine seizure has been confirmed by Right Honda, 7875 E Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. The vehicle was inspected by them and they produced a diagnostic.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · TX

I had been hearing a ticking or clicking sound from the engine. When I brought it to a Honda dealership that I had used about a year ago for the 100,000 mile maintenance, I was told that the truck had a rod bearing failure and that I needed a new engine. I was told that if I kept driving it as is, that I could have catastrophic engine seizure without warning at anytime. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I saw that the same part on both the Ridgeline models of 2017 and 2019 had been recalled in 2023. The truck only has 110k miles and I have faithfully had routine maintenance. For an expensive $9,500 engine to fail at only 110,000 miles is not right. I will try to upload a picture of the invoice in a separate email. I hope this information will be part of the second investigation of the initial recall and also the present lawsuit against Honda in the state of California, thus sufficing as more evidence that the 2018 Ridgeline should be included in a Second Recall.

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Engine · OR

Catastrophic Engine Failure. Reported to the federal safety agency on 10.11.24 for Recall 23.097. Investigation (RQ24013) which no issues were allegedly determined. Now a new investigation has opened PE25008: We had our engine replaced for a used one and are concerned that this engine still has the issues realated to Recall 23.097. Called Honda to ask if they can confirm whether or not this used/salvaged engine had been checked to see if it has rod bearing issues related to Recall 23.097 or was from a vehicle that was related to the recall. They said they had not. Furthermore, we provided the motor serial number so they can check and they said they were not able to. They have systems in place to quickly cross reference VIN and motor serial numbers, so it was surprising they would not be able to provide this information. Furthermore, why would Honda not have systems in place to ensure they are not installing a faulty motor given the absurdly expensive pricing for a used unit. Our families life was at risk previously with the first engine failure and now it could be again, and this was their response.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · 40,539 miles · PA

Truck only has 40,500 miles. Was driving down road and made a clunk noise and engine seized up and wouldn't start. There were no warning signs. I had it towed to Honda dealership. Their official repair estimate states verbatim "Bearing on a connecting rod went bad and the rod snapped." The bill is $7800 for a remanufactured engine or $13500 for a new one. I had just had the vehicle's 40,000 mile inspection done at the same Honda Dealership 2 months prior, and no issues were found.

Filed Nov 9, 2025 · Engine · ID

My check engine light came on and within minutes there was a loud noise, smoke and my vehicle lost power. I was on Hwy 20 returning to Boise, ID from Bend, OR. Luckily this occurred just as I had cell service since I was without cell service just before this occurred. This happened in the evening on Nov 2, 2025. I had just had it serviced for regularly needed maintenance as recommended by Honda. 10/20/2025 I spent $2274.28 on service at the Honda dealership. Service included transmission service, oil change, strut service, replace front struts, wheel alignment, and resurfaced front rotors. I've had all my regular maintenance handled timely and at the dealership. I was 75 miles from the dealership and had to spend $521 to have it towed to the dealership. My truck lost power so fast after the check engine light leaving me on the side of the hwy 15 miles from the nearest town as the sun set. I waited in the dark for a tow truck. So grateful that I had regained cell service to call for help. The truck is currently at the dealership awaiting resolution. Dealership notes: engine oil leaking all over the engine assembly, used bore scope and inspected behind bank 2 catalytic converter and found a hole in the engine block. Recommend replacement of the short block with new heads or replace the engine. Service department suspects the problem a connecting rod bearing failed. We've had multiple phone and in person discussions regarding the matter as we try to resolve this. There is a recall on the 2017 and 2019, but not the 2018. There is an open probe regarding the 2018. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Engine · MS

Had a clacking noise that got louder depending on RPM's, scheduled a visit to the dealer same day to also take care of a B1 maintenance notification that appeared 2 days prior and on the way to the dealer from work the same day the clacking noise started, the engine light started to flash and then within a few seconds there was a complete loss of power to the accelerator and the RPM's dropped to zero; Had to pull off the interstate in a construction zone where there was no shoulder and just on a dirt slope. When towed to the dealer, dealer stated the engine had suffered Rod bearing failure and there were metal shavings in the oil pan. The car is available upon request, it is at the dealership at the moment and I am scheduling it to get an engine replacement. I contacted Honda because this is a Honda Ridgeline 2018 and they denied my request for goodwill consideration, I stated that this is surely apart of the ongoing investigation "RQ24013" as it sounds extremely similar and there have already been recalls issued under "23V‑751". They stated the vehicle was not taken to dealers for maintenance before I bought the truck 5 months ago and that the truck has too many miles at 90k miles so therefore they will not help. This is an extremely dangerous car to own when the engine can die on you like that after only 1 day of a clacking noise, if you are on a bridge with no shoulder or like me in a construction zone, you will be a foot away from traffic moving at 70+mph next to you and stranded with no Hvac system. I was personally in my car for an hour and a half in the deep south in the middle of summer, so 90+ degree temps without A/C. Also I bought this from Carvana who did a "150 multi-point inspection" of the car and missed this and refuses to help in any way, they just stated "Oh sorry to hear that" and then closed the chat, so don't buy from Carvana, they won't help you at all.

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Engine · TX

After performing regular maintenance to Honda Ridgeline 2018 by replacing the spark plugs, spark plug number 4 was contaminated with oil. All other 5 spark plugs had not sign of oil. This was discovered during the 100K miles tune up. A leaking component (e.g. a tube seal) in the well or an engine-related issue that's causing oil to enter the combustion chamber can cause a critical engine failure.

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Engine · IN

Crankshaft leading to rod bearing failure causing engine failure. Same issuse as 2017 and 2019 models that had recall 23v-751 issued

Filed Jan 7, 2025 · Engine · NY

In July of 2023, on my way home from a 3 hour. trip, the engine light started flashing on and off and the engine would not exceed 30 mph. Just after my 2018 Honda Ridgeline's warranty expired, it had a catastrophic engine failure. I was told by the Honda Service advisor that it was caused by broken bearings that caused a rod to break. The engine was damaged beyond repair and required replacement. I was devastated. Honda Corporate paid a percentage of the cost of replacement and I paid the lower percentage. The vehicle was at the service department at the Honda dealership for 4 weeks. Interestingly, I later heard through news reports about this being a systemic problem and that there would be a recall. However, when I tried to report it on the federal safety agency website, my vehicle is not registered. I suppose Honda excluded it, but I wanted to let the federal safety agency know that my vehicle should be included in any statistics. I also feel Honda should refund my share of the nearly $800.00 I paid to get a new engine.

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Engine · VA

The engine suffered catastrophic failure at highway speed, without any prior warning. Vehicle is currently at CMA’s Valley Honda in Staunton Va if further inspection is requested. Engine lost all power accompanied by a violent vibration, forcing me to coast off to the side of the road. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. “Catastrophic engine failure” metal in engine oil. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected by any other party. There were no lights or warnings prior to the failure.

Filed Mar 26, 2024 · Engine · MO

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?- Suspected failed crankshaft bearing failure/rod knock. Honda declined request for further troubleshooting and engine was replaced at owner's expense. Failed engine was retained and is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Loss of power on highway but no catastrophic failure. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?- The symptoms were reproduced by dealer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?- Inspection was requested by owner but declined by Honda corporate Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?- A slight ticking sound was detected a couple of days prior to the failure. During the loss of power, a flashing check engine light and #2 cylinder misfire error codes were generated.

Filed Jan 21, 2024 · Engine · HI

On Approximately February 10, 2022 I hit a deer and sent my truck out for repair, I encountered a serious issue with my vehicle's engine, which was later diagnosed by Honda as a rod bearing failure which was not related to the accident which meant insurance wouldnt cover. This failure caused the rod bearing to wear and seize, resulting in significant damage to the engine and the presence of metal shavings in the oil pan. As a result, my vehicle's engine has been rendered inoperable and requires extensive repairs. To my dismay, I recently discovered that Honda has issued a recall for nearly 250,000 vehicles due to the same rod bearing issue. The recall states that the rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, leading to engine damage and potential issues such as improper running or stalling while driving. However, to my surprise, my 2018 Honda Ridgeline is not included in this recall. Considering the identical nature of the problem I encountered and the fact that Honda has acknowledged the issue by issuing a recall, it is evident that my vehicle should have been included in this recall. This exclusion not only undermines my trust in Honda as a manufacturer but also raises concerns about the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and safety. I firmly believe that my 2018 Honda Ridgeline is a lemon, and the engine failure I experienced is a direct result of Honda's negligence in ensuring the quality and reliability of their vehicles. I have always been a loyal Honda customer, and this unfortunate incident has left me feeling betrayed and let down by a brand I once held in high regard.