While sitting in traffic on a 6 lane major thoroughfare the engine stopped running and would not restart. I had to exit the truck and cross multiple lanes of heavy traffic to get to a safe location. There was a slight engine knocking/tapping noise prior to the engine failure but no warning lights or messages of any kind alerting me to any sort of problem. I immediately had the truck towed to Price Honda in Dover, Delaware where I have been servicing it for the past 4 or 5 years. It is currently still there, and available for inspection, as I wait for some sort of resolution from American Honda. The dealership didn’t actually diagnose what caused the failure other than stating that there were metal shavings in the oil and oil filter. They only gave me a quote to replace the engine with a used engine for $8,225.53. There is currently a an the federal safety agency recall on some of these 2019 Ridgelines for failure of connecting rod bearings which I believe, and the Price Honda Technician who looked at my truck concluded was quite possible, is the reason for my engine failure. That the federal safety agency ID for that recall is 23V751000 Engine Damage From Connecting Rod Bearing Failure.
2019 Honda Ridgeline: engine failure
10 of the 239 complaints about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 2
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
I have an engine failure at 99k miles. The car is in pristine condition inside out. Oil changes are done every 5k miles. Without any warning, check engine light or any indication from the car's computer, the engine just failed while driving. It sounded like there was something grinding inside the engine. The truck was towed to Honda dealer and they said I need a new engine replacement. They found metal shavings in the engine oil. The invoice indicates "Found more has bad rod knock recommend replace engine assembly"
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pushed the vehicle into the parking spot. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25008 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod fractured, causing the engine to seize. The dealer suggested an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, filed a case, and advised the contact that he might be contacted within a week. The failure mileage was approximately 84,300.
While operating my 2019 Honda Ridgeline at normal driving speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning. Immediately prior to failure, a loud metallic knocking/hammering noise developed from the engine area. Within seconds, the engine lost power and shut off completely while the vehicle was in motion. After the shutdown, the vehicle would not restart. Attempts to start the engine resulted in minimal or no crank, even when using a jump start. The vehicle had to be towed. A subsequent inspection determined that the engine had no compression, indicating severe internal mechanical failure. The failure occurred abruptly and without any prior warning lights, temperature issues, or drivability concerns. This failure created a significant safety hazard, as the vehicle lost all power while driving, which could have resulted in a loss of control or increased risk of collision, especially in higher-speed or traffic conditions.
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while her boyfriend was driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle entered LIMP Mode with the check engine and emissions warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled off to the shoulder of the highway and was later towed to the dealer. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic discovered that an engine rod had gone through the engine block, resulting in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle. A case was filed with the dealer for financial assistance, but the case was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Truck started clacking going down the freeway after religiously maintaining it for the last 5 years. Took it into the dealer at 153,000 miles and was told my engine needs replacing due to rod bearing knock. A little premature on a Honda that has been religiously maintained! Called Honda customer service and was told my vin is not included in the rod bearing safety recall for my exact vehicle, year, make, and model!
My 2019 Honda Ridgeline vehicle has less than 70,000 miles and we have always gotten our oil changed at the recommended times. The last time was about 2,000 miles ago at the Honda dealership. We also regularly check the oil. While driving down the interstate near where we live, the car engine suddenly stopped working and smoke came from the engine. Thankfully, we were in right lane and were able to coast it to the shoulder. We had the car towed to the nearest Honda dealership. For some reason which the Honda dealership won't disclose nor would corporate Honda, the piston in the engine blew two holes in the number 5 cylinder. This damage is consistent with the possible damage that a recent recall addressed. In that recall the piston bearings needed to be replaced. Although some 2019 Honda Ridgelines were included in that recall, our VIN number was not. There was also a recent investigation by the federal safety agency into similar instances involving similar damages and vehicles not being included in the baring recall. Although we were not hurt, if the highway had been more crowded or the car not in the right lane, we could have been seriously hurt. Furthermore, the engine will cost $17,548 to replace. After requesting assistance from the Honda through their goodwill program, we were denied. The car has not yet been repaired. We would like to request further investigation into this and similar instances. Thank you.
Beginning at ~30K miles, I am hearing a "rod-knock" from the bottom of engine. Especially noticeable when starting out from a stop. Easily reproduced by putting foot on brake, truck in drive, and slowly depressing accelerator pedal. All maintenance since day 1 on truck (now has 65k miles) has been done at dealer. Reported issue to dealer and they responded, "cannot duplicate". I fall within the Honda engine rod bearing issue and I am concerned about engine failure.
I am writing to bring to your attention a significant issue I have encountered with my 2019 Honda Ridgeline, which recently suffered a catastrophic engine failure from a seized connecting rod bearing, resulting in a blown engine. With virtually no warning, the dash lights illuminated and the engine lost power and started smoking while on the freeway. A 911 was called and police and fire responded. The engine compartment was drenched with water in an effort to prevent a fire. Any delay in emergency services response would have certainly resulted in a fire and possible accident or injury. The vehicle was towed to and is currently at my local Honda dealer who confirmed the cause of the engine failure. I was informed that there was a recall issued for this exact problem for 2017 and 2019 Honda Ridgelines, however my VIN was not included in the recall even though my vehicle experienced the same engine problems. Allstate insurance inspected the vehicle and confirmed the cause of the failure. Additionally, after researching this issue I found that there are numerous 2017 and 2019 Honda Ridgeline owners who have also experienced the same exact issues. I would like to understand why my vehicle was not included in this recall and if there is anything that the federal safety agency can do to get it covered. I was told by Honda America that you have the authority to expand the recall. .
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and checked under the hood of the vehicle but found no failure. Upon restart of the vehicle, an abnormal clanking sound started coming from the engine. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, and the mechanic discovered that the connecting rod bearing in the engine was worn and damaged the engine. The mechanic then informed the contact of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was instructed to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where a second diagnostic test was performed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications
- Dealer Message
- Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications
- MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power
- The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power
- Service NewsDue to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American...
- Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications
- Dealer Message
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
Recall number 23V751000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
- Risk
- Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
Recall number 19V298000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
10 of 239 owner complaints about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline (4%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2017.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
There are 2 recalls and 20 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline
Backup camera 27Knocking 20Fuel pump 19Check engine light 16Loss of power 10Fuel smell 9Stalling 9Hesitation 8Screen failure 5Jerking 5Shudder 5
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