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.
2019 Honda Ridgeline: sudden loss of power
10 of the 239 complaints about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline describe sudden loss of power.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- recalls
- 2
Sudden loss of power by model year
What owners say
On 1/5/2026 while pulling unto a major intersection, my 2019 Honda Ridgeline with 64,000 miles suddenly jolted, lost engine power, and every dash light came on indicating that all electronics were inoperable. Fortunately there was no fast moving on coming traffic. After examination in mechanics shop, it was found that the camshaft was bad. attached is the $3,900.00 invoice. Attached also is a picture of the sensor showing that the camshaft was moving and hitting the sensor which caused the truck to go into safe mode. According to your own investigation and speaking to the Honda service department, this obvious is a factory defect that Honda needs to address. The cam obviously is not strong enough. There are 4.3 million complaints. I want to be reimbursed or will never, ever buy a Honda product. This is a safety issue as well as a consumer protection issue.
My engine started knocking from the connecting rod bearings and my vehicle is now not usable. The active recall on 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines is not covering my VIN and I have read many others are having the same issue. This issue if left untreated could cause my vehicle to die resulting in a loss of power. The manufacturer is refusing to repair the issue.
(This incident report is for my replacement transmission, I have already submitted an incident report for my original transmission which also failed in the exact same manner.) 1. My replacement transmission started bucking and clanging and down shifted extremely hard while I was driving in traffic, I lost all power and the vehicle would not accelerate but the RPM's kept rising. 2. My safety was at risk because I lost power while in traffic and my vehicle became disabled on the road and I required the assistance of good Samaritans to help move my car off the road way, causing their safety to be at risk too. 3. My vehicle has been inspected by Honda. Their recommendation was to replace the original transmission, so I did, and the second transmission (the subject of this incident report) also failed, in the same manner. 4. The vehicle monitoring system did not give any prior warning that something was wrong till after the vehicle bucked, down shifted and lost power, only then did the car warnings go off and say "Transmission system" and then "emissions system"
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. .
When driving and the transmission , when up shifting from 4th to 5th to 6th gears, produces rough and delayed shifting; sudden, harsh accelerations and decelerations ; and a sudden loss of power.
I contacted North America Honda and they referred me to a local dealer. However, the dealer told me that they cannot repair the fuel pump until it breaks down on the road. According to a report, if the fuel pump malfunctions, it could shut off the fuel supply, which would cause the engine to stop running. As a result, you would lose power steering and it could create a hazardous situation while driving.
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline truck was driving at 70MPH for one hour at 25F temperature. After exiting the ramp, the Check Engine Light started flashing, lost power and the engine was running very rough and cannot drive more than 35MPH. Stopped on the side of the road, turned the engine off and then back on and the truck was driveable again. Had this truck for 4 years now and had this problem once or twice every winter.
Engine light flashing on highway with reduced power
On 8/24/20 I heard a clicking noise in my steering wheel when turning at low speeds or parking. I didn't think much of it until seeing that many hondas have this issue. The issue seemed lined to the clock spring. I made an appointment at joe morgan honda in monroe, oh on 8/29/20 for 8/31/20. Joe morgan honda confirmed that the issue was the clock spring aka cable reel. The invoice is attached. Joe morgan honda explained that if I had let the issue go longer, the noise would have gotten worse. Eventually the steering wheel buttons and horn would lose power, as well as the steering wheel air bag. This is where the major safety issue comes into play. Joe morgan honda contacted the tech line upon confirming the issue. This has happened, and is happening on other ridgelines. Honda is telling customers this is normal. Loss of power to the air bag would cause it not to deploy in the event of an emergency. I have video of the clicking noise prior to the repair. I have also opened a case with honda customer service.
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 loss of power
Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
10 of 239 owner complaints about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline (4%) mention sudden loss of power. 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 16Engine failure 10Fuel smell 9Stalling 9Hesitation 8Screen failure 5Jerking 5Shudder 5
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