2020 Honda Ridgeline: engine failure

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal knocking sound was heard, and smoke emerged from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated, and the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not inspected. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The dealer informed the contact that a piston went through the engine and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer offered to replace the engine with a salvaged engine and cover the repair under warranty; however, the contact declined the repair and requested a new engine, which was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Jul 23, 2026 · Engine · 118,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, the contact determined that one of the ignition coils had failed. The contact purchased a new ignition coil, replaced the part, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed due to a loosened connecting rod and needed to be replaced. The contact ordered a new engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

Reference Investigation: EA25004, No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages 2 separate instances 1st instance during stop and go driving on highway in heavy traffic, engine failed to restart automatically after full stop, message stating something about neutral appeared, unsure exactly what message stated. I had to shift to park and hold the brake down for a normal start. 2nd instance 2 weeks after 1st 04/04/2025 while stopped at a traffic light engine failed to Auto start - same result as above (1st incident)

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine · CO

Checked oil display at 40% on 04JAN2025, had to put in 2.5 qts 0-40 viscosity engine oil to get between bottom and top level markers on the oil dipstick. On 08AN2025 at approx 4:35AM, on the way home, heard engine noise (like 2-spoons tapping together) and within 1-minute the engine died and will not start, just a click. Had the vehicle towed to my residence (approx .5 mile) and parked for 3-weeks to check if battery, bad gas, and/or transmission neutral safety is/are the issue(s). Finally got the vehicle towed to a local shop on 29JAN2025. Called local shop on 31JAN2025 and informed that there is no oil in the engine, and recommended to replace the engine. Note: oil/filter changed on MAY2024, and have purchased oil/filter on 07JAN2025 to change oil as soon as the oil displays 30%

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Engine · CA

I have had an engine knocking noise at startup but now is continuous/constant. Diagnosed at my local Honda dealer as a connecting rod failure of my well maintained 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Recommended repair, short block replacement or engine replacement with a used engine. My 2020 Honda Ridgeline is not part of the safety recall for the connecting rod bearing recall and should be. I have read numerous stories of owners with Honda Ridgelines and Pilots that are outside the recall years with this failure.