2023 Honda Ridgeline: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

My 2023 Honda Ridgeline (about 28,400 miles) repeatedly loses power while driving. The instrument cluster lights up with every warning light at once, the truck stops accelerating, and I cannot maintain speed. It has happened on the freeway above about 60 mph, which is extremely dangerous with surrounding traffic moving at highway speed. Disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes temporarily clears the warning lights and lets the truck move again, but the problem keeps returning. I have taken the vehicle to a Honda dealer three times for this same problem: July 2026, late August 2026, and October 2026. At the August visit, the dealer scanned the vehicle and found multiple lost-communication codes and DTC U0401 (invalid data received from PCM). The powertrain control module (PCM) was replaced under warranty and relearn procedures were performed. The problem returned after the replacement, and the truck is again at the dealer for diagnosis. I have video recordings of the failures and repair records for all three visits. I am concerned this is a defect in the powertrain control or vehicle communication system that can cause a sudden loss of power at highway speed, and that other owners may be affected. Please investigate.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

9/17/2026. Complete electrical system shutdown while stopped in traffic, loss of power steering/brakes capability, all doors automatically locked with no emergency flasher capability. Vehicle became a hazard. Occurred twice. TSB-23-008 software update performed in 2024 but problem persists. Safety defect ENTRAPMENT with los of all vehicle power in active traffic. Please share complain with manufacturer.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Body, Engine · NV

I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 23,995 miles. My primary concern is an intermittent transmission/powertrain malfunction. While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp/fail-safe mode and experienced a significant loss of power and acceleration. This created a potentially dangerous situation because I was unable to accelerate normally while traveling with highway traffic. I am concerned that this could happen again without warning while merging, changing lanes, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The electronic transmission selector has also intermittently stuck or failed to operate smoothly. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether other 2023 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported similar transmission warnings, limp-mode events, loss of propulsion, reduced acceleration, transmission-selector malfunctions, or related powertrain problems. The vehicle also has premature deterioration of both headlamp lenses, including fading, hazing, and cloudiness. I am concerned this may reduce nighttime light output and roadway visibility. Additionally, the engine produces an abnormal rattling noise during cold starts. Rust/corrosion is developing beneath the door weather seals, and the exterior window/pillar trim is prematurely fading and deteriorating. My most serious concern is the unexpected transmission malfunction and loss of power at highway speed. At only approximately 23,995 miles, I believe this condition warrants investigation because an unexpected reduction in propulsion can increase the risk of a collision.

Filed May 20, 2026 · Transmission · WI

The connecting rod bearing in cylinder one broke causing catastrophic engine failure. It has been inspected by a Honda dealer. The check engine light started flashing after the rod broke making me lose power in the vehicle at an intersection.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Transmission · MA

Engine had complete loss of power and loud knocking noise.

Filed Apr 29, 2024 · Steering · GA

My steering locked up while moving at a very low speed (<5mph) and turning my wheel (not all the way). Voltage in the vehicle dropped (HVAC speed and lighting). A yellow caution/warning blipped for a second on the dash. I would not normally submit an issue like this but if this had happened at high speed, going down the road, the results could be catastrophic. I have seen the HVAC fan speed drop before while turning the wheel but never the steering lockup. This only happened once on Tuesday Night 1/2/24 at 11pm. This was not just the Power steering stopping working where i could overcome the turning with strength, it was locked up hard for less than a second (like the security steering solenoid engaging). This has to be a huge safety issue!!! I brought this to the dealer and the battery cable was loose. Since tightening the cable the issues has not re-occurred. I think that even with a loss of power/voltage, the steering should not lock up while the vehicle is moving. Please investigate.

Filed Mar 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · SD

I was driving 2 hours on highway trip (65mph) using cruise control. (20 degrees, light flurries, dry road, windy.) I then slowed to make left turn from the center turn lane. While beginning to cross oncoming lane while making the left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and check engine light started flashing. No prior warning to power loss. I barely cleared oncoming traffic, limped to shoulder, and parked. Problem was confirmed at dealership. The issue is known to Honda (also on past models). The dealer also confirmed there's still no fix/recall and that this typically happens in cold weather. The possibility of continued sudden power loss without a recall/repair is alarming and a serious safety issue. Service invoice stated: "Customer states the check engine light came on and power was lost. No DTC's were stored. Due to regional weather circumstances moisture will accumulate in the intake manifold. The water then will drain from the intake into the cylinders causing a misfire."

Filed Mar 26, 2023 · Engine · ND

Car lost power and check engine light came on when exiting the highway on an off ramp.