Honda Ridgeline ball joint problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Body, Steering · WV

I was driving home the other day when the truck started handling funny. I was only a couple miles from home so I slowed down and went slowly towards home. Next day I went out and noticed the right rear tire leaning badly inward at top. I pulled the Tire and found the mount for the upper control arm had rusted badly and Had broken away from the frame. I took it in in XXX for the rear frame recalll where it was patched and I was told it was good to go. In XXX I took it in for state inspection and was told they would pass it this time but next inspection it would not pass due to serious Rust issues on rear frame and Under the Bed. I couldnt believe that they patched around the gas tank and Didnt inspect the rear frame or simply chose not to.There is no way that frame rusted to that point in that amount of time. Had that control arm bracket gave out an hour earlier I was on the interstate in traffic and the results could have been devastating for myself and others. Looking around after jacking it up the whole back frame section and bed rails are in horrible shape and rusted through. The truck is Totally unsafe to drive and the Frame where mount broke is also rusted to the point it Cant be welded. Also right above that the sway bar mounts and surrounding metal is also compromised. American Honda and the Dealer told me to take it to the Honda shop Thats 40 miles away to inspect it or have it towed at my cost. It will have to be put in a trailor of flatbed. The Rear wheel is capable of towing or driving that distance. I was finally given a case # by the email support team and that #is XXX. They said they would get back to me in 2-3 Business days which is approaching soon I real would like to have them exercise a buyback and either pay for tow or send a field inspector to my home. The truck is up on blocks and damage is very easy to see. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Steering · CT

I own a 2023 Ridgeline with an abnormal clunking noise from front right side and occasional steering wheel vibration at highway speeds. Clunking noise most noticeable when driving on bumpy dirt roads, typically at low speeds 10-25 MPH. I am estimating the problem became noticeable at about 35,000 miles. Over time the clunking noise became noticeable on paved roads up to about 40 MPH when going over small to medium pot holes (depth). On dirt roads at low speeds 10-25MPH, it became more difficult to isolate to right side as noise seemed now to be noticeable in center of vehicle as well as right side. Also was able to produce noise with vehicle in park when simply turning wheel from right to left and sound came from right side only. At 46148 miles I took the vehicle to a local repair shop and preliminary assessment was an inner tie rod failure. Owner of repair shop called and told me the clunking noise was not related to the right-side inner tie rod but was being caused by an estimated .25-.50 inches of play of the steering rack and a replacement steering rack assembly was needed. The repair was completed on 10/2/2026. The replaced steering rack assembly S/N did not match either of the S/N's listed in service bulletin 24-018. I drove the vehicle to the same dirt road where previously the location of the noise was noticeable at both the center and right of vehicle. No noise was noticed at all. The vehicle now has 46770 miles and has been driven on pavement, dirt roads and tested at park by turning the steering wheel left to right. The noise is gone.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Steering · 32,000 miles · WI · crash

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-54 MPH and making a gradual left turn on the highway, the vehicle unintendedly made a quick sharp left turn, grazed the concrete barrier and veered to the opposite side of the road before coming to a stop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the front driver's side tire was completely flat and was pointing left at a 90 degrees angle, and the ball joint had disassembled. The contact could not determine whether the damage caused the crash or whether the crash caused the damage. The contact stated that the failure might be associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V184000 (Steering). A Police report was filed. The contact's wife notified the dealer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the body shop and was scheduled for repair. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Steering · MA

At approximately 31,800 miles, my 2023 Honda Ridgeline failed Massachusetts state inspection due to excessive play in the steering rack. A Honda dealership technician confirmed the steering rack and both inner and outer tie rods required replacement. This vehicle is the same year and model covered under the federal safety agency Recall 24V184000 (steering gearbox inner ball joint housing detaching from steering rack). My VIN was not included in that recall batch; however the failure is identical in nature — premature steering component failure at extremely low mileage. Steering racks are designed to last 100,000 to 150,000+ miles under normal use. This failure occurred at roughly one-third of the minimum expected lifespan, with no prior warning signs, no crashes, no unusual road conditions, and regular maintenance. Vehicle was driven exclusively on paved roads. Component is available for inspection upon request. Failure confirmed by Honda dealership. No warning lamps preceded the failure. Safety risk: potential loss of steering control at highway speed.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · 33,604 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, when the vehicle went over bumps in the road, it shook more than usual. Additionally, when the vehicle was slowed down and the brake pedal was depressed, it took more effort to depress the pedal. The vehicle was taken for inspection, where it was determined that there was a steering suspension failure and the inner and outer tie rods were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,604.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Steering · NC

At roughly 20,000 miles, I began to notice a slight rattle/clucking sound from the front end of the vehicle on gravel surfaces. The issue gradually became more noticeable and upon owner inspection, inner tie rods had noticeable play. Independent shop (Frantz Automotive, Cary, NC) confirmed the play, and upon removing the tie rods and boots, discovered play within the steering rack itself (have video that could not be uploaded), and notified me that there was a recall for this issue on some 2023 Ridgelines (as noted on receipt). I then took the truck to the dealership where purchased (Autopark Honda, Cary, NC), which confirmed the issue (as noted on receipt) and offered to replace at a "goodwill" rate of $500, which they termed a "deductible." Given the safety concern and I needed the truck for transportation, I paid for the repair and will request a refund from Honda America.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Suspension · TX

Vehicle started making a clunking noise that could be felt at 45,000 miles when steering left and right. An independent auto business found loose subframe bolts and lower control arm as well as checked sway bar links and found loose core support braces. The clunking stopped after the bolts were tightened. I found this very odd and concerning. 2021 Honda Rigdeline RTL. Cost to remedy included two hours of labor.

Filed Jul 27, 2025 · Steering · VA

Inner tie rods unnaturally worn. Steering was loose. Internal play in the rack Steering Gearbox, Electric Power Steering needed replacement Honda stated this was similar to manufacturing problems they had with Civics but that Ridgeline was not part of the recall. Issue was fixed by Honda but at my cost.

Filed Jun 20, 2025 · Brakes, Steering · TX

I am having brake indicator light popup 4 time in three week with some strange noise while driving high speed on freeway. I researched found some recall on my 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Based on the provided VIN, [XXX], it appears show my 2022 Honda Ridgeline may be affected by two safety recalls: 1. Rearview Camera Issue: The rearview camera tailgate wire harness might break, preventing the camera image from displaying and increasing crash risk. This affects certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. Dealers will replace the harness free of charge. Owner notifications were sent on November 8, 2024, for Honda Recall Number YI7. 2. Brake Master Cylinder Issue: An improperly assembled tie rod fastener could cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly, leading to a loss of brake function and increased crash risk. This affects certain 2020-2023 Ridgeline, I called Honda customer service reported the problems case#[XXX]. However, No action from Honda at the time. Due to public safety concern and my self I report the incident for you to review. For any question you may have please email:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Suspension · MD

The vehicle’s front suspension system failed, specifically the driver’s side and passenger’s side front strut assemblies and the driver’s side inner and outer tie rods. These components have been identified by the dealership as needing immediate replacement. The defective components should be available for inspection upon request, pending completion of repairs. The vehicle exhibited wobbling and a dragging sensation from the front left tire, which raised concerns regarding control and steering safety. A loose or faulty suspension or tie rod can significantly impair vehicle handling, stability, and steering precision, particularly during acceleration, turning, or driving on inclines. If these components had failed while driving, it could have resulted in loss of control or an accident, posing a serious safety risk to both the driver and other road users. The issue was confirmed and diagnosed by a Honda dealership service department on March 18, 2025, and a detailed repair estimate was provided indicating strut and tie rod failure. The issue was inspected by a Honda-certified dealership service center, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard. The only symptoms were a wobbling or loose feeling in the front left tire and a dragging sensation during acceleration on inclines, first noticed approximately two days prior to the March 18 service visit. Upon visual inspection, I also observed what appeared to be oil on the suspension, suggesting a possible strut fluid leak.