Engine died while driving and it wont start
Honda Ridgeline engine failure problems
104 of the 2,242 owner complaints about the Honda Ridgeline describe engine failure, most of them for the 2017 model year.
- owner complaints
- 104
- worst model year
- 2017
- typical repair cost reported
- $8,225
- typical mileage
- 60,000
By model year
Often reported together
Knocking 56Check engine light 26Loss of power 21Stalling 13Won't start 5Start-stop 5Warning lights 4Power steering loss 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P2651 1
What owners say
With no warning engine started making a loud ticking noise and within a couple of days it was a loud knocking noise. Flashing check engine light came on and engine lost power. Shut down and restarted engine, knocking noise still there but check engine light is not flashing. Knocking noise is loud and vehicle cannot be driven. Mileage is around 170000 but has had regular oil changes. Mechanic has confirmed the engine knock and said not to drive it. Can't afford to replace the engine.
I own a 2017 Honda Ridgeline with the 3.5L V6. The vehicle developed a noticeable engine knocking noise along with a check-engine light. I took it to a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The dealer confirmed abnormally low oil pressure, reporting approximately 6–7 PSI at idle on Bank 2, and recommended complete engine replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,000. To my knowledge, the dealer has not identified the exact internal component causing the knocking noise or low oil pressure. The vehicle and engine are available for inspection. This vehicle has a significant prior engine-failure history. At approximately 102,851 miles, the previous engine suffered a spun No. 2 connecting-rod bearing, crankshaft/connecting-rod damage, and metal contamination in the oil system. That engine was replaced with a used engine, which is the engine currently installed. Before the current diagnosis, diagnostic code P2651 was present. The related oil-pressure switch and rocker-arm oil-control solenoid were replaced and the codes cleared, but the abnormal engine knocking remained. I am concerned this condition could result in engine seizure, stalling, or sudden loss of power while driving. Because of the knocking noise and confirmed low oil pressure, I do not consider the vehicle safe to drive. I am aware the federal safety agency is investigating connecting-rod-bearing failures involving 2017–2019 Honda Ridgelines and other Honda/Acura vehicles. Given this vehicle's prior documented connecting-rod-bearing failure and its current knocking/low-oil-pressure condition, I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can determine whether it may be related to the broader issue under investigation. The vehicle has been inspected by a Honda dealership, and I have contacted American Honda for assistance.
I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern involving my vehicle, which experienced a sudden engine shutdown while I was driving on the busy [XXX] toward the [XXX]. The engine unexpectedly stopped operating due to oil-related and engine issues, creating an extremely dangerous situation for me and potentially for other motorists traveling on the roadway. Having a vehicle suddenly lose engine power while traveling at highway speeds presents a significant safety hazard. The unexpected loss of power can leave a driver with limited ability to maneuver safely, increase the risk of a collision, and expose the driver and passengers to danger from surrounding traffic. In my situation, the engine failure occurred without warning while I was on a busy highway, placing my safety and the safety of others at risk. I am concerned that the circumstances surrounding this failure may indicate a potential safety-related defect involving the vehicle's engine or oil system. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this incident and determine whether similar complaints have been reported involving this vehicle, its engine, or related oil-system components. If a broader pattern of failures exists, I ask that the agency consider whether further investigation or appropriate corrective action is warranted. I would appreciate guidance regarding the proper process for submitting supporting documentation, including repair records, diagnostic reports, photographs, maintenance history, and any other information that may assist your investigation. I believe that sudden engine failure under these circumstances deserves serious attention because of the potential consequences for public safety. My intention in submitting this complaint is to ensure that this incident is documented and evaluated, and to help determine whether other vehicle owners may be facing a similar risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine failed to restart after the Auto Start/Stop feature engaged. The battery warning light briefly illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact shifted the transmission to Park (P) and pressed the Engine Start/Stop button to restart the vehicle. The contact deactivated the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature to prevent the failure from recurring. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the starter motor required replacement; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: EA25004 (Engine And Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Engine seized Honda dealership found a hole in block. Estimated repair almost $13k for a used motor. Contacted American Honda and after several weeks they refused assistance. I was barely able to exit freeway. I had to walk as area was remote without cell coverage. I understand there is a lawsuit for this issue and an investigation. I feel I have no choice but to pay for the repair as I care for a disabled son. However the evidence is the damaged motor so I am unsure what to do. This could have been a serious safety issue. An others with this motor need protection. Also for my family it’s like vaporizing $13k and going a month without necessary transportation. I am frankly shocked Honda is aware of this potential problem and refused to assist.
I own a 2017 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 128,000 miles. In late August 2026, I noticed a deep knocking noise coming from the engine shortly after an oil change. The knocking increased with engine RPM and continued even after the engine warmed up. The oil level appeared full, and there was no oil-pressure warning light. I brought the vehicle to Liberty Honda in Connecticut for diagnosis. Their technician investigated the noise, identified it as internal connecting-rod knock, and determined that the engine requires complete replacement. The dealership quoted approximately $19,210 plus tax for the repair. I have driven approximately 40,000 miles since purchasing this vehicle and have consistently maintained it. Oil changes were performed at Valvoline approximately every 3,000–5,000 miles using their premium oil service. Routine maintenance was performed by an independent mechanic, while major repairs were handled by Honda dealerships. The timing belt was serviced at approximately 84,000 miles. I am concerned because Honda previously recalled certain 2017 Ridgelines for connecting-rod-bearing defects, and the federal safety agency has separately investigated similar failures in 2017–2019 Ridgelines outside the original recall population. My vehicle has experienced the same type of failure being investigated This condition presents a serious safety concern because connecting-rod-bearing failure can cause sudden engine failure and loss of power while driving. I have avoided further driving because of this risk. American Honda denied my request for goodwill assistance toward engine replacement. I am reporting this failure so the federal safety agency can evaluate it alongside similar complaints.
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.
connecting rod bearing (Recall 23V‑751) failed in my 2017 Honda Ridgeline which was not part of the recall for this issue. Oil light came on and I took to my mechanic for service and on the way there i started to hear engine noise. As I pulled into mechanics shop he was outside and heard the noise. He told me that the car was getting ready to have catastrophic engine failure and was going to need a new engine. I was going to drive to the parking lot next door and leave the car to have it towed back to my house and it died as i was tuning into the lot. It was dangerous as it died where there was traffic passing by and i had to push the car out of traffic. The engine light came on Sunday, Monday (Labor Day)the car was not driven and then was taken to mechanic Tuesday morning.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine seized. The contact was able to start the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that an unknown software update was performed, adjustments were performed, and the computer was reset. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
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 Honda Ridgeline engine failure
Which Honda Ridgeline years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2017 (45 complaints), 2018 (16 complaints) and 2019 (10 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Honda Ridgeline?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $8,225 (median of 15 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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