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Honda Ridgeline knocking problems

113 of the 2,240 owner complaints about the Honda Ridgeline describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
113
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$8,225
typical mileage
80,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · 101,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fractured rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · OH

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · CA

I have taken my 2023 Honda Ridgeline into dealer service 4 times for an engine knocking noise. Dealer techs have said noise is abnormal but Honda tech says it is ok and safe to drive. The engine noise is getting louder. I hope it’s not the rod bearings.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

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.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Steering · 18,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was loose, and the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · WA

Engine started running extremely rough, and multiple warning lights came on. Had to have it towed to a mechanic. This rod bearings failed, this is a Honda recall, but they refuse to honor it.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Engine · CT

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.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Engine · DE

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.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Engine · DC

Oil light flash and I receive a alarm from emssion system problem. I stop to check the oil quantity and it was OK. I was near home and to motor just stop and can not start the motor the crank is seize. My NIV is not on Honda recall for the engine problem about the connecting rod bearings so Honda don't won't to covert anytime for my problem. A lot of people seen to have the same problem.

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · MD

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.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported November 13, 2023 · 248,999 vehicles affected
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 pulleysReported April 12, 2019 · 93,946 vehicles affected
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 knocking

Which Honda Ridgeline years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (53 complaints), 2019 (20 complaints) and 2018 (15 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Honda Ridgeline?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $8,225 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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