Honda Ridgeline power steering loss problems

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 Sep 7, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · PR

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 32,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact The contact stated he experienced knocking in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an air compressor failure; however, the issue persisted. The contact also stated another issue is the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The contact also experienced loss of steering control with the vehicle pulling to the right. intermittently veering towards The contact associated the issues with the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for these issues. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 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 Oct 28, 2025 · Engine · FL

Catastrophic Premature In-Service Water Pump Failure at 28,330 miles on 10/20/25 with loud metal-to-metal noise with complete loss of coolant. Engine was shutdown to prevent further engine damage. Failure occurred as vehicle was being parked after leaving city street. Failure on city street could have resulted in an accident due to engine failure and collision with other vehicles, coolant spill resulted in a large slippery spill area and possible loss of steering of following vehicles. Vehicle was towed to the vehicle’s dealer who replaced the water pump and related parts [Timing Belt Kit Package]. The failed parts are not available for inspection as the dealer routinely discards damaged parts replaced during the repair. There were no warning lamps, or messages prior to failure. Regular under hood checks by owner for: fluid levels, leaks, unusual noise, belt damage showed no issues including during an oil change with fluid level checks [the radiator level bottle showed the proper level of coolant] 5 days prior to the water pump failure. Three dealer performed Multi-Point Inspections on this vehicle on 3/20/19, 3/29/23 and 10/23/24 during ‘Campaign Recalls’ with no defects reported. The dealer Multi-Point Inspections included inspections for: Cooling System [leaks], Hoses [cracks, damage, leaks], Drive Belts [cracks, damage, leaks] with no defects reported.

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

I contacted North America Honda and they referred me to a local dealer. However, the dealer told me that they cannot repair the fuel pump until it breaks down on the road. According to a report, if the fuel pump malfunctions, it could shut off the fuel supply, which would cause the engine to stop running. As a result, you would lose power steering and it could create a hazardous situation while driving.

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Engine · VA

My wife was driving our 2017 Honda Ridgeline when the engine suddenly stopped running and she lost power steering. She was able to coast a short distance as close to the side of the road as possible. Luckily she was only a hundred yards or so from our house on a quiet side street, however if it had been 20-30 seconds earlier she would have been on the highway or in the middle of a major intersection. There were no warnings or any other indication of a problem. The engine would not start despite a full charge on the battery. After towing it to the dealer for service, the engine was completely seized and they diagnosed it as the connecting rod bearing. The only remedy offered was full engine replacement. Hours after paying $9k for the repair, we saw news articles about the federal safety agency Campaign 23V751000 for 2017 Honda Ridgelines regarding a manufacturing error for the connecting rod bearing causing engine wear and may cause the engine to seize. Exactly the issue with our 2017 Ridgeline. Our VIN does not show in the campaign, so I believe Honda has mistakenly narrowed the breadth of the campaign or surreptitiously removed our VIN by the dealer since we had already paid on our own. There is also no way for me to verify that the replacement engine will not suffer the same issue. We opted for a used engine over OEM to save money, but were intentionally not warned about the recall before making the choice.

Filed Feb 24, 2022 · Driver assistance · ME

The automatic emergency braking system is consistently fooled on right hand turns. It "sees" the car approaching as being "in my lane" and alerts "BRAKE" and vibrates the steering wheel. I believe this is because the system is unable to detect the curve in the two lane road approaching and no steering input has been applied (as the vehicle is not in the corner yet)

Filed May 5, 2017 · Electrical · 1,950 miles · NY

I bought a 2017 honda ridgeline in september. The vehicle currently has few than 2000 miles. I started it up the other day and received a dashboard warning about a gas-gauge malfunction. I didn't think much of it. I got two blocks from my home and the power steering stopped working. Within a minute I received warnings about traction control and ABS malfunctions. The car then stalled. The vehicle restarted and I started home and it stalled again in the middle of an intersection. It was very un-nerving. I had the car towed to babylon honda located in west babylon, ny. They called me a few days later and informed me that a rodent had eaten the wiring harness. I was looking at over $1800 in damages not covered by the warranty. A mechanic friend of mine told me about an issue with honda's involving rodents and their electrical harnesses. He sent me an article from nbc news reporting on the issue. Honda is now coating the harness with a soy based covering. It attracts rodents. My truck now has a new "edible" soy-based wiring harness. Many honda owners are complaining that their vehicle end up back at the dealership for yet another harness. This seems to put the driver's at risk of an accident or fire. Honda claims they don't have an issue. Some honda owners have had luck using an "anti-rodent tape" which wraps around the harness. Interestingly enough the tape is sold by honda an is an actual honda part. My dealer wouldn't put it on. I want to know if I'm safe in my truck. Here's a link to the nbc article. I've also attached a copy. Http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/honda-s-soy-based-wiring-covers-irresistible-rodents-lawsuit-n504746

Filed Apr 3, 2015 · Engine · 119,210 miles · PA

My vehicle has catastrophic internal engine failure. There was no indication of any issue with my vehicle. I had my 3 year old grandson with me and we were out to run a quick errand. I detected a strange noise that I thought was a stone in my wheel. I decided to turn the truck around and forego the errand, as it was an odd noise. Moments after I turned the truck around my vtm-4 and vsa warning lights came on. I pulled to the side of the road and looked these warning lights up in my owner's manual. Based on what I read, their was no danger in proceeding slowing, as these indicator lights are related to stabilization and equal distribution of torque. The manual suggested it be taken to a mechanic. I no sooner pulled out and the engine light came on and the ridgeline ceased. I had no steering, no power, nothing. I managed to get to the side of the road. Thankfully, I was not on the highway and was going at a slow rate of speed, otherwise I would not have been able to control the vehicle. Needless to say, it was a scary experience for my grandson and me. I had to have the ridgeline towed to my mechanic and it has been determined that a piston ring broke and gouged the cylinder. The engine needs replaced. I talked to honda of america to inquire if this has been a problem historically with this engine, but couldn't get a straight answer. I purchased the extended warranty offered with this vehicle but it expired at 100,000 miles. I am convinced that this is a manufacturing defect based on the information I have since read regarding this type of incident with this engine. Because my warranty has expired, I bear the cost of this expense. Disappointed that my honda didn't live up to it's reputation. This is a vehicle that was well maintained, with an expected engine life of tens of thousands more miles.