Know Your Truck

2017–2026 Honda Ridgeline common problems and fixes

Backup cameras that stop working because the tailgate wiring breaks are the top complaint (recalled), and some 2017 and 2019 trucks were recalled for engine connecting rod bearings that can fail.

What owners should know

Covers 2017–2026 · 3.5L V6 · Updated 2026-10-05

The second-generation Ridgeline arrived for 2017 with a 3.5L V6 and a 6-speed automatic, replaced by a 9-speed automatic for 2020. Like the first Ridgeline, it has a unibody frame.

We counted 1,412 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2017–2026 Ridgelines (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once). None had a VIN belonging to another vehicle. 2017, the first year, has the most (342). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

  • Backup cameras that stop working are the most reported problem: about 270 complaints, recalled.
  • Engine failures from worn connecting rod bearings, mostly 2017 trucks.
  • About 100 complaints describe emergency braking or collision warnings going off for no reason, spread across all years.

Backup camera

About 270 complaints mention the backup camera. Honda found the wiring to the camera can break from opening and closing the tailgate, and recalled certain 2017–2019 trucks (22V867000) and then 2020–2024 trucks (24V321000) to replace the harness.

Engine

About 90 complaints mention the crankshaft, connecting rods, rod bearings or a rod knock, 42 of them from 2017 trucks. Honda recalled certain 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines because a manufacturing error can make the connecting rod bearings wear and seize (23V751000); dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine. On Ridgeline Owners Club, some owners report the same failure on trucks outside the recall.

Recalls to check

  • Fuel pump port that can crack on 2017–2019 trucks (19V053000) and fuel pumps that can fail (23V858000)
  • Steering gearbox inner ball joint that may loosen on some 2023 trucks (24V184000)
  • Rear subframe that can rust on certain 2017–2023 trucks sold in road-salt states (26V365000). Honda mailed interim letters in July 2026 and says it will send more once the final remedy is ready, so ask a dealer whether the repair is available for this VIN yet.

Before you buy

  • Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
  • Make sure the backup camera works, and open and close the tailgate a few times.
  • Listen for a knock from the engine, especially on a 2017 or 2019.
  • Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (11)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2017-2026 Honda Ridgeline. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

  • Backup camera stops working

    Dealer job

    Signs: No picture or a flickering picture from the backup camera, often after years of opening the tailgate.

    Fix: Honda found the camera wiring can break where it bends with the tailgate. Its recalls replace the harness on certain 2017–2019 (22V867000) and 2020–2024 (24V321000) trucks; on a truck that isn't covered, have the wiring and camera tested before replacing parts. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 22V867000 / 24V321000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Engine connecting rod bearing failure (some 2017 and 2019 trucks)

    Dealer job

    Signs: A knocking sound from the engine, rough running, or the engine quitting while driving.

    Fix: Covered by a Honda recall for certain 2017 and 2019 trucks: because of a manufacturing error the connecting rod bearings can wear and seize, so dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it. Some owners report failures on trucks outside the recall's VIN range; a knocking engine on any year should be diagnosed right away (oil pressure, oil analysis or a teardown) before it seizes.

    May be covered free by recall 23V751000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

  • Fuel pump can crack or fail

    Dealer job

    Signs: A fuel smell, rough running, or the engine stalling or not starting.

    Fix: Covered by Honda recalls for certain 2017–2019 trucks (fuel pump feed port cracked by acids such as car wash soaps; 19V053000) and certain 2017–2020 trucks whose fuel pump can fail (23V858000). Stalling and no-starts have other causes, so if the VIN isn't covered, have it diagnosed. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.

    May be covered free by recall 19V053000 / 23V858000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →