What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires?

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) deactivates 3 cylinders during light-load driving to improve fuel economy. When inactive cylinders reactivate, vacuum pulls oil past piston rings into the combustion chamber, causing excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000-1,500 miles vs. n… Repairs typically run $81-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)?

NHTSA recall 23V-858 affects 2.5+ million Honda and Acura vehicles including 2017-2020 Ridgelines. The Denso-branded fuel pump impeller was improperly molded with low-density material that deforms over time and interferes with the fuel pump body. Pump becomes inoperative, causing… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure?

The radiator internal cooler corrodes at seams and fittings, allowing coolant to mix with transmission fluid in a condition known as "SMOD" (Strawberry Milkshake Of Death). This coolant contamination destroys all clutch packs and friction materials in the 5-speed transmission. 20… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458)?

The tie rod fastener connecting the brake booster and brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing. Loose or missing nuts allow the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster assembly, causing complete loss of brake function - extrem… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking?

Honda Sensing collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) gives false alarms and phantom braking, particularly during left-hand turns through intersections with opposite traffic, and on windy roads. The forward collision warning also fails to alert in actual collision scenarios. N… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2010 Honda Ridgeline Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage?

The 3.5L aluminum engine with steel spark plugs experiences thermal stress due to temperature differences. Spark plugs back out (loosen) due to aluminum block expansion/contraction cycles, causing misfires and potentially breaking inside the combustion chamber. Loose spark plugs… Repairs typically run $150-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture - Unrepaired First-Generation Trucks?

Every 2006-2014 Ridgeline is covered by the Takata ammonium-nitrate inflator recall campaigns. The propellant degrades with age and with cycles of heat and humidity; a degraded inflator can over-pressurize and burst its metal housing during deployment, firing shrapnel into the ca… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure?

Center console infotainment touchscreen goes completely black or becomes unresponsive on 2017-2023 models. System may enter infinite shutdown loop draining battery overnight. Software glitches across all model years and loose fuse connections cause complete audio/navigation syste… Repairs typically run $0-$1,900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline In-Bed Trunk Water Intrusion and Drainage Clogs?

The Ridgeline's unique in-bed trunk has drainage holes and weep holes designed to channel water out. These drainage holes frequently clog with leaves, pine straw, tree debris, pollen, and mildew. When clogged, rainwater and vehicle washing accumulate inside the trunk, causing rus… Repairs typically run $50-$200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2023 Honda Ridgeline Idle Stop & Go (ISG) - Failure to Restart Investigation?

NHTSA investigation EA25-004 covers 2.2 million Honda vehicles including 2020-2023 Ridgeline for idle stop and go (ISG) system failure to restart engine after automatic shutdown at stop lights. Vehicle may fail to automatically restart when stop ends, requiring driver to manually… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Rear Differential Noise and Shuddering (AWD Models)?

AWD Ridgelines experience noise and juddering from the rear differential, particularly when turning. The differential fluid breaks down prematurely due to contamination from clutch wear debris, condensation, or water intrusion. Water can enter through the breather tube vent in th… Repairs typically run $120-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2023 Honda Ridgeline Clogged Moonroof Drains and Roof-Seam Sealer Leaks - Wet Headliner and Overhead Console?

Water dripping from the overhead console or pooling on the headliner is a recurring Ridgeline complaint separate from the in-bed trunk leak. Two mechanisms show up on the owners club: the moonroof cassette's front drain tray plugs with pine needles and debris so the tray overflow… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2020 Honda Ridgeline Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear - Front-End Clunk Over Bumps?

The Ridgeline's front lower ball joint is pressed into the lower control arm and is not serviceable separately, so normal wear condemns the whole arm. Owners club threads on 1G trucks describe a clunk or knock from the front end over expansion joints and driveway lips, often misd… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2026 Honda Ridgeline ZF 9-Speed (9AT) Dog-Clutch Hesitation and Harsh Coast-Down Shifts?

The ZF 9HP-based 9-speed automatic fitted to 2020+ Ridgelines uses dog clutches rather than friction packs for some ratio changes. The dog clutch must synchronize gear speeds before it engages, and the PCM cuts engine torque during the event; when the calibration timing drifts th… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2019 Honda Ridgeline Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 MPH (6-Speed, TSB 17-025 / 17-026)?

Second-generation Ridgelines with the 6-speed automatic (2017-2019, and the same 6AT family used in the Pilot and Odyssey) develop a shudder or judder that feels like driving over rumble strips during light-throttle cruise, typically 20-60 MPH when the torque converter clutch is… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2006-2022 Honda Ridgeline Dual-Action Tailgate Latch Actuator Failure and Linkage Misadjustment - Tailgate Won't Swing Open?

The Ridgeline's signature dual-action tailgate uses two separate latch mechanisms plus an electric actuator, and the swing-open function fails far more often than the fold-down one. Two distinct failure modes show up across generations: the electric latch actuator motor dies (the… Repairs typically run $0-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2024 Honda Ridgeline Windshield Stress Cracks Along the Lower Edge (Heated Wiper Zone)?

Ridgeline owners repeatedly report a crack that starts at the bottom edge of the windshield - usually in or near the wiper-park area where the heated de-icer element is bonded - and runs horizontally across the glass with no impact chip anywhere to be found. The pattern points to… Repairs typically run $350-$1,200. Severity: low.

What is the 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Power Steering Pump Cold-Start Whine and Feed-Hose O-Ring Leak (TSB 07-86)?

First-generation Ridgelines whine loudly from the power steering pump on cold mornings, quieting as the engine warms. The cause is not usually the pump: the O-ring on the low-pressure supply hose at the pump contracts and hardens with age, letting the pump draw air past it and ae… Repairs typically run $10-$600. Severity: low.

Honda · Known Issues

2006-2026 Honda Ridgeline Problems: 20 Known Issues

2006-2026 model years · 1,154+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,154+ owner reports, the 2006-2026 Honda Ridgeline has 20 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires ($81-$8,000 repair), Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) ($0-$1,200 repair), Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure ($300-$6,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458) ($0-$1,500 repair), Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking ($0-$600 repair), Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage ($150-$8,000 repair), Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture - Unrepaired First-Generation Trucks ($0-$0 repair), Rear Frame and Subframe Corrosion - Fuel Tank Strap Mounts Rust Through (Recall 22V-430) ($0-$4,500 repair) and Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner Leaks Down - Belt Skip and Interference Engine Damage (J35A9). at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,154+ owner reports, the 2006-2026 Honda Ridgeline has 20 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires, Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858), Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2006-2026 Honda Ridgeline has 20 known issues documented across 1,154+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires and Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) and Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure and Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458) and Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking and Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture - Unrepaired First-Generation Trucks and Rear Frame and Subframe Corrosion - Fuel Tank Strap Mounts Rust Through (Recall 22V-430) and Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner Leaks Down - Belt Skip and Interference Engine Damage (J35A9). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Ridgeline issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires, typically costs $81-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Honda Ridgeline. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2006-2026 Honda Ridgeline with 20 documented issues documented across 1,154+ owner reports.

All 20 Known Issues

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

What year Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires#

Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage#

Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner Leaks Down - Belt Skip and Interference Engine Damage (J35A9)#

Idle Stop & Go (ISG) - Failure to Restart Investigation#

Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking#

Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture - Unrepaired First-Generation Trucks#

Rear Frame and Subframe Corrosion - Fuel Tank Strap Mounts Rust Through (Recall 22V-430)#

In-Bed Trunk Water Intrusion and Drainage Clogs#

Clogged Moonroof Drains and Roof-Seam Sealer Leaks - Wet Headliner and Overhead Console#

Dual-Action Tailgate Latch Actuator Failure and Linkage Misadjustment - Tailgate Won't Swing Open#

Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure#

Rear Differential Noise and Shuddering (AWD Models)#

Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)#

Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458)#

ZF 9-Speed (9AT) Dog-Clutch Hesitation and Harsh Coast-Down Shifts#

Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch Judder at 20-60 MPH (6-Speed, TSB 17-025 / 17-026)#

Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure#

Front Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Wear - Front-End Clunk Over Bumps#

Windshield Stress Cracks Along the Lower Edge (Heated Wiper Zone)#

Power Steering Pump Cold-Start Whine and Feed-Hose O-Ring Leak (TSB 07-86)#