2023 Honda Ridgeline Problems & Owner Complaints

Exterior Lighting 39

“03/09/26 Driver side Headlight assembly filling with a lot of water when driving in wet conditions. Headlight has a significant amount of water and condensation inside. It is very noticeable. I can see a slight difference in positioning of the driver side headlamp vs the passenger side. Driver side looks slightly misaligned on the part closest to the midline of the truck. Available to inspect upon request. Called Dealer to bring it in to inspect immediately. They told me to come in without an appointment bc they said i didnt need one for this issue and I can come right in. I drove all the…”
NHTSA complaint #11725431, 2026

“While driving home on 2/21/26 at night in light sleet/snow conditions, I noticed a dramatic decrease in headlight effectiveness in my Honda Ridgeline. When I stopped to check the headlights, they were coated with ice that needed to be scraped off. This is my first vehicle that has LED headlights so this was unexpected. I never had this issue with my previous vehicles that used incandescent /halogen headlights. I suspect this snow/sleet buildup is due to the fact the LED headlights, by their nature, are much more thermally efficient and generate less than 10% of the heat of an incandescent li…”
NHTSA complaint #11720528, 2026

“There is constant water intrusion on the driverside headlight causing poor headlamp performance. I have reported the issue to a dealer for a warranty claim and was told that it is normal for water to be inside the headlight housing. If this is the case than I believe there is potential for a safety hazard. Issue was escalated to Honda Customer Service who initially offered to help get the repair done under warranty and then changed their tune and told me they wouldn't intervene and my only other option was to take it to another dealership to get a second opinion. I believe than based on Man…”
NHTSA complaint #11719296, 2026

Unknown Or Other 18 1 crash

“After months of using my new Ridgeline the garage door closed inadvertently once i passed down the garage motor impacting the vehicle at the exit. The Ridgeline uses the homelink on the rear-view window which is included as part of the Ridgeline. I contacted HONDA and they referred me to Homelink for whom I also created an incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11590420, 2024 · crash

“My sunroof exploded. The glass blew up and out of the vehicle while on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11747152, 2026

“The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11724375, 2026

Engine 17 1 fire

“Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11746777, 2026 · fire

“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 NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagno…”
NHTSA complaint #11740559, 2026

“There is a presence of gasoline in the oil which is causing two(2) safety issues. 1. The infiltration of gasoline in the oil can cause the engine to malfunction to the point of seizure which could cause a sudden stop in traffic flow. 2. The noxious gasoline fumes are unbearable in the cabin of the truck causing headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness which could cause an accident while driving and could cause the driver to become disoriented and cause an accident. I took the vehicle to Napleton Honda in Loves Park, Illinois to address the problem, and they, in turn contacted American Honda f…”
NHTSA complaint #11719172, 2025

Electrical System 16 1 fire

“Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11746777, 2026 · fire

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving or while stopped at a stop light, the Auto Idle Stop system activated, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "Auto Idle Stop Temporarily Unavailable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11731593, 2026

“The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11724375, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 11

“A car turning left on a one lane both way street. The the auto breaking system hit the breaks I was about 6’ away from car going 10 miles per hour. Car behind me almost hit the back of my truck. It took second before breaks let off. System was in normal mode.”
NHTSA complaint #11720926, 2026

“Oftentimes, while driving on a 2-lane road, the Ridgeline will produce an alarm (beeping sound and flashing amber "BRAKE" illuminated on dash display) when driving through a right hand curve with opposite direction traffic in the opposing lane. In every instance, my vehicle and the opposing vehicle are centered in our respective lanes with no indication that either vehicle is on a course to depart their lanes. This is extremely disconcerting as it creates a false emergency alarm. It also makes me think (momentarily) I am not seeing some collision threat. This creates a hazardous situation and…”
NHTSA complaint #11708530, 2025

“The collision breaking will fire off automatically in situations where you’re going around a curve and there’s a car coming in the opposite direction. The truck will see the other car and slam on the brakes even though everybody’s in the correct lane it’s terribly dangerous because it basically is brake checking people who are behind you. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It does not always do it. It just does it sometimes You can turn the system off, but you have to do that every single time that you turned the car on and it’s I’m sure caused many wrecks at this point.”
NHTSA complaint #11684663, 2025

Power Train 11

“On about 5 occasions, and at a stop light, the auto stop did not re-engage when I attempted to move forward. The first time it happened I only had about 28k miles on it and I was making a left at a light in [XXX]. On another occasion, about 7 months ago, I was driving in [XXX] and the vehicle shut down in the same manner - it went into Accessory mode and I then turned the car off and back on before I was able to move again. The most recent occasion was about two weeks ago in [XXX]. I was about to make a left onto [XXX] from Coliseum and stalled. I had to wave people around me because I w…”
NHTSA complaint #11750970, 2026

“During warmer months of the year the vehicle can have a long pause when shifted into drive. Most commonly occurs when you finish backing up and want to go forward. The vehicle will pause and not go anywhere for 2-3 seconds. It also happens by shifting out of park into drive. Again, the vehicle will pause for 2-3 seconds. Honda dealerships are aware of this issue on the Honda Ridgeline with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It could easily cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11746323, 2026

“The connecting rod bearing in cylinder one broke causing catastrophic engine failure. It has been inspected by a Honda dealer. The check engine light started flashing after the rod broke making me lose power in the vehicle at an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #11739084, 2026

Back Over Prevention 8

“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 NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagno…”
NHTSA complaint #11740559, 2026

“The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11724375, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11624979, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 6 1 fire

“Driving approximately 15mph on a gravel road in my subdivision I noticed smoke or steam coming from under the hood. The time was approximately 10: 30 am on June 4,2026 the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with 41,000 miles was immediately stopped and put in park. I exited the vehicle and started to open the hood and fire streamed out from the front of the vehicle. I backed up and went to the rear door and retrieved my dog from the back seat. The vehicle is a total loss as the fire spread incredibly fast. I’m lucky to be alive today. There were no warnings or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11746777, 2026 · fire

“There is a presence of gasoline in the oil which is causing two(2) safety issues. 1. The infiltration of gasoline in the oil can cause the engine to malfunction to the point of seizure which could cause a sudden stop in traffic flow. 2. The noxious gasoline fumes are unbearable in the cabin of the truck causing headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness which could cause an accident while driving and could cause the driver to become disoriented and cause an accident. I took the vehicle to Napleton Honda in Loves Park, Illinois to address the problem, and they, in turn contacted American Honda f…”
NHTSA complaint #11719172, 2025

“Approximately six(6) months ago, my wife and I noticed a very noxious gasoline smell in the cabin of our truck, and upon further investigation determined that the smell was a direct result of gasoline that had infiltrated the oil in the engine. The oil was changed and the used oil smelled very strongly of gasoline. I sent an oil sample to Blackstone Industries to get the oil analyzed, and they, in fact found gasoline in the oil. Honda said that the results were useless because they wouldn't accept third party results. I took my truck to the local Honda dealership (Napleton Honda in Loves Par…”
NHTSA complaint #11718408, 2025

Steering 6

“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 NHTSA Campaign Numbers 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V184000 (Steering) The vehicle was not diagno…”
NHTSA complaint #11740559, 2026

“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 NHTSA 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…”
NHTSA complaint #11740685, 2026

“At roughly 20,000 miles, I began to notice a slight rattle/clucking sound from the front end of the vehicle on gravel surfaces. The issue gradually became more noticeable and upon owner inspection, inner tie rods had noticeable play. Independent shop (Frantz Automotive, Cary, NC) confirmed the play, and upon removing the tie rods and boots, discovered play within the steering rack itself (have video that could not be uploaded), and notified me that there was a recall for this issue on some 2023 Ridgelines (as noted on receipt). I then took the truck to the dealership where purchased (Autopark…”
NHTSA complaint #11736739, 2026

Service Brakes 4 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving up a slope at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would fail to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred on two occasions, where on the first occasion, it almost crashed into the residence. On the most recent occasion, the contact stated that the vehicle had…”
NHTSA complaint #11663884, 2025 · crash

“I was leaving a place of business crossing a four lane undivided road legally to make a left turn. There was an oncoming car (at an unknown speed) in the lane I was crossing approaching rapidly. I just needed to accelerate lightly to be clear. The collision braking system activated before I could clear. The driver was headed straight for me with a broadside collision imminent. He swerved at the last minute and avoided me by heading into the oncoming traffic lane ( no oncoming cars were present). Results could have been ugly. I have to manually turn that feature off every time I start the ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11682481, 2024

“Vehicle flashes automatic emergency braking sign on dashboard when it is confused by oncoming traffic in the other lane.”
NHTSA complaint #11583720, 2024

Lane Departure 3

“While driving a slow speeds will stall. It has a stalled in the middle of an intersection almost causing us to get T-boned. The last time this happen I was driving in a shopping center going around 5 mph and it has stalled. The truck is currently at the dealership for the second time for the issue. Also the transmission while driving at slow speeds shutters and vibrates. Also the lane keeping feature tries to pulled us off the road while driving at slower speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11644702, 2025

“At times when traffic in opposite lane coming at me on 2 lane road the auto brake system is activated and telling me to apply the brakes. Also, at times the lane departure system will not activate if I drift over into the opposite lane of traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11564341, 2023

“While driving the vehicle, the codes related to the following systems all began flashing: Automatic Emergency Braking Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance My 17-year-old daughter, a new driver, was driving the vehicle at the time and became concerned, distracting her from concentrating on the road. The next day when my husband went to check the car, now the check engine lights were now lit. I just brought this, less than one-year-old vehicle back to the dealership. I was advised the capless gas tank was broken and not closing properly. I am not sure why this should malfun…”
NHTSA complaint #11553946, 2023

Structure 3

“While driving down the road the lower passenger side rear door garnish flew off the truck and went flying out of the wheel well.”
NHTSA complaint #11690193, 2025

“Both Drivers and Passenger doors won't unlock or open without significant' force. This only occurs sometimes but has happened many times over the last year. I have had witnesses (son's) in the car when this happens. It seems like the door locking solenoid is holding the doors locked and both pulling the handle and tryin to flip the unlock switch are difficult. The risk here is in a crash or fire, someone without strength, won't be able to exit the vehicle. I video'd this on 27Apr24 (can provide if requested).”
NHTSA complaint #11585841, 2024

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the tonneau cover detached from the bed of the truck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the brackets used to hold the cover were defective. The tonneau cover was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer offered to replace the tonneau cover. The failure mileage was 2,100.”
NHTSA complaint #11516935, 2023

Suspension 3

“Vehicle has significant rusting on the suspension & can be inspected upon request. The rust will deteriorate the suspension’s capacity to support the vehicle, creating a dangerous hazard for others and myself on the road. The problem was first noted by a Honda service technician, where they provided detailed images of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Images of the rust were found on the rear suspension, parts of the front suspension & in other areas like the differential box & along the shaft of the vehicle. The vehicle did not have any warning signs on the dash - however the suspension is…”
NHTSA complaint #11752645, 2026

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, when the vehicle went over bumps in the road, it shook more than usual. Additionally, when the vehicle was slowed down and the brake pedal was depressed, it took more effort to depress the pedal. The vehicle was taken for inspection, where it was determined that there was a steering suspension failure and the inner and outer tie rods were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,604.”
NHTSA complaint #11737114, 2025

“Became aware of a rattle/clunk from right rear area of truck. Tried to find loose item like trailer hitch or item in cargo area but even with everything taken out noise continued. Finally got under the truck’s rear area and started pushing/pulling on things. Immediately found completely missing bolt and rubber cush on right-hand sway bar mount clamp. Sway bar was unanchored and moved freely, banging parts on the rear brake and bearing area. I have photos and video. One bolt still present in clamp: removed that bolt (very easily) and discovered NO thread lock or lock washer. This bolt spun out…”
NHTSA complaint #11651781, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. In addition, the contact stated while at a stop, the transmission shifted into neutral independently. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with a software error and the computer was restarted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local de…”
NHTSA complaint #11611375, 2024

“I was driving 2 hours on highway trip (65mph) using cruise control. (20 degrees, light flurries, dry road, windy.) I then slowed to make left turn from the center turn lane. While beginning to cross oncoming lane while making the left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and check engine light started flashing. No prior warning to power loss. I barely cleared oncoming traffic, limped to shoulder, and parked. Problem was confirmed at dealership. The issue is known to Honda (also on past models). The dealer also confirmed there's still no fix/recall and that this typically happens in col…”
NHTSA complaint #11578583, 2024

“The Engine Auto Idle Stop system causes the vehicle to intermittently drift backward (without power) for 1-2 seconds, until restart, when at certain types of intersections (extremely minimal incline or near-level intersections). This has caused numerous unsafe situations during normal driving involving the backward drift. Furthermore, the drift and restart delay cause significant hesitation during intended acceleration attempts at the described intersections. The drift has potential to cause a collision with catastrophic injury to a trailing vehicle, and the restart delay can cause a collis…”
NHTSA complaint #11632575, 2023

Air Bags 2 1 fire

“I was on [XXX] and turned into [XXX] . I was driving at 25 miles or so. I don't know if my first or second tire flat first but immediately after my airbags at right and left front and back side got deployed and created a little fire and thick black smoke. I got shock, panicked and lost control for second and hit right front wheel trim of car to probably edge of road. I called Honda Road services to tow my car to nearest Honda services. They told me that a Tower would come over to take care of me in 120 minutes and take my car to Chantilly Honda services. Unfortunately they didn’t show up for…”
NHTSA complaint #11569791, 2024 · fire

“Passenger airbag is indicated to remain on when no one is in the passenger seat. The airbag off light comes on during warning light check but then shuts off and remains off. I do not confidence that the accurate weight is being accounted for when a passenger is in the front seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11575016, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was inspected and determined that there was potential damage to the bearings and that the crankshaft and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engi…”
NHTSA complaint #11704454, 2025

“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the 4WD system became inoperable. The contact stated that the antifreeze was not suitable for the area he lived. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer, who stated that the antifreeze would thicken below 35 degrees. The contact was informed that the engine would not produce enough power to move thicker coolant throughout the engine. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned about being stranded. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 1,…”
NHTSA complaint #11567285, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 2

“The automatic high beam system is terrible. It is too sensitive so the beams flash hi/low on and off. Even a small road reflector on a dark empty road will force it back to low beam. Other cars I own with this type system work much better. It’s a safety hazard because auto hi-beam is on by default and you can’t count on it providing the correct amount of lighting when on dark roads, plus it annoys oncoming drivers because of the constant flashing.”
NHTSA complaint #11680251, 2025

“When traveling at night the high beams will not stay on...they flicker on and off at random intervals”
NHTSA complaint #11525317, 2023

Equipment 1

“I purchased a rear pickup cover. I used it without problems. I took the top off and stored it in my garage. When I put it back on, I noticed nothing wrong. When I went to open the cover to put garbage bags in the rear bed, I found the first part of the tri-top did not open correctly. I took it to 2 dealers when I was told the cover could not be repaired and there were no replacement parts. I have contacted Honds USA and they refuse to do anything about this $1000 part. I want my top replaced. This was a new top, not a used one.”
NHTSA complaint #11519254, 2023

Visibility 1

Wheels 1 1 fire

“I was on [XXX] and turned into [XXX] . I was driving at 25 miles or so. I don't know if my first or second tire flat first but immediately after my airbags at right and left front and back side got deployed and created a little fire and thick black smoke. I got shock, panicked and lost control for second and hit right front wheel trim of car to probably edge of road. I called Honda Road services to tow my car to nearest Honda services. They told me that a Tower would come over to take care of me in 120 minutes and take my car to Chantilly Honda services. Unfortunately they didn’t show up for…”
NHTSA complaint #11569791, 2024 · fire