Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Honda Ridgeline owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 50 mph the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. After stopping to inspect under the hood the contact discovered transmission and radiator fluid spraying and leaking within the engine compartment. The contact sustained burns to the left arm from the hot fluids while inspecting under the hood. The injuries did not require medical treatment. The vehicle was towed away and later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure occurred due to the failed transmission lines that were located inside the radiator which caused the radiator and transmission to overheat. The contact was informed that both the transmission and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not yet contacted. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle independently reduced in speed. The contact discovered that the transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence where it was discovered that metal fitting around the radiator had corroded and fractured, which caused the transmission fluid to leak from the vehicle. As a result, the radiator needed to be replaced. The contact repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000. Updated 12/03/15
While driving, I suddenly started getting transmission "slippage". Engine would rev up, but no power to the wheels. I was able to pull off the road. There was a strawberry milkshake colored fluid coming out of my radiator overflow container. Turns out the that transmission cooler inside the radiator broke loose and allowed engine coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. Apparently it's not an unknown problem. I'm lucky that I was in a rural residential area and not on the interstate.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. While driving various speeds, the check engine indicator illuminated without warning. In addition, a steel washer corroded and caused transmission fluid to leak into the radiator. The transmission and radiator were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Fire in engine bay of new Honda Ridgeline, debris caught between exhaust and catalytic converter. Major damage. Bought 2nd. Ridgeline. 2 minor episodes of burning smell while using on dirt roads. This is not a coincidence!
We got our Ridgeline on March 12 a few days that they had been out, only the second that the duval Honda had sold. And we have done nothing but love that truck. On Friday 11/25/05 on my way to work, I ahd been driving about 5-8 mintues and then I smelt something a little strange.........coming out of the ac vent. I turned the heater off......the smell of smoke started to get heavier and heavier. I looked into the vent and noticed that there was smoke and fire billowing inside.....not sure where it was coming from...I got out of the truck, called fire/rescue, and began to get most of the belongings that I could. The truck was fully involved by time fire/rescue arrived on scene. I must say that, back in septmber I noticed that the radio which is still stock was wired incorrectly, I mentioned it the last time that I took the baby in for servicing. …
Found out radiator/transmission on Honda Ridgeline has been having catastrophic failures due to transmission line failure. This issue will cause engine failure that could result in wrecks due to the violent nature of this failure. This would cause immediate panic to my pregnant wife and soon to be newborn baby girl. Honda is aware of the faulty connection on radiator that causes this issue and still hasn't issued recall. I believe they are acting negligently towards fixing this issue. Come to find out Nissan had a similar issue with their pathfinder and has since performed a voluntary radiator assembly program (http://www.nissanassist.com/web/radiator/faqs.php?menu=22). Honda also directed us to contact NHTSA and I am hopeful that the fine staff at NHTSA will take a close look at this issue with Honda and come to a decision to help consumers take preventative measures. …
Noticed large amount of smoke at engine start up. Turned off engine checked oil level, discovered it was about a quart low. Last oil change about 3,500 miles prior to event. Topped off oil drove about 25 miles moderate to light smoking from exhaust. Dropped off at Honda dealer for maintenance on 27 dec 07. Dealer determined cause to be blown head gasket, requiring new cylinder head estimated repairs due to be complete about 3 jan 08. Call from dealer inquiring about oil change records on 3 jan info provided, truck not ready. Called dealer on 4 jan for status and informed that a new engine is required after guidance from regional service rep. New completion date about 9 jan. Called dealer 11 jan to check on status, new engine installed still smoking, trouble shooting in progress. New cylinder head required for new engine completion due 17 jan 08. Work completed on 17 jan.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the service engine sensor, vtm sensor, ESC sensor, and the air bag sensor intermittently illuminated and flashed. The failure worsened and all four sensors remained illuminated while the vehicle was in motion. In addition, the all wheel drive was not functioning properly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who reset the code. When the three failure codes came back, it was diagnosed that one of the three banks needed to be replaced for the catalytic converter on the front driver side. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V700000 (air bags), 14V353000 (air bags), and 14V351000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.
Truck failed to start after work, after several tries the truck started but warning lights came on and there was a knocking noise in the engine. After a couple of seconds the warning lights went off and the noise went away. When I started to drive it surged a couple of times and then ran normal. I checked the engine when I got home to find coolant on the dipstick and very low on coolant in the radiator. I took the truck to a Honda dealer who inspected it and told me what I already knew and said that I need a new engine, they have not told me what the cause is. After a very brief search on the web I found numerous complaints on this model year truck with the same problem. Going to dealer today to talk with the service manager and discuss my options and ask for help from Honda on this matter.
Engine complaints in other Ridgeline years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Honda Ridgeline?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 10% of the model year's 242 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Honda Ridgeline engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Honda Ridgeline engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.