Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2023 Honda Ridgeline owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the recall covered older model Honda Ridgelines. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
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 diagnosed or repaired for these issues. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.
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 1,400.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,117.
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 Park, IL) to address the problem. They, in turn contracted the Technician Department of American Honda who said the strong gasoline smell was "NORMAL." I have contacted American Honda and they suggested getting a second opinion. The case number is, [redacted]. …
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 cold weather. The possibility of continued sudden power loss without a recall/repair is alarming and a serious safety issue. Service invoice stated: "Customer states the check engine light came on and power was lost. No DTC's were stored. …
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 collision with catastrophic injury at intersections. The dealer and manufacturer have both had the opportunity to inspect the vehicle and report it is operating "as designed." The only message is the illuminated green engine idle stop light that activates when the engine is stopped.
After a 2 1/2 drive (interstate, 75 mph on cruise contral, eco button not on), I took the exit to go home. Immediately after going from cruise to normal driving, the check engine light flashed and as I pushed down on the accelerator there was no power. The engine would rev up to 4000 rpm but would not go over 30 mph and would not shift. Once I got on the more level area of the road I did nurse it back to 55 but still very little power and the engine was struggling. I then stopped at a stop light and the engine shuddered when i tried to accelerate again, no power. Made it to a gas station, turned off the vehicle, filled the tank, then restarted, the engine ran just fine. Took it to the Honda dealership the same day and they were unable to find any codes on the computer and were unable to re-simulate what happened to the engine.
While driving home, my Brand New 2023 Honda Ridgeline's, with 3,350 miles, transmission's warning light popped up and my transmission when into N while on the highway, I was on the fast lane, while I started noticing the lack of power coming out of the transmission. I almost hit several cars and almost got killed by a 18 wheeler because by the time I managed to reach the emergency lane, I was doing 35 miles on a 65 zone, highway. My truck got stuck in P till I removed the terminals from the battery and reset the system. The truck was available to be put on D, but now the gears are bouncing and the truck accelerate by itself while braking almost collating with the vehicle in front of me. Honda can not replicate the problem and says it is fine. I AM WORRY TO KILL SOMEONE ON THE ROAD FOR HONDA'S 9 SPEED TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA investigations
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
On June 3, 2022, the O ce of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several eld reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a tra c light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged.
Engine complaints in other Ridgeline years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, 19% of the model year's 129 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2023 Honda Ridgeline engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, though it has 5 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 2023 Honda Ridgeline engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.