2017 Honda Ridgeline · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 61owner reports
- 91,967median miles
- $1,850median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
94 of the 342 complaints on this car are about the engine. 61 of those describe engine failure. Only infotainment is reported more often on this car.
Narrower sheets: Rod bearing failure (35 reports)
Tick what matches of 61 reports
Engine failure on other Ridgeline years
No other Ridgeline model year has enough reports of engine failure for a sheet of its own. See every Ridgeline year.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (60 reports) and the timing chain (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
All 9 recalls on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Ridgeline
Engine failure. Open.
No restart after auto start/stop engages. Open.
Engine failure. Closed aug 20, 2025.
What owners paid
13 of the 61 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $700 to $8,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 72,000 and 107,000 miles, from the 24 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Engine seized while driving on the highway. Diagnosed to be a failed rod bearing leading to catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle and engine have 84,000 miles. I have owned and driven it since new.”
Filed Apr 29, 2026 · 84,000 miles
“Engine failure at 95,000 miles due to connecting rod bearing failure. Honda Dealer has replaced engine with new short block. Engine was making a knocking noise during acceleration. Removal of the oil pan revealed a failed rod bearing on one cylinder and a discolored bearing on a second.”
Filed Jan 20, 2026 · 95,000 miles
“Total engine failure on freeway. Huge amount of smoke came out of the engine and the vehicle died. Hole in engine block, piston parts and connecting rod found in oil pan. It is my understanding that some 2017 Honda Ridgeline vehicles were recalled for this same problem. All maintenance work was done per recommendation and at the dealer.”
Filed Aug 22, 2025
“My engine started to have a clicking or a ticking sound, and then abruptly stop running. The dealer said that the engine is seized up. From what I have read, it sounds like the connecting rod problem that other 2017 models have had. I think that my engine needs to also be on the recall. Honda has offered NO help with this, what-so-ever, even though I think they know there is a manufacturing defect.”
Filed Jan 27, 2025 · 116,399 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 61 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 88 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 29 reports