2017 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Avoid

Ranks 17th of 17 Ridgeline years we score.

Owner complaints: 344; 13 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 66.7; 49,612 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 2.2×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 118; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2014 Ridgeline 2018 Ridgeline →

Should You Buy the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?

We would look at other years first. Our reliability score for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is 58 out of 100, which rates Avoid. Owners reported about 2.2 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 17th of the 17 Ridgeline years we score.

The most reported problem is the rearview camera, mostly stopped working (76 of 344 complaints). Owners also complain about engine failure and the transmission. 118 of the 344 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the keyless start and engine. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2018 scores 61.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 20-117 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
3 Honda warranty extensions may cover repairs

Cons

About 2.2 times the problems of the average car its age
More complaints than average about major systems in the last two years
Rearview camera: stopped working76 complaints
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive64 complaints

How the 2017 Ridgeline Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems118 complaints · average car: about 57	2.0×	−14
Everyday problems213 complaints · average car: about 80	2.6×	−7
Problems in the last two years76 complaints · average car: about 20	3.6×	−14
Recalls8 recalls · average car: about 5.6	1.3×	−7
Score		58

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 344 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 344.

Rearview camera: stopped working
76 complaints (22%)
A feature that stopped working, parts breaking or coming apart and problems that come and go. 1 of these 76 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Engine failure: failure or loss of drive
64 complaints (19%)
Failure or loss of drive, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 60 of these 64 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 93,000 miles.
Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
25 complaints (7%)
Harsh or delayed shifts, a failure and vibration or shudder. 15 of these 25 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 5 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 51,000 miles.
Capless fuel filler: sticking or stiffness
15 complaints (4%)
Sticking or stiffness. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
13 complaints (4%)
A failure, a stored fault code and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 64,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
12 complaints (3%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Ignition or push-button start: warning lights
11 complaints (3%)
Warning lights, a failure and problems that come and go. 2 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
10 complaints (3%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working. 7 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking. Median mileage when it started: about 13,000 miles.
Brakes: the system acting on its own
10 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own, a failure and loss of braking. 3 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 8,000 miles.
Vehicle alarm: the system acting on its own
10 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Engine: rough running or misfires
8 complaints (2%)
Rough running or misfires, unusual noises and surging. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 80,000 miles.
Engine sensors or computer failure
8 complaints (2%)
A failure and damage. 3 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
Key fob failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often being stranded.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
6 complaints (2%)
A loss of power and reduced power or limp mode. All 6 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 59,000 miles.
Torque converter failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure, vibration or shudder and a stored fault code. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.

Show 26 more problems

Wiring, fuses or body control module failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure and damage. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
5 complaints (1%)
Water leaking in, unusual noises and damage. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Headlights failure
5 complaints (1%)
A failure, damage and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Fire (cause not stated)
5 complaints (1%)
A fire. All 5 describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Noise (cause not stated)
4 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
4 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Timing chain or camshaft failure
4 complaints (1%)
A failure. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 69,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and rust or corrosion. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
3 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own.
Screen and audio: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and not shutting off.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
3 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Problem not described (cause not stated)
3 complaints (under 1%)
Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead and a feature that stopped working.
Battery drain: draining the battery
2 complaints (under 1%)
Draining the battery. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Cooling system: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak and damage. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow.
Fuel filler door: water leaking in
2 complaints (under 1%)
Water leaking in and sticking or stiffness.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel system: fault code
2 complaints (under 1%)
A stored fault code and a failure.
Fuel leak failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury.
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A bad smell.
Mirrors: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage and vibration or shudder.
Cruise control: surging
2 complaints (under 1%)
Surging.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Hesitation.
Steering: loss of steering control
2 complaints (under 1%)
Loss of steering control and a failure.
Tailgate: not opening or unlocking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Not opening or unlocking.
Timing belt failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and damage.

Reported Once (35)

Show the 35 problems reported once

12V battery failure
AWD or rear differential: water leaking in
Alternator or charging failure
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Control module (unspecified): fault code
Engine air intake failure
Exhaust or catalytic converter: damage
Exterior lights: works on and off
Exterior trim: damage
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
High-pressure fuel pump failure
Hood latch: shattering or cracking
Lane keeping assist: warning lights
USB or power outlet: stopped working
Electrical system (part not stated) failure
Fuel rail: fault code
Hood: vibration or shudder
Sun visor: parts breaking or coming apart
Suspension (part not stated): rust or corrosion
Windshield washer system: a leak
Paint and rust: damage
Door lock actuators: works on and off
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Remote start: the system acting on its own
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
Starter: the system acting on its own
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
Transmission computer failure
Shifter or park failure
Vibration (cause not stated)
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield wipers: works on and off

How the 2017 Honda Ridgeline Compares With Other Years

The other Ridgeline years of the 2nd generation, 2017 to 2026.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2026	Too new	–	–	3.4	0	Headlights: works on and off
2025	Provisional 54	–	–	18.8	2	Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
2024	Caution	62	2.2×	17.9	1	Headlights: works on and off
2023	Caution	67	1.4×	17.4	5	Headlights: works on and off
2022	Caution	65	1.7×	28.0	3	Headlights: works on and off
2021	Caution	63	1.8×	34.0	7	Headlights: works on and off
2020	Caution	61	2.0×	45.4	8	Rearview camera: stopped working
2019	Caution	64	1.4×	33.3	11	Rearview camera: stopped working
2018	Caution	61	2.2×	68.7	7	Rearview camera: stopped working
2017 This year	Avoid	58	2.2×	66.7	8	Rearview camera: stopped working

See every Ridgeline year

2017 Honda Ridgeline Recalls

Eight recalls cover the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The most recent was issued in June 2026: “Rear Suspension Components May Fail.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Rear Suspension Components May Fail
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V365000 Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Fuel Pump May Fail
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V858000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 18, 2023. By the second quarter of 2026, 73% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
NHTSA 23V751000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 13, 2023. By the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Rearview Camera May Fail
An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 22V867000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 23, 2022. By the second quarter of 2026, 81% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Hood May Open While Driving
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 21V932000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 29, 2021. By the fourth quarter of 2023, 87% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 2 more recalls

Fuel Pump Feed Port May Crack And Leak
A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 19V053000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 24, 2019. By the second quarter of 2020, 93% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Water May Leak into Rear Wiring Harness
Corrosion of the wiring harness can cause increased electrical resistance, unexpectedly activating the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V888000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 9, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 92% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2017 Honda Ridgeline Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has three warranty extensions for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the engine and keyless start. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 20-117
Keyless start system error (start/stop button)
The problem:
The engine start/stop button can fail. The car may not start on the first press and the display shows a keyless start system error.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the engine start/stop switch for free.
Who qualifies:
The car must not start on the first press and must show the keyless start error. The switch is replaced only if it has failed. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
9 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-100
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes (with software update)
The problem:
The engine software can misread sensors as a worn catalytic converter. Debris can also wear or clog the fuel injectors. The check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer updates the engine software and replaces the fuel injectors if needed, for free.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must come on with a listed catalytic converter, misfire or air fuel fault code. The light must come on during the coverage period. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 21-010
Check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes (without software update)
The problem:
The engine software can misread sensors as a worn catalytic converter. Debris can also wear or clog the fuel injectors. The check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer tests the engine cylinders and replaces the fuel injectors for free.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must come on with a listed catalytic converter, misfire or air fuel fault. For a catalytic converter fault, the program does not apply if all cylinders pass the test. Coverage passes to later owners.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2017 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened five investigations that cover the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. One is still open, one led to a recall, two closed without one and one other has closed.

Rear-view camera image not displaying in 2017-2018 Ridgelines
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in February 2022, covered 2017-2018 Ridgelines. It had 107 complaints that the rear-view camera image would not display in reverse. Honda found the tubing protecting the camera wire harness was too short, so the harness was damaged. Honda filed recall 22V-867 in November 2022 for all 2017-2019 Ridgelines. NHTSA closed the case in December 2022.
NHTSA PE22001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 7, 2022 to Dec 19, 2022
Whether the rear-view camera repair on Ridgelines will last
Closed
NHTSA's recall query, opened in June 2024, checked whether Honda's rear-view camera harness repair under recall 22V-867 would last on 2017-2019 Ridgelines. Parts recalled later under 24V-321 shared the repair parts' supplier and materials. Honda knew of 14 reports of replacement harnesses failing. In February 2025 NHTSA upgraded the case to engineering analysis EA25-003 for more testing.
NHTSA RQ24011 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 26, 2024 to Feb 11, 2025
Engine failures outside the scope of an engine recall
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's recall query tested whether Honda recall 23V-751 was wide enough. That recall covers 3.5-liter V6 engines with a crankshaft defect. The query covered 2018-2020 Odysseys, 2015-2020 Pilots and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. NHTSA found Honda had set the scope properly and closed the query in August 2025. It moved the complaints to PE25-008.
NHTSA RQ24013 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Nov 8, 2024 to Aug 20, 2025
Rear-view camera harness failures after the Ridgeline recall repair
Closed without a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis covered 2017-2019 Ridgelines repaired under recall 22V-867. It began after 14 reports of rear-view camera harness failures following the repair. An owner survey and inspections found no failures from harness damage. Durability tests indicated the part is not expected to fail within a reasonable vehicle life. NHTSA closed the case in September 2026 without further action.
NHTSA EA25003 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 11, 2025 to Sep 18, 2026
Engine failures from connecting rod bearings in V6 models
Still open
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in August 2025, covers 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5-liter V6. It lists 2016-2020 Pilots, 2018-2020 Odysseys and 2017-2019 Ridgelines. These engines fall outside Honda recall 23V-751, and NHTSA saw no sign of the same crankshaft defect. The case is still open.
NHTSA PE25008 Opening report (PDF)Open since Aug 20, 2025

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2017 Ridgeline ratings on NHTSA.gov.

Pickup crew cab AWD and pickup crew cab FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2017 Ridgeline, from its eight recalls, three Honda warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Rear Suspension Components May Fail NHTSA 26V365000
Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA 26V332000
Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA 23V858000
Engine Damage from Connecting Rod Bearing Wear NHTSA 23V751000
Rearview Camera May Fail NHTSA 22V867000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

20-117: keyless start system error (start/stop button)
20-100: check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes (with software update)
21-010: check engine light: catalytic converter, misfire or fuel injector codes (without software update)

On the Test Drive

Check the backup camera image when reversing.
Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Rearview camera
Engine failure
Transmission
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Ridgeline Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.