Free used car buyer guide / Second generation / 2017-2025
Honda Ridgeline common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
5.2/10
2 walk-away risks, 7 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6-speed torque-converter p0741 failure. Score methodology.
The 2017-2025 Ridgeline is the right pickup for people who need a quiet unibody truck more than a heavy-duty tow rig, but the early 6-speed years carry real drivetrain baggage. The major traps are 2017-2019 6-speed torque-converter P0741 failure, 2017/2019 connecting-rod bearing recall and wider NHTSA investigation context, 2017-2024 tailgate camera harness failures, 2017 rear wiring harness water intrusion, 2017-2020 hood latch recall, Denso fuel-pump recall, brake master-cylinder recall on 2020-2023 trucks, and direct-injection fuel-injector misfires. The safest buy is a 2021-2025 9-speed truck with closed camera/brake/OCS/fuel recalls, no steering recall exposure, and clean ATF/rear-diff service. Owners should treat recall paperwork as part of the truck's value because Ridgeline buyers are now aware of the 6-speed and camera-harness history.
Faults covered
10
Highest risk
6-speed torque-converter
Best years
2021-2025
Best buys
- 2021-2025 9-speed AWD with camera harness recall completed and no brake/OCS/steering campaigns open.
- 2020 9-speed after hood, mirror, brake, fuel-pump and camera checks are closed.
- 2017-2019 only if torque converter, rod-bearing VIN status, camera harness and hood recall paperwork are unusually complete.
Inspect hard
- 2017-2019 6-speed: P0741, shudder, ATF history, tow use and torque-converter warranty status.
- Every truck: tailgate camera harness operation with tailgate swung down and folded.
- 2017/2019 trucks: rod bearing recall status and any knock/oil-metal history.
Avoid
- 6-speed truck with flashing D, P0741, shudder or a seller claiming it only needs fluid.
- Engine knock, metal in oil, or VIN uncertainty around rod-bearing recall/investigation.
- Rear camera failure with no improved harness repair, especially on a truck used for hitching.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Honda Ridgeline viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Honda Ridgeline should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5L J35Y6 V6 with 6-speed automatic
2017-2019
HIGHEST RISK
Early second-gen trucks drive well but the 6-speed torque-converter failure pattern is the main reason to hesitate. P0741, shudder and tow history deserve more attention than trim level.
3.5L J35Y6 V6 with ZF 9-speed automatic
2020-2025
BEST DRIVELINE
The 9-speed years avoid the worst 6-speed torque-converter reputation and gained useful updates. They still need fluid, software, brake and camera recall checks, but are the default target.
i-VTM4 AWD driveline
2017-2025 AWD
GOOD WITH REAR-DIFF SERVICE
AWD is what most Ridgeline buyers want. Rear differential fluid, tyre matching, transfer-case leaks and tow use decide how healthy it feels after years of truck duty.
FWD V6 configuration
2017-2020 selected trims
BUY ONLY IF CHEAP
FWD Ridgelines can be reliable commuters but give up the truck's main all-weather advantage. They should cost less, and torque-converter/camera/recall checks still apply.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2017
Second-gen launch with 3.5L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD/AWD, dual-action tailgate and in-bed trunk; rear wiring water recall, hood recall, camera harness and rod-bearing exposure matter.
Buyer: A 2017 is the hardest year to recommend unless torque converter, rear harness, hood and bearing status are all documented.
Owner: Keep every recall invoice; launch-year trucks need proof more than promises.
2018
6-speed continues; camera harness and hood recall exposure remain, but rod-bearing recall does not hit all years equally.
Buyer: Inspect like a 2017 for transmission and camera issues, then price it below a 2020+.
Owner: Service ATF and rear diff early if keeping it past 100k miles.
2019
Final 6-speed year and high recall density: SRS, timing belt, rod bearing, C-pillar trim, camera harness and hood items by VIN.
Buyer: A 2019 can be good only after a long Honda recall printout comes back clean.
Owner: Do not ignore engine knock or transmission shudder; both are known buyer red flags.
2020
Switch to 9-speed automatic; fuel-pump, hood, mirror, brake, OCS and camera recalls appear across later years.
Buyer: This is the first year to target if recalls are closed and 9-speed shifts are clean.
Owner: Finish camera and brake campaigns before sale; buyers pay more for 9-speed years.
2021
Front-end refresh and standard AWD in many markets; mirror, brake, OCS and camera recall checks remain.
Buyer: A clean 2021 is a strong used Ridgeline because it avoids the 6-speed and still feels modern.
Owner: Keep AWD rear-diff service records because the truck may be used like a pickup.
2022
Mature 9-speed production; brake master-cylinder and camera harness recall exposure continues.
Buyer: Prioritise recall closure and tailgate-camera test over cosmetic accessories.
Owner: Test the camera after tailgate use, not only while parked once.
2023
Certain 2023 trucks enter brake master-cylinder, steering gearbox and camera recall checks.
Buyer: Run the VIN for steering rack recall 24V184 before paying late-model money.
Owner: Any steering looseness or recall notice should be handled immediately.
2024
Camera harness recall 24V321 covers 2020-2024 trucks; Trailsport arrives in the range.
Buyer: A 2024 is desirable, but the tailgate camera harness still needs campaign confirmation.
Owner: Do the camera recall even if the image works today.
2025
Carryover late second-gen model; 24V321 applies to certain 2024 production but some 2025 listing data can still show campaign context depending build/sale timing.
Buyer: Treat 2025 as low-risk only after VIN recall lookup and a full tailgate/camera test.
Owner: Keep warranty records tidy; late trucks should not have unresolved basic safety items.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
6-speed torque-converter P0741 failure
Affects
2017-2019 Ridgeline with 6-speed automatic.
Symptoms
Rumble-strip shudder, flashing D, P0741, harsh shifts, limp mode, transmission replacement quote.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-600 fluid/software; EUR 1,500-3,500 converter; EUR 5,000-9,000 transmission.
Codes / scan clues
P0741.
Root cause: Reduced torque-converter lock-up clutch capacity causes slip, heat and contamination.
Quick check
- Warm light-throttle 20-45 mph test.
- Scan for P0741.
- Ask for converter warranty-extension work.
- Check tow history and ATF records.
Buyer note
A 6-speed Ridgeline with P0741 is not a normal service catch-up.
Owner note
Do not tow through shudder; it can turn a converter job into a transmission job.
Fault 2
J35 connecting-rod bearing recall and investigation
Affects
Certain 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline under 23V751; NHTSA recall query also covers 2017-2019 context.
Symptoms
Engine knock, low oil pressure, metal in oil, seizure, sudden power loss.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 5,000-12,000 engine repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Oil pressure and misfire codes possible.
Root cause: Manufacturing error can cause premature rod-bearing wear and engine damage.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 23V751.
- Listen cold and hot.
- Check oil filter for metal if possible.
- Avoid any knock.
Buyer note
Bearing uncertainty is too expensive to gamble on in an otherwise practical truck.
Owner note
Escalate bearing noise immediately and keep oil-change records.
Fault 3
Tailgate rearview-camera harness failure
Affects
2017-2019 under 22V867 and 2020-2024 under 24V321.
Symptoms
Black camera image, intermittent image when tailgate moves, guidelines disappear, camera warning.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 300-1,200 harness/camera repair.
Codes / scan clues
Rear camera or body network codes.
Root cause: Repeated dual-action tailgate movement fatigues or breaks camera harness wiring.
Quick check
- Test camera with tailgate closed.
- Open downward and sideways, then retest.
- Run VIN for 22V867/24V321.
- Inspect harness sleeve.
Buyer note
A pickup with a failed camera is a safety and hitching problem.
Owner note
Have the improved harness installed even if the picture only fails sometimes.
Fault 4
2017 rear wiring harness water intrusion
Affects
2017 Ridgeline under early rear wiring/corrosion recall.
Symptoms
Warning lights, rear harness corrosion, camera/lighting faults, water near rear wiring.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 500-2,000 harness/electrical repair if neglected.
Codes / scan clues
Body, lighting, AWD or camera communication codes depending water path.
Root cause: Water can leak into rear wiring harness connections and corrode terminals.
Quick check
- Run 2017 VIN recalls.
- Inspect rear harness area.
- Check bed/trunk water signs.
- Scan body modules.
Buyer note
Water-damaged wiring on a truck is not an easy detail fix.
Owner note
Dry and repair harness areas before corrosion spreads to modules.
Fault 5
Hood latch striker recall
Affects
2017-2020 Ridgeline under 21V932.
Symptoms
Hood flutter, loose striker, recall notice, hood-open risk.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 200-1,500 latch/hood repair.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 21V932.
- Inspect striker.
- Check leading-edge hood movement.
- Confirm campaign invoice.
Buyer note
A hood-opening risk should be closed before any highway trip.
Owner note
Treat hood flutter as urgent, not as a trim rattle.
Fault 6
Denso fuel-pump recall
Affects
2017-2020 Ridgeline by VIN under 23V858 and earlier pump campaign expansions.
Symptoms
Long crank, stall, hesitation, no-start, reduced power.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 500-1,000 pump module.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure, lean or misfire codes.
Root cause: Low-density fuel-pump impeller can deform and stop fuel delivery.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 23V858.
- Confirm pump replacement.
- Hot restart.
- Drive under load.
Buyer note
A truck that stalls with open pump work is not ready for towing or commuting.
Owner note
Finish recall work before the pump failure chooses the timing.
Fault 7
Brake master-cylinder/booster fastener recall
Affects
2020-2023 Ridgeline under 23V458.
Symptoms
Brake warning, long pedal, fluid leak, reduced braking assist, recall notice.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 800-2,000 brake booster/master-cylinder repair.
Codes / scan clues
Brake and ABS/VSA codes possible.
Root cause: Fastener between brake booster and master cylinder may be improperly assembled.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 23V458.
- Inspect brake fluid.
- Check pedal feel.
- Scan ABS/VSA.
Buyer note
A late Ridgeline with brake recall open should be fixed before handover.
Owner note
Keep the brake recall invoice with safety records.
Fault 8
Direct-injection fuel-injector misfires
Affects
2017-2020 Ridgeline 3.5L most discussed, but scan all direct-injected J35 trucks.
Symptoms
MIL, rough idle, reduced power, rich/lean codes, misfires, fuel smell.
Typical repair cost
EUR 900-2,200 injector set and related parts.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0306, P219A/P219B possible.
Root cause: Injector flow imbalance or contamination on the direct-injected J35 causes mixture errors and misfires.
Quick check
- Scan misfire counters.
- Check injector invoices.
- Cold idle and full-load test.
- Avoid tuned/poor-fuel trucks.
Buyer note
Injector misfires are fixable, but repeated codes after replacement hint at deeper diagnosis.
Owner note
Use quality fuel and keep injector repair paperwork; it is a known Ridgeline talking point.
Fault 9
AWD rear differential and transfer-case service neglect
Affects
2017-2025 AWD Ridgeline, especially towing, boat-ramp and winter-use trucks.
Symptoms
Tight-turn chatter, rear groan, transfer-case seep, vibration, mismatched tyre wear.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-350 fluid service; EUR 900-2,500 transfer/rear driveline repairs.
Codes / scan clues
AWD/VTM codes possible.
Root cause: Fluid shear, tow heat, tyre mismatch and seal wear stress the i-VTM4 rear driveline.
Quick check
- Figure-eight test.
- Check rear diff fluid records.
- Inspect transfer case seep.
- Verify matching tyres.
Buyer note
AWD is valuable only when the rear driveline has not been ignored.
Owner note
Service rear diff and transfer fluids more often if towing or launching boats.
Fault 10
2023 steering gearbox inner ball joint recall
Affects
Certain 2023 Ridgeline under 24V184.
Symptoms
Steering looseness, clunk, wandering, recall notice, potential loss of steering control.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 1,500-3,000 steering rack/gearbox work.
Codes / scan clues
EPS codes possible.
Root cause: Inner ball joint housing in steering gearbox may loosen and detach from steering rack.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 24V184.
- Check steering play.
- Listen over bumps.
- Confirm gearbox inspection/replacement.
Buyer note
A 2023 with steering recall open is not a late-model safe bet until repaired.
Owner note
Any steering change belongs at Honda immediately.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for camera harness, fuel pump, rod bearing, hood, brake, OCS, steering and mirror campaigns.
- ATF, torque-converter and rear-diff service records.
- Injector and misfire invoices.
- Tow history and hitch/brake-controller wiring details.
Walk around
- Inspect hood striker.
- Check tailgate harness sleeve and camera operation.
- Look under truck for transfer/rear-diff leaks.
- Inspect bed/trunk for water or accessory wiring.
In the car
- Scan for MIL, ABS/VSA, SRS and transmission warnings.
- Test camera while moving tailgate both ways.
- Check brake pedal feel.
- Pair phone and test infotainment.
Test drive
- Warm 20-45 mph shudder test on 6-speed.
- Hill acceleration for injector/fuel pump symptoms.
- Figure-eight AWD chatter test.
- Brake and steering play check.
Scan tool
- P0741 and transmission data.
- Misfire counters/fuel trims.
- ABS/VSA/brake codes.
- SRS/OCS and body camera network codes.
- EPS steering codes on 2023.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2021-2025 9-speed Ridgeline with recalls closed, quiet camera harness, clean brake/steering status and documented AWD fluid service. The truck is at its best when used as a comfortable utility vehicle, not a neglected tow mule.
Avoid: Avoid 2017-2019 6-speed trucks with shudder or P0741, any truck with engine knock or rod-bearing uncertainty, failed tailgate camera harnesses without the improved repair, and late trucks with open brake or steering recalls.
Quick answers
Honda Ridgeline buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Honda Ridgeline 2017-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 6-speed torque-converter P0741 failure; J35 connecting-rod bearing recall and investigation; Tailgate rearview-camera harness failure. This guide covers 10 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Honda Ridgeline years are the best to buy?
2021-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2021-2025 9-speed Ridgeline with recalls closed, quiet camera harness, clean brake/steering status and documented AWD fluid service. The truck is at its best when used as a comfortable utility vehicle, not a neglected tow mule.
Which Honda Ridgeline should I avoid?
Avoid 2017-2019 6-speed trucks with shudder or P0741, any truck with engine knock or rod-bearing uncertainty, failed tailgate camera harnesses without the improved repair, and late trucks with open brake or steering recalls.
Is the Honda Ridgeline 2017-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 5.2/10 (cautious buy). 2 walk-away risks, 7 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 6-speed torque-converter p0741 failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Honda Ridgeline guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-11019252-0001.pdf
- apnews.com: c5169e90d6efd6a81d7aeaa9fb0ff11d
- static.oemdtc.com: RCONL-22V867-8539.pdf
- consumerreports.org
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- ridgelineownersclub.com: 6-speed-vs-9-speed-transmission-reliability.240302
- Reddit torque converter/transmission discussion
- NHTSA Ridgeline 2019 recalls API
- Automotive Safety Council recall summary
- Equipment World 2017 Ridgeline corrosion recall
- CarComplaints 2017 Ridgeline recalls
- NHTSA Ridgeline 2017 recalls API
- NHTSA Ridgeline 2020 recalls API
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA 23V858 owner letter
- AP Honda fuel-pump recall report
- NHTSA Ridgeline 2021 recalls API
- Honda recall lookup
- TP Auto Repair Ridgeline injector overview
- Ridgeline Owners Club fuel injector discussions
- RepairPal Ridgeline estimator
- Go-Parts Ridgeline transfer case guide
- Honda maintenance minder