2019 Honda Ridgeline Power Train
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The Transmission error continues to flash on the dash. It has now happened on four (4) occasions. Transmission was flushed and still occurs. Diagnostic Error Code P0741 stored. Torque Converter issue. Honda has extended the warranty for most of these vehicles, mine is not showing in the extension. However, it appears to meet all the specifications that it should be covered. Have it at the dealership which confirms all above. They claim Honda Corporate has to decide to extend the warranty. Talked to Honda Corporate today and they said the NHTSA has to extend the warranty, they do not decide.
(This incident report is for my replacement transmission, I have already submitted an incident report for my original transmission which also failed in the exact same manner.) 1. My replacement transmission started bucking and clanging and down shifted extremely hard while I was driving in traffic, I lost all power and the vehicle would not accelerate but the RPM's kept rising. 2. My safety was at risk because I lost power while in traffic and my vehicle became disabled on the road and I required the assistance of good Samaritans to help move my car off the road way, causing their safety to be at risk too. 3. My vehicle has been inspected by Honda. Their recommendation was to replace the original transmission, so I did, and the second transmission (the subject of this incident report) also failed, in the same manner. 4. The vehicle monitoring system did not give any prior warning that something was wrong till after the vehicle bucked, down shifted and lost power, only then did the car warnings go off and say "Transmission system" and then "emissions system"
Failed camshaft thrust bearing per Honda. This same part on other 2019 Ridgeline models was subject of Recall number 23V-751. While this failure is not covered by that recall it is very difficult to believe this part wasn't defective as well. The fix is very expensive ($4500) and I can't be the only 2019 Ridgeline owner in this situation.
Truck started clacking going down the freeway after religiously maintaining it for the last 5 years. Took it into the dealer at 153,000 miles and was told my engine needs replacing due to rod bearing knock. A little premature on a Honda that has been religiously maintained! Called Honda customer service and was told my vin is not included in the rod bearing safety recall for my exact vehicle, year, make, and model!
Transmission hesitates during acceleration. Truck was purchase new and the problem began within 10k miles. Dealer suggested changing transmission oil every 30k miles but the problem would happen soon after every change. Transmission failed on highway with 99k miles. Dealer charged 10k to replace transmission with admitting they are seeing this issue on other 6 speed transmission.
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but there was no response. The failure mileage was approximately 61,500.
While driving in traffic, the transmission made a clunk and the vehicle would not continue to accelerate, instead the rpms kept rising, (zero change in speed) the vehicle never shifted up or down again after this. Had to keep the car driving at around 35 mph till I got to a safe location to park the car.
I have had to replace the transmission fluid at least 5 times. The vehicle shifts extremely hard and feels like your being rear ended, That is my indicator to change fluid. Also will not shift and continues to run at 4500+ rpms on the highway. The clutch converter my self destruct and I feel that it is a poor design and I should not have to pay for this over and over and hope it does not have a catastrophic failure at some point. I know they Honda has replaced some clutch converters but mine is not one of the six speeds chosen.
I am writing to express my concern regarding an ongoing transmission issue with my Honda Ridgeline. I initially experienced problems with the transmission around 60,000 miles, which manifested as gear slippage or shuddering. After bringing the vehicle in for inspection, I was informed that this issue had been noticed with other Ridgeline models, although Honda has not issued a recall for it. Instead, a Service Bulletin was issued, recommending a transmission fluid flush followed by a test drive at various speeds, and repeating this process three times. This procedure was performed, and the issue seemed to resolve temporarily. However, I am now experiencing the same problem again at 79,000 miles. While the flush worked previously, it seems unreasonable that I would need to repeat this process, especially considering the associated costs of flushing the transmission fluid multiple times without a lasting solution.
Torque Converter malfunctioned causing vehicle to bang into first gear with slow acceleration there after as I was accelerating/merging onto the highway. Tractor trailer that was coming up to where I was merging needed to swerve into other lane to avoid hitting me. Brought vehicle to dealer and they confirmed that my torque converter needed to be changed. There were no previous warning signs or warning lamps indicating there was a problem. Honda has a service bulletin out # 23-078 for faulty torque converter issue for my year but Honda dealer states that my VIN is not part of that service bulletin so I have to pay to replace the torque converter.
When driving and the transmission , when up shifting from 4th to 5th to 6th gears, produces rough and delayed shifting; sudden, harsh accelerations and decelerations ; and a sudden loss of power.
My torque converter is failing, sputtering in 1st and 2nd gear constantly. P0741 shows up in code however my truck is not part of the INVIN 8 year 150,000 extended. I currently have 140,000 on my truck with a bad torque converter and am having to pay in full for the repair.
My truck doesn't qualify for the 8 years 150,000 extended warranty due to the vin, however at 140,000 miles my truck has continued to experience spuddering and low acceleration from 1st to 2nd gear. My mechanic informed me I have a bad torque converter, which is known to happen with 2019 ridgelines. However Scott Honda in West Chester PA isn't acknowledging the issue per the warranty. Code P0741 was evident when I got transmission flushed in April 26, 2024 by my mechanic at Qyst automotive in Upper Darby PA. He informed me to bring it to Scott Honda with the confidence they would happily take care of it because it is a safety concern. My truck feels unsafe to drive and although the same issue is happening under the extended warranty torque converter recall I have to pay out of pocket for an unsafe vehicle.
The transmission in my Honda Ridgeline failed while traveling on the highway at a high rate of speed. Ultimately, there was an internal failure with 3rd gear having been lost. The vehicle was not towing or hauling anything other than myself, two other passengers, and a bit of luggage. This was a properly maintained vehicle with a transmission service performed a year prior. Upon stopping I opened the hood to discover transmission fluid sprayed all over the engine bay and the transmission dipstick missing. At the time of failure, there were no warning signs or lights on the dashboard. According to the Honda technicians that diagnosed and replaced the transmission there was no reason as to why it had failed in such a way. I feel that this type of failure could have caused a serious accident. Anyone considering a vehicle with this transmission should be aware before putting their family in it that it may go out suddenly.
In research to an upcoming service repair on 5/24/24, I experienced the service advisor knowing very quickly about the symptoms I told him. Made me inquire a google search about the tork converter in my transmission. To my dismay, numerous complaints were visible along with a class action suit actively being pursued for same issue. I realized the cost to Honda, but I feel some type of pressure needs applied for a recall since my cost was going to be around $800-$900. American Honda Motors gave me the typical speech, as to not show any prejudice toward the issue.
My vehicle a 2019 Honda Ridgeline has an identified issue with the torque converter from the dealership. American Honda has a Service Bulletin 23-078 (listed below) that covers the exact same issue but my VIn falls short of being included in this identified and known issue. MULTIPLE Honda Ridgeline owners 2017-2019 with the 6AT have had these same issues. Service Bulletin 23-078 August 31, 2023 Version 1 Warranty Extension: 2017–19 Multi-Model 6AT Torque Converter - DTC P0741 Stored AFFECTED VEHICLES Year Model Trim VIN Range 2017–18 Pilot ALL w/ 6AT Check iN VIN status for eligibility 2017–19 Ridgeline BACKGROUND Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF. American Honda is extending the warranty on the torque converter to 8 years or 150,000 miles from the original date of purchase, whichever comes first. CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible. CORRECTIVE ACTION Confirm the vehicle has DTC P0741 stored and replace the torque converter.
Transmission intermittently shifts very very hard. Like you have been in rear ended by another car. To the point you can not drive due to how hard it shifts. Also related to this and often but not always occur in unison is that the transmission will not shift into the higher gears. 5 or 6th. It will stay in a lower gear and produce excessive rpms at highway speeds. Around 50+ the car will not shift and the rpms go well over 3000-4000 rpms to maintain speed. This has now happened several times in the last 6 months. The dealer had me pay to change the transmission fluid and it went away for a few months and the problem is now back.
On 1-12-2024, without any previous warning, a message pop up on the screen inside my truck that there was a problem with the AWD system on my 2019 Honda Ridgeline. I took it into the Honda dealer 2 hours later and was told that the rear differential oil pump was not working. At that time I was not given a reason for the pump failure. I asked whether it would be covered under the drive train warranty and was told that the warranty had run out in June of 2023 and eventhough it only had 44,000 miles it would not be covered. They needed to order a part and I took the truck in for repairs on 1-18-2024. The problem message stayed on until repairs were done. It was not intermittant. When I got the bill it stated on the bill that the pump had failed due to "corrosion". I don't know if any other party has inspected the part or if it is still available for inspection anymore and the only confirmation I have of the problem is what the dealer service manager told me. I believe that this is a significant safety issue in that if a major part of the drive train fails without notice while driving it could cause the vehicle to swerve and cause death and/or destruction of property. I think it may be a design flaw in that if a major part of the drive train fails after only 44,000 miles due to corrosion, that part is not adequately manufactured, placed or shielded to prevent corrosion.
At approximately 50,000 miles I began experiencing a “judder” from my transmission mostly while driving uphill. I researched the issue and discovered that a significant number of ridgeline transmissions (2017-2019) are experiencing the same issue. It is a problem with the torque converter. The dealer was aware of the issue and charged me over $400 to triple flush the transmission(even though I have a dealer extended warranty). It is possible for the torque converter to fail causing transmission failure. It is now recommended to flush the transmission frequently(more than manufacturer service recommended intervals) to hopefully keep the transmission from failing.
My 2019 Honda Ridgeline had very noticeable torque converter judder with milage in the 40k. I do not tow other than an occasional utility trailer, loaded lightly. Additionally, the vehicle was always operated in normal conditions. There were never any warning vehicle codes or any other Honda notices on potential problem. On 7/14/2023, I took it to a Honda dealer who verified condition in writing on invoice and serviced the vehicle in accordance with Honda Service Bulletins 17-025 and 17-026 which resulted from similar complaints and class action from 2017 Honda Ridgelines. After researching online, I noticed many 2018 and 2019 ridgeline owners were complaining about the same issue of premature transmission torque converter problems in various forums. This premature defective transmission issue did not go unnoticed by Honda as they changed to a different transmission for 2020 models. I believe that Honda and this issue should be investigated so as to hold Honda responsible for appropriate corrective action to include warranty extension of the 5 year / 60000 miles. I am uploading Invoice which documents issue and payment. Document says RPM surges 1000 to 2000, which should have read 100 to 200 RPMs.
Multiple occasions of vehicle lurching, jerky acceleration, and horrible noises when shifting gears at low speeds at 40,000-50,000 miles. Brought to Honda twice. They could not replicate the problem. It was unpredictable when this occur. Vehicle was returned at a huge loss of depreciation value in a short time for customer, who felt too scared to drive it anymore.
Transmission starts to surge during light acceleration between 35 and 45mph
At 45k miles the transmission is surging at low speed. according to several honda forums, this is a very common problem cause by a bad torque converter. Mine is going to the dealership for repair Friday (I first have to pay $200 for transmission fluid flush/replacement) Even the guy at the dealerships new it was an issue (told me: "probably torque converter, seeing a lot of those"). vehicle is in great shape otherwise and has been babied the whole time. he says torque converter is covered only up to 60k miles. this needs to be a recall!
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while his wife was driving through a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. Due to the failure, the contact's wife hit a brick column which resulted in a chip. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact's wife suffered bruises around her waist and right thumb. The contact's wife did not seek medical treatment due to her injuries. A police report was not filed. The contact was called to the scene and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was repaired. Prior to the failure, the contact noticed that the brakes were soft upon depression without any warning. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 23,706.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATED. NO WARING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERALD JONES HONDA DEALER, (4022 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, (706) 740-6058) AND WAS DIAGNOSED BUT COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 11,700.
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The 2019 Honda Ridgeline has 26 Power Train complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.