Honda enters the pickup truck segment with the Ridgeline and does a fair job for the segment. Unlike American workhorses, the Ridgeline focuses on a practical experience for the users. With composed driving dynamics, the truck suits the city commute well. Whereas, the utility comes in handy for long-distance touring. This blend makes the pickup truck a versatile and reliable drive. However, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline comes across a set of issues and problems. These range from powertrain issues to vehicle fires. Honda takes charge of the situation with efficient and prompt aftersales services. As per the record, the 2017 Ridgeline registers 153 complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation so far. Furthermore, the pickup truck carries a 5-star safety rating. The Ridgeline competes with the Chevy Colorado, the Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma. The Honda Ridgeline holds the no.1 spot on the CarHp list of top-10 pickup trucks for 2017. Here’s a quick view of the truck.
Mechanical Problems
- Fuel delivery system - Ridgeline users often come across fuel delivery issues. This results in stalling and forces the truck into limp mode. Users also report the drive getting bouncy. The truck’s instrumentation cluster displays an emission system fault warning. The fix to the issue requires users to replace major vehicle parts.
- Powertrain - The pickup truck is prone to gear slipping and hesitant gear shifts. Users also report frequent cases of stalling. Transmission issues are also commonly seen with the truck. These include gear jamming into the ‘parking’ or ‘reverse’ mode. These powertrain issues increase the chances of a crash. Fixing these issues is both time-consuming and expensive.
- Brakes - Braking issues are common with the car. Users report that the car fails to slow down or stop by applying brakes. Users also report the brake pedal sinking to the floor but not slowing down the car. The car is also prone to rapid brake wear and defective rotors. This leads to noisy and shaky braking. Braking issues compromise the safety of the vehicle and the occupants. They also increase the risk of crashing.
- Steering - Power steering failure is common with the car. This leads to stiffened steering wheel setup. Due to this, users face difficulties turning the car and lose control of the vehicle. This increases the chances of a crash.
Electrical Problems
- Rearview backup camera - Users report a handful of rearview backup camera failures. Rearview backup camera failure leads to a loss of rear image on the display. A lack of a rear-view image increases the chances of a crash.
- Vehicle fires - Honda Ridgeline catching on fire is a common and a major issue for the pickup truck. Users report that the car abruptly engulfs in flames when parked. These fires usually initiate in the engine compartment. Vehicle fires result in a total loss of the vehicle and increase the chances of injury.
Structural Problems
- Sunroof/moonroof - Shattering of the sunroof/moonroof with a loud bang is commonly seen with the truck. Users report this without any foreign impact or damage. The issue increases the risk of injury to the occupants or distracts the driver. Ford claims changes in the environmental temperature and pressure to be the cause of the issue.
- Windshield/windows - Multiple user complaints report cracking and shattering of the windshield without foreign impact. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants and compromises driver visibility. Ford claims environmental temperature variation to be the cause of the issue.
- Exterior lighting - User complaints report that the headlights of the truck do not illuminate sufficiently. This compromises the visibility of the driver. This increases the chances of a crash.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
November 29, 2021 |
21V932000 |
The Hood may open while driving. |
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver’s visibility and increase the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 18, 2022. Honda's number for this recall is PBV. |
|
2 |
September 17, 2020 |
20E068000 |
The Tonneau cover panel may detach from the vehicle. |
A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the chances of a crash or injury. |
Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user's information manual will be provided. The recall began on October 26, 2020. O Honda's number for this recall is F8M. |
|
3 |
January 24, 2019 |
19V053000 |
The fuel pump feed port may crack and leak. |
A crack in the fuel pump feed port may result in leakage of fuel. This increases the risk of a fire in presence of an ignition source. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2019. The recall number for this recall is Q3V. |
|
4 |
December 9, 2016 |
16V888000 |
Water may leak into the rear wiring harness. |
Corrosion of the wiring harness may cause increased electrical resistance. This may unexpectedly activate the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear wiring harness and related components, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. Honda's number for this recall is KD3. |
Should you buy the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline offers a practical and versatile drive for both the city and the outdoors. The truck adapts impressively between commuting and touring. Also, it looks sharp doing so. Apart from practicality and versatility, the Honda Truck also brings in utility. The hauling and towing capabilities of the truck reflect the same. Overall, the pickup truck offers a reliable drive, however, it comes across a few issues. Honda addresses these issues with prompt recalls and services. Considering the 2017 Honda Ridgeline as a package, it offers a value for money experience. The truck gets our vote of approval.
