2023 HONDA RIDGELINE

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The collision breaking will fire off automatically in situations where you’re going around a curve and there’s a car coming in the opposite direction. The truck will see the other car and slam on the brakes even though everybody’s in the correct lane it’s terribly dangerous because it basically is brake checking people who are behind you. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It does not always do it. It just does it sometimes You can turn the system off, but you have to do that every single time that you turned the car on and it’s I’m sure caused many wrecks at this point.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The collision breaking will fire off automatically in situations where you’re going around a curve and there’s a car coming in the opposite direction. The truck will see the other car and slam on the brakes even though everybody’s in the correct lane it’s terribly dangerous because it basically is brake checking people who are behind you. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. It does not always do it. It just does it sometimes You can turn the system off, but you have to do that every single time that you turned the car on and it’s I’m sure caused many wrecks at this point.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I was leaving a place of business crossing a four lane undivided road legally to make a left turn. There was an oncoming car (at an unknown speed) in the lane I was crossing approaching rapidly. I just needed to accelerate lightly to be clear. The collision braking system activated before I could clear. The driver was headed straight for me with a broadside collision imminent. He swerved at the last minute and avoided me by heading into the oncoming traffic lane ( no oncoming cars were present). Results could have been ugly. I have to manually turn that feature off every time I start the vehicle, unless you can have it disabled for me. I do not want my vehicle making decision which I cannot control. Thank you for addressing this matter and a response would be appreciated.

SERVICE BRAKES

I was leaving a place of business crossing a four lane undivided road legally to make a left turn. There was an oncoming car (at an unknown speed) in the lane I was crossing approaching rapidly. I just needed to accelerate lightly to be clear. The collision braking system activated before I could clear. The driver was headed straight for me with a broadside collision imminent. He swerved at the last minute and avoided me by heading into the oncoming traffic lane ( no oncoming cars were present). Results could have been ugly. I have to manually turn that feature off every time I start the vehicle, unless you can have it disabled for me. I do not want my vehicle making decision which I cannot control. Thank you for addressing this matter and a response would be appreciated.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The automatic high beam system is terrible. It is too sensitive so the beams flash hi/low on and off. Even a small road reflector on a dark empty road will force it back to low beam. Other cars I own with this type system work much better. It’s a safety hazard because auto hi-beam is on by default and you can’t count on it providing the correct amount of lighting when on dark roads, plus it annoys oncoming drivers because of the constant flashing.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The automatic high beam system is terrible. It is too sensitive so the beams flash hi/low on and off. Even a small road reflector on a dark empty road will force it back to low beam. Other cars I own with this type system work much better. It’s a safety hazard because auto hi-beam is on by default and you can’t count on it providing the correct amount of lighting when on dark roads, plus it annoys oncoming drivers because of the constant flashing.

STEERING

Inner tie rods unnaturally worn. Steering was loose. Internal play in the rack Steering Gearbox, Electric Power Steering needed replacement Honda stated this was similar to manufacturing problems they had with Civics but that Ridgeline was not part of the recall. Issue was fixed by Honda but at my cost.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The auto high beam system on my 2023 Honda Ridgeline frequently malfunctions. It prematurely dims the high beams when approaching reflective road signs or street lighting, even with no oncoming traffic present. More concerning, the system immediately reactivates high beams afterward — sometimes directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers, creating a blinding hazard. This behavior has occurred multiple times during rural and suburban nighttime driving. Honda offers no way to adjust the system’s sensitivity, even the one in the dask computer dont help and dealerships confirm that no fix or update is currently available. The system appears to be functioning “as designed,” but the result is erratic and unpredictable headlight behavior that undermines safety. I am submitting this report to document repeated false activations and to support investigation or revision of this feature.

ENGINE

Engine knock noticed right after oil change, prominent metal on metal sound under load, it’s more pronounced and easier to hear at low speeds. The vehicle only has 34,000 miles and 2 years old. Took to Honda Dealership in Staunton VA(Valley CMA Honda) and they are still diagnosing(for 4 weeks now) but told me so far that it’s coming from the location where oil pan is and main bearing. So it’s very likely a serious engine issue. Very disappointing and frustrating situation that vehicle is only 2 years old with 34,000 miles and already having a serious engine issue.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving up a slope at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on several occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would fail to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred on two occasions, where on the first occasion, it almost crashed into the residence. On the most recent occasion, the contact stated that the vehicle had shuddered before independently jolting and crashing into a church building before coming to a stop. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed however was unable to replicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the insurance provider related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V458000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,900.

VISIBILITY:FIXED PANARAMIC ROOF/SKY LIGHT ASSEMBLY

See attached document for complaint.

VISIBILITY

See attached document for complaint.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have taken my car to the dealership of three separate occasions with respect to the Automatic High Beam Option which at best works inconsistently on the back rural roads where I live. They adjusted this option on two occasions, and the service advisor took my vehicle home - driving it at night. In his words, he indicated, "Given the technology within this vehicle, we did the best we could." I know for a fact the automatic high beam option technology exists as I have another vehicle with the same option that works flawlessly and as intended; a 2024 Subaru Forester. In multiple correspondences with Honda's Customer Service Division, they stated, "At this time, the trained technicians at Middletown Honda have confirmed that your vehicle is operating as designed. We truly regret that the outcome does not meet your expectations, and we want to assure you that your dissatisfaction has been noted on our end." Clearly, and I understand, that for this issue to be resolved, a recall of this vehicle specific to this issue would have to take place. I have read on numerosu blogs and Honda Forums that this is and has been an issue with this current model dating back to the 2020 model, as owners of the models predating this year did not find this option as an issue. So, clearly something in the engineering of this option post 2020 changed. As I had indicated to both Honda's Customer Service and the dealership personnel I have spoken to, I will no longer utilize this option as it is dangerous and will, on the rural roads I drive on, cause a vehicular accident.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I have a 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTE excellent condition! Driver side headlight has moisture in it. There is a bulletin from Honda TSB23–024 titled moisture in headlight with a date of 3/3/2023. It involves the ridgeline 2017–2023. The summary says “moisture in the headlights. The headlight seal may become damaged from a miss adjusted Hood. Damage to the headlight seal may lead to moisture condensation building up in the headlight. Replace the headlight(s) with moisture condensation buildup and readjust the hood stoppers.” I called Honda Eastgate at 513-528-8000. They stated it was not a recall and that it would be an out-of-pocket cost. They want to charge a diagnostic fee of $250.00 and then charge to replace the headlight. I asked them if having moisture in the headlight would be a safety problem and they said yes if the light went out. Why in the world is this not a recall. I feel Honda is responsible for this and there should be no charge to the customer. I want to know who else I need to report this to, to have this become a recall, please help me with this problem. I can be reached at [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Thank you for your help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Automatic headlights malfunction causing the high beams to activate when cars are ahead or deactivate when lights reflect off of street signs. This causes road rage by other Drivers who think the Owner is deliberately blinding them with the high beams. Also with the constant changing between low and high it causes hazards when driving due to inconsistent lighting on the roadway ahead. This condition has been present since purchase in Dec 2022.

SUSPENSION

Became aware of a rattle/clunk from right rear area of truck. Tried to find loose item like trailer hitch or item in cargo area but even with everything taken out noise continued. Finally got under the truck’s rear area and started pushing/pulling on things. Immediately found completely missing bolt and rubber cush on right-hand sway bar mount clamp. Sway bar was unanchored and moved freely, banging parts on the rear brake and bearing area. I have photos and video. One bolt still present in clamp: removed that bolt (very easily) and discovered NO thread lock or lock washer. This bolt spun out freely by hand. No lock-tite nor lock washers on left-hand side either. Honda parts sold me a rubber cush and I replaced all bolts INCLUDING thread lock this time. On driving, noticed IMMEDIATELY more stability and far less “head-toss” on normal smooth highway. And no more clunk.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I own a 2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E The Auto High-Beam Headlights do not work. It barely worked the first week, but since then it has not worked. I've had it into the dealer, they say nothing is wrong. Reports online show this is a common issue with Honda Ridgelines since 2020 and has not been addressed.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

While driving a slow speeds will stall. It has a stalled in the middle of an intersection almost causing us to get T-boned. The last time this happen I was driving in a shopping center going around 5 mph and it has stalled. The truck is currently at the dealership for the second time for the issue. Also the transmission while driving at slow speeds shutters and vibrates. Also the lane keeping feature tries to pulled us off the road while driving at slower speeds.

POWER TRAIN

While driving a slow speeds will stall. It has a stalled in the middle of an intersection almost causing us to get T-boned. The last time this happen I was driving in a shopping center going around 5 mph and it has stalled. The truck is currently at the dealership for the second time for the issue. Also the transmission while driving at slow speeds shutters and vibrates. Also the lane keeping feature tries to pulled us off the road while driving at slower speeds.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving a slow speeds will stall. It has a stalled in the middle of an intersection almost causing us to get T-boned. The last time this happen I was driving in a shopping center going around 5 mph and it has stalled. The truck is currently at the dealership for the second time for the issue. Also the transmission while driving at slow speeds shutters and vibrates. Also the lane keeping feature tries to pulled us off the road while driving at slower speeds.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Inner door handles on the driver and passenger side front doors intermittently get stuck and require me to hit the unlock button to operate or require significant force to pull open hindering safe egress. Problem was reproduced by service technician and advisor when picking up vehicle from an appointment on [XXX]. No warning lights were received. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My name is [XXX] , and my wife and I own a 2023 Honda Ridgeline that we purchased in October 2023. The automatic headlight dimming function has not worked properly since purchasing. The automatic function is very erratic. The lights will not automatically brighten when on a really dark road, and at times have switched to high beam within 100 feet of meeting another vehicle and remain bright. The function also switches from bright to dim very frequently when driving down the road and no other vehicles around. The lights also switch erratically when going past a road sign, reflector pole, lights at a house you may be passing, etc. My big concern is the lights switching to high beam while approaching another vehicle. I can't count the times this has happened. I have taken our Ridgeline back to Gary Force Honda in Bowling Green, Kentucky where we purchased it. The service advisor that assisted us stated that Honda knows of the problem, however, there is no fix. I inquired about a safety recall for this problem and the gentleman acted as though it was no big deal. It probable isn't a big deal until a deadly accident occurs because of a malfunctioning system. I even mentioned that I expect more especially when you spend $48,000 for a vehicle. Again, the service advisor acted as though his hands are tied. Needless to say, we left the dealership with the same problem that took us in. Attached is a picture taken at approximately 1830 hrs on [XXX] on our isolated road with no street lights, street signs or anything to cause a problem. As you will see, the lights will not switch to bright on this dark road. Please help!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)