2023 Honda Ridgeline Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering master cylinder and rack and pinion. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic high beam erratic activation and failure.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #23V458000 · Jun 29, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

Risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Campaign #24V184000 · Jul 3, 2024

Issue: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #24V321000 · Sep 5, 2024

Issue: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #26V365000 · Apr 6, 2026

Issue: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages

    Action #EA25004 · opened Mar 26, 2025

    On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to r…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic high beam erratic activation and failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

37 NHTSA complaints · 2022-10 → 2026-08

Auto high beam headlights do not function properly. The high beams will turn on or will not turn off high beams when approaching another vehicle. High beams will turn off when the system sees another light source, such as a pole light, several hundred feet off the road
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499689
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640129
Driver side Headlight assembly filling with a lot of water when driving in wet conditions. Headlight has a significant amount of water and condensation inside. It is very noticeable. I can see a slight difference in positioning of the driver side headlamp vs the passenger side
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725431

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Auto idle stop failure and engine stall at intersections

ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2023-07 → 2026-08

While stopped at a traffic light the Auto-Stop feature activates. When the light changes and I attempt to move, the vehicle enters "cuts off" and the dash board directs me to shift to Park or to step on the brake to restart the engine. It take multiple attempts but then it…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755943
On about 5 occasions, and at a stop light, the auto stop did not re-engage when I attempted to move forward. The first time it happened I only had about 28k miles on it and I was making a left at a light in [XXX]. On another occasion, about 7 months ago, I was driving in…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750970
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644702

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine power loss and limp mode after highway driving

ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-05

I drop 68mph for 70 miles, stopped to make a left turn, and when accelerating through the turn, the blinking orange check engine light came on and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond about 35 mph. I was towed to the nearest dealership from the location of the incident…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567500
I was driving 2 hours on highway trip (65mph) using cruise control. (20 degrees, light flurries, dry road, windy.) I then slowed to make left turn from the center turn lane. While beginning to cross oncoming lane while making the left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578583
Loss of motive power. Temperature 35 f. Exited interstate after 2 hours of 70 mph. Upon exit, check engine light began flashing and power was diminished severely. After shutting vehicle down and letting it cool, it was normal. Dealer was unable to replicate the problem
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic emergency braking false activation while driving

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-02

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684663
On more than one occasion, the Forward Collision Warning System and Emergency Braking System on my 2023 Honda Ridgeline activated when there was no obstacle. These incidents have occurred since new. Normally, the false activation causes my vehicle to flash the "brake" warning…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577806
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682481

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering rack and tie rod premature wear or failure

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, SUSPENSION, STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07 → 2026-05

At approximately 31,800 miles, my 2023 Honda Ridgeline failed Massachusetts state inspection due to excessive play in the steering rack. A Honda dealership technician confirmed the steering rack and both inner and outer tie rods required replacement. This vehicle is the same…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740685
At roughly 20,000 miles, I began to notice a slight rattle/clucking sound from the front end of the vehicle on gravel surfaces. The issue gradually became more noticeable and upon owner inspection, inner tie rods had noticeable play. Independent shop (Frantz Automotive, Cary…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736739
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676500

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine bearing failure and connecting rod knock

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2025-06

The connecting rod bearing in cylinder one broke causing catastrophic engine failure. It has been inspected by a Honda dealer. The check engine light started flashing after the rod broke making me lose power in the vehicle at an intersection
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739084
The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was inspected and determined that there…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704454
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667664

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair parts unavailable for 24V321000

BACK OVER PREVENTION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2024-11

The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624979
The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11612293

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front passenger door interior handle failure inhibiting egress

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2025-02

when you use the POWER lock button on either side of the vehicle to lock all the doors. On the driver's side, you can open the door using the handle without issue. On the front passenger side, when pulling the handle ( to open the door), the handle moves a bit, then is…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11527176
We purchased our new 2023 Ridgeline RTL-E 4 six months ago and always noticed that the passenger inside door handle wouldn’t open the door unless we pushed the unlock button, the driver’s door works normally. We thought this might be a new safety thing until we tried to manually…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538284
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642464

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.