Honda Ridgeline YK2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 2nd-gen Ridgeline (2017–2025) rides on the Pilot crossover platform and drives like an SUV — a suburban/family hauler (~5,000 lb tow), not an off-roader, with a strong reliability record. The J35Y6 V6 pairs with a 6-speed (2017–2019) or a ZF 9-speed (2020+).
Test-drive checklist: On 6-speed cars, feel for 20–60 mph torque-converter judder (TSB 17-025/026; some VINs got an 8-year/150k warranty extension — check). On 9-speed cars, watch for harsh or hunting shifts. Note any misfire or check-engine light (P0300/P0301) from injector debris (TSB 21-010 extended injector warranty to 10yr/150k on 2017–2019). Check for a spongy, long brake pedal, often worse when warm.
2026 market: 2017 cars run from about $17,000 (clean $20,000–24,000), 2020–2021 9-speed cars around $25,500–32,000.
Insider pick: a 2020 or 2021 RTL-E or Black Edition (AWD) — the 9-speed era cleaned up the shift complaints, with the full feature set. Avoid 2019, the worst year for complaints.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Honda Ridgeline YK2 is available with one engine variant at 280 hp.
3.5L V6 Earth Dreams — same J-series but with a manufacturing defect. Recall NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals on 248,999 vehicles (2016-2020). Rod bearing failure without warning, engine replacement $7,800-16,800. VCM oil consumption compounds the problem — low oil + defective bearings = engine death. Check oil at every fill-up. NHTSA opened new investigation in 2024 for non-recalled vehicles.
- !! NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled
NHTSA 23V751: incorrectly machined crankshaft journals → premature bearing wear → engine failure without warning. 2016-2020 Pilot. Cost without recall: $7,800 (used) to $16,800 (new engine). NHTSA 2024: new investigation for 173 reports on non-recalled vehicles.
Symptoms: Engine knocking, engine failure, won't restart, check engine light - !! VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk from 80,000 km
Same VCM issue as J35Y, but more pronounced in the Pilot. Low oil + defective rod bearing journals = accelerated engine death. Check oil level at EVERY fill-up.
Symptoms: Oil consumption, blue smoke, dropping oil level - ! Intake valve carbon buildup (DI) from 110,000 km
Same DI issue as J35Y.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Torque Converter Shudder (TSB 17-025) Lock-up clutch shudders at 30-60 mph. Honda TSB 17-025/026 — flush with ATF and software update helps. Warranty extension may apply. Symptoms: Vibration / shudder at steady highway speed from 50,000 km | Medium | |
| ZF 9-Speed Harsh Shifts / Class Action (2020+) From model year 2020 the Ridgeline received the ZF 9HP transmission. Class action lawsuit for harsh shifts and software issues — same problem as Odyssey RL6. Symptoms: Harsh downshifts, hesitation on acceleration, low-speed judder from 40,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Chevrolet Colorado GMT31T0
Pickup (2023–2025)
GMC Canyon GMT31T0
Pickup (2023–2025)
Ford Maverick I
Pickup (2022–2025)
Nissan Frontier D41
Pickup (2022–2025)
Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen
Pickup (2022–2025)
Ford F-150 14th Gen
Pickup (2021–2024)
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 10 weaknesses have been documented for the Honda Ridgeline YK2 (2017–2025) — 3 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Brakes.
Ridgeline (J35Y6, 2017–2025) — Be Careful: NHTSA 23V751: rod bearing failure — 248,999 vehicles recalled, VCM oil consumption — compounds rod bearing failure risk, Intake valve carbon buildup (DI). Power: 280 PS.
What to watch out for with the Honda Ridgeline? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Honda Ridgeline YK2 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Honda Ridgeline YK2? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Honda Ridgeline YK2 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Honda Ridgeline YK2 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Honda Ridgeline YK2? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee