2025 Honda Ridgeline problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Auto Idle Stop/Start feature has malfunctioned multiple times, leaving me stalled out at a green light in traffic. Sometimes the system hesitates to restart and shows a warning message on the dash that is too long to read for the split second that it shows, and other times it requires a full manual restart of the vehicle. The feature works to shut the engine off, but intermittently does not start back up when taking foot off the brake, and requires a few shut off instructions that are complicated to follow when sitting in a parked vehicle in moving traffic. This is highly unsafe. The hesitation warnings were visible on my maintenance report, but nothing was said about them at the service center, so I did not think they were an issue. I will be taking the vehicle back to Honda to address this auto start failure, but I am aware that there is currently not a recall for this Auto Idle Stop/Start feature, despite it being well documented by other Honda vehicle owners.

NHTSA complaint #11763839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.

NHTSA complaint #11762634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Auto bright headlight feature malfunctions constant when on almost to thr effect of a strobe light. Street lights, reflective street markings, reflective road signs, all make it disbale. When it actually does need to disable when another car is approaching it doesn't cut off early enough blinding on coming traffic. The system doesn't work period and is very distracting, and very dangerous.

NHTSA complaint #11762600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.

NHTSA complaint #11762634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.

NHTSA complaint #11762634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ridgeline Failures! 1st Failure, XXX, ridgeline failed to start. AAA could not jump the vehicle because the vehicle had zero charge. It was towed to Autofair Honda, in [XXX] 85 miles away. They replaced the battery. (See attachment) Mileage 2827 2nd Failure [XXX] Completely Dead truck. Honda roadside assistance was called. The tow vehicle was unable to start the truck after the jump attempt. Truck towed to Honda Ecodrive of [XXX]. They stated to me that they have never seen a truck with such a severe battery drain. They recharged my battery. I was located 165 miles from home and the dealership did not provide me with a loaner vehicle. Instead they charged me $342 dollars for a rental and $84.00 for a diagnostic fee. This service should have been charged to Honda as the vehicle only had 10,842 miles on it. Why is the NHTSA not filing a recall on this vehicle? Being stranded for 5 hours in the middle of nowhere, waiting for a service vehicle places occupants at risk! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When stopping with the auto idle stop system engaged, the vehicle failed to auto restart after letting off the brake pedal. This has happened three times with the last two occurrence less than a week apart. The first two times I was in a queue at a stop light and was able to shift into park and manually restart the car and proceed on the road without further incident. The third time in particular I observed that the manual start did not work on the first attempt but did on the second attempt. There were no warning indicators or messages prior to the auto restart failure. There is some risk of safety when a vehicle remains unexpectedly stopped in the road while surrounding traffic is moving. I plan to take the vehicle to the dealer for evaluation.

NHTSA complaint #11757560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Multiple failures of the Auto Start Stop system to restart the vehicle. This has happened several times in an intersection creating a safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11757328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving in a stop and go traffic due to a traffic accident ahead of me. One of the times I stopped it seemed like it stalled but it was still on and the dashboard told me to put it in park so I did and then I was unable to do anything with the truck the brake seized I couldn’t shut off the truck or change gears and I sat like that for 5-8 minutes. Then after that I was finally able to hit the brake and restart it then I brought it to Saratoga Honda and they didn’t have an appointment until Wednesday of the following week due to me needing a loaner vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11756804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On two occasions, immediately after re-fueling the vehicle, the engine auto idle stop failed to restart the vehicle. Both times this happened at busy intersections. A series of messages appeared on the display. I was flustered because cars behind me were honking as I was blocking traffic so I don’t exactly remember the error messages. One message said to put the transmission in park. Another said to hold the brake and the engine start button. Eventually the engine did re-start by holding the start button down.

NHTSA complaint #11755798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On two occasions, immediately after re-fueling the vehicle, the engine auto idle stop failed to restart the vehicle. Both times this happened at busy intersections. A series of messages appeared on the display. I was flustered because cars behind me were honking as I was blocking traffic so I don’t exactly remember the error messages. One message said to put the transmission in park. Another said to hold the brake and the engine start button. Eventually the engine did re-start by holding the start button down.

NHTSA complaint #11755798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

2025 Ridgeline. Brake pedal sinks when engine started. Brake pedal sinks below the footrest. When applying brake pedal in an emergency stop my left foot contacts footrest causing me to have to release then re-apply the brakes increasing stopping distance. And then Re-applying the mushy brakes causes me to push too hard resulting in erratic braking. Took it to Lynnwood Honda who inspected and bled the brakes but would not confirm any problem. There are no warning lights. The sinking mushy brakes have not caused an accident yet.

NHTSA complaint #11755721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While sitting in traffic with my 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the engine stopped as the brake had been fully applied, when I released pressure off the brake, my vehicle would not restart as it normally would in this situation, thereby stranding me in a serious traffic situation. I notified the police and my vehicle was eventually towed to the nearest Honda dealer to try to determine what the issue was . Scary situation since my vehicle only has approximately 25K miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11755532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My Honda Ridgeline has experienced a dangerous malfunction involving the Auto Idle Stop system. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the system automatically shuts off the engine as designed to conserve fuel. Normally, the engine should restart when the brake pedal is released. On multiple occasions, however, the engine has failed to restart when the brake pedal is released. A warning appears on the dashboard, and the vehicle becomes difficult to restart. This has left me unexpectedly unable to move the vehicle while stopped in traffic. This creates a serious safety hazard because the failure can occur at an intersection or in an active traffic lane. When traffic begins moving, the vehicle may remain stalled while surrounding drivers expect it to accelerate normally, creating a risk of a rear-end or other collision. The problem is unpredictable, and I am concerned that the Auto Idle Stop system can disable the vehicle during normal operation without adequate warning. I believe this condition should be investigated as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11755400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While sitting in traffic with my 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the engine stopped as the brake had been fully applied, when I released pressure off the brake, my vehicle would not restart as it normally would in this situation, thereby stranding me in a serious traffic situation. I notified the police and my vehicle was eventually towed to the nearest Honda dealer to try to determine what the issue was . Scary situation since my vehicle only has approximately 25K miles on it.

NHTSA complaint #11755532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle horns are non-operational; 7/6/2026; no answer from corporate.

NHTSA complaint #11754942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off during hot weather and you want to start the car again. You have to wait and try again. The car is laboring to start again. This vehicle is also known for slow starts.I hope you take this matter seriously. This is the issue with every brand new ridgline. Take your pick. I paid over 50k for a new truck and have to deal with these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11755067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off during hot weather and you want to start the car again. You have to wait and try again. The car is laboring to start again. This vehicle is also known for slow starts.I hope you take this matter seriously. This is the issue with every brand new ridgline. Take your pick. I paid over 50k for a new truck and have to deal with these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11755067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off during hot weather and you want to start the car again. You have to wait and try again. The car is laboring to start again. This vehicle is also known for slow starts.I hope you take this matter seriously. This is the issue with every brand new ridgline. Take your pick. I paid over 50k for a new truck and have to deal with these issues.

NHTSA complaint #11755067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Start stop has failed to restart engine on several occasions.

NHTSA complaint #11754660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The car finally started however I have no idea why it happened. We could have been killed sitting in the fast lane of a three lane road. There were three of us in the car.

NHTSA complaint #11754845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Start stop has failed to restart engine on several occasions.

NHTSA complaint #11754660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The car finally started however I have no idea why it happened. We could have been killed sitting in the fast lane of a three lane road. There were three of us in the car.

NHTSA complaint #11754845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The car finally started however I have no idea why it happened. We could have been killed sitting in the fast lane of a three lane road. There were three of us in the car.

NHTSA complaint #11754845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine idle start/stop feature shut off the engine while I was waiting to turn at a busy intersection. When I took my foot off the brake, the engine did not restart and all the lights in the dashboard came on. Multiple attempts to get the engine to re-start failed. Police had to block traffic while we waited for a tow truck. After about 15 minutes the system finally allowed the engine to start again, but the tow truck was already there so the car was towed to a local dealership. Problem was diagnosed as a starter pulling excessive voltage causing hard starts and failure of the auto start/stop system. The starter was replaced under warranty. Vehicle is just over a year old with 10k miles. I was lucky there wasn't an accident or any injuries but with cars swerving by me while I blocked the intersection before the police arrived, it could easily have been much worse. Even after the system was repaired, I do not feel safe driving with the automatic start/stop feature engaged. I know I can turn it off every time I get in the car, but it is too easy to forget to do that. I would like for Honda to reprogram the system to allow the driver to permanently disengage the auto stop feature, but I'm told that is not currently an option.

NHTSA complaint #11753947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.