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moderate Owners of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ridgeline | 4 |
| 2017 Ridgeline (this page) | 83 |
| 2018 Ridgeline | 49 |
| 2019 Ridgeline | 29 |
| 2020 Ridgeline | 44 |
| 2021 Ridgeline | 13 |
Of the 83 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 13 model years of Honda Ridgeline we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 83.
Electrical accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
Corrosion of the wiring harness can cause increased electrical resistance, unexpectedly activating the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2018 Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline with a customer complaint of the vehicle running rough or in low power mode with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with one or more of the DTC listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - REVISION SUMMARY Under PARTS INFORMATION, the trim level was corrected. SYMPTOM The vehicleâs factory security system will sound off intermittently when the vehicle is parked, and the system is armed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017 Odysseys, Pilots & Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with the DTC P2652 (Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch B [Bank 1] Stuck On) & P3400 (Valve Pause System [VPS] Stuck Off Bank 1) stored. Customer may also complain of rough engine running conditions. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to inspect the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL) system freezes after a phone call, and the stored voice tags are missing when the ignition is turned to ON.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Owner Notification Letter - The vehicle may not start upon first press of the ENGINE START/STOP button. Also, the MID displays the error message KEYLESS START SYSTEM ERROR, and DTC B12C5 (Engine Start/Stop Switch Failure) is stored. American Honda is extending the warranty on the engine start/stop switch to 9 years from the original date of purchase or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline's electrical system shows repeated failures across several distinct areas. The tailgate wiring harness that feeds the backup camera breaks at the hinge pivot point due to repeated flexing during normal tailgate use—owners report the plastic jacket splits and wires sever, typically between 33,000 and 43,000 miles. The backup camera then goes black or intermittent. Dealers quote $498 to $1,200 for harness replacement; the issue happens even on low-mileage trucks with light tailgate use and is documented as widespread across 2017–2019 models.
The keyless start system control module (part 38320-T6Z-A31 or similar) fails, causing intermittent alarm activation, flickering dashboard lights, clicking noises, and instrument panel self-activation. The truck sometimes tries to start on its own, drains the battery, and prevents locking. Multiple owners report 250+ units waiting on backorder, with no ETA. Dealers point to a recall for this part but many trucks sit unfixed for weeks or months.
The Body Control Module and Wireless Control Module fail, leaving owners stranded and unable to start the vehicle. One owner waited a month with no delivery date for the part.
Sudden electrical surges—all warning lights flashing simultaneously, VSA/ABS/power steering disabled—occur while driving. Some owners report complete electrical system shutdown requiring towing. Rodent-damaged wiring harnesses cause similar multi-system failures. One owner cited Honda's soy-based wiring insulation as attracting rodents that chew through harnesses.
The crash avoidance system activates brakes without warning, dropping speed from 65 mph to 35 mph instantly and creating rear-end collision risk. Dealers cannot recalibrate or fix the system and deny liability based on the full owner's manual (not provided with vehicle) listing numerous false-trigger conditions.
The Stop/Start button sometimes fails to stop the engine. TPMS warning lights illuminate repeatedly despite harness replacement. Dash warning lights flicker or remain on continuously after wet weather or water intrusion near the differential.
Same Honda Ridgeline electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
The backup camera wiring harness breaks at the tailgate hinge pivot point due to repeated flexing during opening and closing. The plastic jacket splits, exposing and severing wires inside. Occurs on trucks with light to moderate tailgate use.
When: Typically 33,000–43,000 miles; some reports at 39,000 and 40,000+ miles; can occur within 1–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display goes black or becomes intermittent; Camera fails intermittently when tailgate is opened; Exposed and frayed wires visible at the hinge when tailgate is opened; Loss of reverse camera view creating unsafe blind spot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $498–$1,200 for harness replacement; owners report temporary field splicing as a workaround; one owner performed DIY repair and improved shielding
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially denied awareness of the problem; later quoted repair costs; no official TSB or recall issued; one dealer cited a TSB for working harnesses but not for failed ones
The keyless start system control module (part 38320-T6Z-A31, 38320-T6Z-A21) fails intermittently or completely. Module stops communicating with the vehicle's electrical systems, triggering alarm activation, flickering lights, and inability to lock/unlock the vehicle remotely.
When: Occurs at various mileages; some reports between 34,000–52,000 miles; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm activates repeatedly while vehicle is parked; Alarm cannot be disabled from touchscreen panel; Instrument panel lights flicker on and off rapidly; Dashboard clicking noises; Vehicle attempts to start on its own (accessory mode activation); Keyless Start System Error message on display; Horn honks repeatedly without input; Battery drained from continuous activation
Codes mentioned: B12C5 (Keyless Start System Error—noted as part of a recall in one narrative), Multiple codes: Security, Power Control Unit, Mode Menu, Lighting, Keyless Transmitter, Gauges, Door locks
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement required; parts on national/extended backorder with no ETA; one owner reported 250+ units in queue ahead of theirs; labor cost variable; dealers unable to predict delivery timelines
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda recall issued for some vehicles (DTC B12C5); extended warranty offered but only if trouble code is present; dealerships report module on backorder nationwide
The Body Control Module stops functioning, disabling vehicle start and multiple electrical systems. Vehicle becomes inoperable and requires towing.
When: At 52,000 miles in one report; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Alarm goes off repeatedly; Vehicle stranded; cannot be driven
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement required; parts on national backorder with no estimated delivery date
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue; Honda has not issued a recall despite reports of the problem being common across 2017–2022 Ridgelines
The wireless control module stops communicating, preventing remote keyless start and vehicle operation. Owner stranded; requires dealership repair and towing.
When: Timing not specified; vehicle was able to be towed multiple times waiting for parts
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Vehicle becomes inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: WCM replacement required; parts unavailable; requires towing to dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership aware of issue; similar failures reported on 2016–2018 Honda Pilots; should be a recall item per owner opinion
Sudden, unexpected electrical surges disable multiple vehicle safety systems simultaneously while driving or after starting. All warning lights illuminate, brakes, steering, and stability control systems fail. Vehicle becomes unsafe to operate.
When: Occurs while driving or shortly after engine start; timing unpredictable; one report occurred in wet/rainy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: All dash warning lights illuminate simultaneously (VSA, ABS, Power Steering, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, etc.); Power steering suddenly stops working; ABS and traction control malfunction warnings; Engine loses power or becomes sluggish; Vehicle stalls or engine shuts down; Braking, acceleration, and shifting affected; Dashboard flashing and flickering; Clicking or sparking noise behind console (electrical short)
Codes mentioned: Multiple simultaneous codes related to VSA, ABS, Power Steering, Emissions, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Stability Assist
Repairs/costs cited: Varies by cause: may involve ECM replacement, pulleys and tensioners, driveshaft replacement, or major engine work; costs exceed $1,800 in some cases; one owner faced engine replacement recommendation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose when codes do not appear; one dealer suggested ECM failure but recommended tailgate harness replacement first; Honda corporate documented complaint but took no action; some dealers found no fault despite clear symptoms
Under-bed electrical harness insulation, made of soy-based coating, attracts rodents that chew through the wires. Creates electrical shorts and triggers multi-system failures similar to other electrical faults.
When: At approximately 2,000 miles in one case; timing variable depending on rodent activity
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops working; Traction control and ABS warnings; Vehicle stalls or loses power; Multiple warning lights on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Full harness replacement required; cost ~$1,800+ and not covered by warranty; anti-rodent tape (Honda part) available but dealers often refuse to install; owners applying tape as preventive measure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda switched to soy-based coating to reduce environmental impact (per NBC News report cited); claims no issue with rodent damage despite multiple owner complaints; does not cover damage under warranty; anti-rodent tape exists as Honda part but is not routinely offered
The automated emergency braking system activates without warning or legitimate threat, applying full braking force. Creates dangerous rear-end collision risk. System cannot be recalibrated or disabled by dealerships.
When: Occurs intermittently while driving; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes apply fully without warning or input; Vehicle speed drops abruptly (65 mph to 35 mph in seconds); No warning lights or alerts before activation; System activates in response to oncoming traffic with no actual danger; Steering becomes uncontrollable when braking occurs
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; dealerships state they cannot recalibrate the system and have 'no means to do that'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda claims the full owner's manual (not provided with vehicle) discloses hundreds of false-trigger conditions (rain, shadows, flies, etc.); dealerships refuse to investigate or acknowledge defect; owner required to provide video proof; owner states disclosure is inadequate and blames Honda's liability disclaimer
Alternator fails prematurely, leaving vehicle without electrical charging capability.
When: At approximately 50,000 miles in one report
Symptoms owners cite: AWD and battery fan warning lights illuminate; Vehicle loses charging capability
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda claimed no recalls on the vehicle; owner discovered NHTSA Campaign 16V888000 (Electrical System) which appears to be related but was not offered as a solution
TPMS warning light illuminates repeatedly and continuously despite harness replacement. Light persists as a hard fault that requires dealer reset.
When: Immediately after dealership pickup; persists after rear sub-harness replacement within 45 miles
Symptoms owners cite: TPMS warning light illuminates while driving; Light reappears immediately after dealer reset; Hard fault that stays on until manually reset by dealer
Codes mentioned: TPMS related
Repairs/costs cited: Rear sub-harness replacement (part 32114-TG7-A00) attempted; required 2-week wait for parts; light returned within 45 miles of repair completion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed and ordered replacement harness; issue persisted despite repair
The engine start/stop button fails to respond or stops the engine inconsistently. Engine does not stop immediately when button is pressed, creating a safety hazard.
When: Occurs frequently; timing variable
Symptoms owners cite: Button does not start the engine when pressed; Button does not stop the engine when pressed; Failure is frequent and intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: Honda offers extended warranty but only honors it if a trouble code is present; button replacement may be required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda provided extended warranty program; warranty requires trouble code to be present; does not cover failures without diagnostic codes
PCM fails, causing gauge cluster to become unresponsive and engine to stall. Vehicle becomes unable to start.
When: At 49 months old and 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gauge cluster goes blank while idling; Vehicle will not start after shutdown; No turn signals after restart; Emissions system error message
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement; multiple fuses required replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed PCM failure
The AWD differential harness does not seal properly, allowing water ingress. Water shorts out the electrical system, disabling multiple safety features.
When: Timing not specified; likely after wet weather or water exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Anti-lock brakes disabled; VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) disabled; Blind spot monitoring disabled; Cross-traffic alert disabled; Vehicle deemed unsafe to operate
Repairs/costs cited: Harness replacement or sealing repair required; specific cost not stated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response described; owner states vehicle is unsafe to operate
Alarm activates repeatedly while vehicle is parked, draining battery and preventing vehicle from being locked safely. System activates seemingly at random and cannot be controlled or disabled from key fob or touchscreen.
When: Variable timing; some reports every 20 minutes; some reports every 2–3 days; one report after unplugging hood alarm switch reduced but did not eliminate flickering dash lights
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm activates while parked and stationary; Cannot disable alarm from touchscreen; Lights come on when alarm activates; Horn honks repeatedly; Battery drained from repeated activation; Owner unable to lock vehicle (safety concern); Pattern worse after heavy rain
Codes mentioned: Hood alarm switch related (one owner unplugged switch to reduce activation)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner unplugged hood alarm switch but alarm and flickering lights persisted; part replacement or electrical system repair required; specific parts/costs not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledges issue; hood alarm switch replacement available as a partial fix; dealers aware alarm is a known problem
Instrument panel lights flicker on and off, multiple false warning messages display, and dashboard becomes unresponsive. Safety information and maintenance displays become unavailable.
When: Occurs intermittently; one report started at 35,000–45,000 miles and affects multiple model years; some reports after wet weather
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning lights flicker rapidly; False or cascading warning messages appear (trailer assist, uphill assist, lane assist, etc.); Gauge cluster becomes unresponsive or displays only one screen; Maintenance and operational information unavailable; Interior lights flicker in sync with warnings; Voltage fluctuates audibly (clicking/buzzing)
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes reported but vary by incident; no consistent code identified
Repairs/costs cited: Battery disconnection provides temporary reset (1 day); battery replacement does not resolve issue; problem recurs on every start or periodically
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to diagnose unless flickering is occurring during visit; Honda corporate took complaint but offered no solution
Factory 5-inch display radio unit freezes, restarts multiple times during use, and displays black screen intermittently while still functioning in background.
When: Occurs intermittently; thought to be resolved after backup camera recall repair but persists
Symptoms owners cite: Radio unit freezes during operation; Unit restarts multiple times while driving; Display shows black screen but audio still functions; Issue persists after backup camera harness repair
Repairs/costs cited: No repair described; unclear if related to electrical harness issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response described
Tailgate lock fails and will not open, preventing access to truck bed. Vehicle occasionally locks itself without input.
When: Timing not specified; problem recurred after system reset in June
Symptoms owners cite: Tailgate locks and will not open; Cannot access truck bed or trunk in bed; Vehicle locks itself occasionally even with key inside; Rear USB ports and plugs do not work
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed diagnostic and found multiple faults; system reset performed in June but problem recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnosed and reset system; issue returned without further explanation
Ticking noise detected in engine, followed by rough idling and misfire warnings. One shop diagnosed engine knock and recommended engine replacement with driveshaft.
When: Occurs while driving at 50 mph after initial misfire warning at startup
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking noise from engine; Check engine light; Rough running and shaking; Braking issues reported; Multiple electrical failures (VSA, ABS, Power Steering) follow on same trip
Codes mentioned: Misfire (per owner's manual reference)
Repairs/costs cited: One shop replaced tailgate harness; another recommended pulleys and tensioners; third shop suggested engine replacement with driveshaft; multiple shops found different fault codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer found no codes and replaced tailgate harness; Honda corporate documented complaint without action
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
2 weeks ago multiple warning lights came on when I started the vehicle (power steering, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, trailer stability assist, emission control, etc.). At the same time the vehicle's performance became sluggish. Acceleration, shifting and braking were all effected. The next day the lights were off, only to reappear with all issues the day after. I disconnected…
Our 2017 Honda ridgeline has had an electrical problem ever since we bought it in 2018. The engine light goes on when driving, all systems blink especially the emissions light and warnings. The horn honks until I click the unlock button and then it honks again. When we took it in to Honda service and it was not blinking and they said it had to have the blinking going off to know the problem…
The Stop/Start button does not start or stop the engine when pushed. Honda has an "extended warranty" but will only honor the warranty "if a code has been set" regardless of the error messages displayed on the dash or the failure of the button to function While an extended warranty is of some value, in my opinion, the failure of the "Stop" button to stop the engine immediately when required…
Alarm system goes off every 20 minutes. This just started to happen. In california. Vehicle is parked stationary. The lights come on and stay on then the alarm goes off. But internal then external lights come on first, then the alarm goes off. It is dry no rain exists. When this condition occured.
The contact's wife owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the AWD and battery fan warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on his wife's vehicle. Upon investigation, the…
My 2017 Ridgeline had clicking noises in the dash and the interior lights were flickering, truck was in the garage at home. I was able to start the truck and move it outside. I was afraid it may be a short and start a fire. Upon turning off truck it started making the noises again and interior lights flickering. I took it to Honda the next day and after two days they claimed they couldn't figure…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 83 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 36,500 and 72,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,500; a quarter make it past 72,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.