Service Bulletin - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Honda Ridgeline powertrain problems
moderate 39 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of Honda Ridgeline we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 39.
Owners have filed 39 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 - Torque converters may not have been manufactured to proper specifications. As a result, the torque converter lock-up clutch cannot provide adequate holding force due to pressure bleeding down through a crack in the lock-up piston. The reduced lock-up clutch capacity results in the MIL illuminating and set DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Vehicle shows Transmission Temperature Too Hot on the MID with no related DTCs due to ATF deterioration causing high foaming and low viscosity. During extended high load driving ATF will foam and cooler flow rate is reduced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Tech line summary article - We're getting reports of vehicles being stuck in ACCESSORY mode and unable to fully shut down. When this happens, the audio unit stays on, the ENGINE START/STOP button blinks, the gear position indicator doesn't show P, and the doors won't lock.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service bulletin - A judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch may be felt while driving between 20 and 60 mph. The problem is typically diagnosed as a bad torque converter. American Honda investigated the judder and found that the torque converter was not causing the judder and the transmission is not damaged by this judder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Ridgeline shows a pattern of severe powertrain failures. Transmission problems dominate complaints: owners report rough shifting, metal debris in fluid, violent banging into gears, and complete failure requiring replacement at costs exceeding $10,000. Many failures occur well under 100,000 miles and persist even after multiple fluid flushes and software updates. Dealerships confirm these as systemic issues tied to torque converter lock-up defects (TSB 23-078) and clogged solenoids, yet Honda's warranty extension only covers specific diagnostic codes—owners with the same failure but different codes are denied coverage.
Engine failures include connecting rod bearing collapse, reported with no warning at 45,000–92,795 miles, producing loud metallic noise and immediate power loss on the highway. Honda acknowledges a 2017–2019 Ridgeline bearing investigation but has not recalled all affected vehicles.
Additional failures include sudden loss of power with multiple warning lights while driving, axle separation from the transmission, camshaft defects, and transmission juddering that persists even after torque converter replacement. Owners report 90+ days in dealerships over extended periods, unanswered complaints, and repeated service visits that do not resolve issues. Repair costs and prolonged downtime are the norm, not exceptions.
Same Honda Ridgeline powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Engine bearing failure leading to catastrophic engine damage, metal fragments in oil pan, severe engine noise, and total loss of power while driving.
When: 45,000–92,795 miles; one failure at 8 years old with 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud horrendous sound like marbles in the engine; Oil coming from oil pan rod bearing; Loud knocking noise accompanied by squealing that varies with RPM; Engine smoking, oil spilled on road; Loss of power and engine failure while driving; Check engine light shortly before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Short block replacement; one case quoted $9,738.35 (Honda covered 75% = $1,850 owner cost due to low mileage); another case required full engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda covered 75% of repair cost due to low mileage; aware of NHTSA investigation into 2017–2019 Ridgeline rod bearing failures; Safety recall 23V-751 issued but not all affected vehicles included
Transmission Failure—Catastrophic (Metal Debris, Loss of Power)
Complete transmission failure with metal debris in fluid, inability to shift gears, violent banging into gears, and loss of power. Requires full transmission replacement.
When: 62,000–129,000 miles; failures reported as early as 56,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rough shifting, banging into gear then going into neutral; Juddering and violent downshifting; Clunking into gears with jerking motion; Metal debris in transmission fluid; Transmission warning lights, emission warning lights, blind spot warnings illuminate; Inability to change gears without jerking or banging
Codes mentioned: P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance/Stuck OFF), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement with remanufactured unit; quoted costs $10,500–$13,000+; one owner negotiated Honda Goodwill adjustment but still paid substantial portion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-078 (Torque Converter Warranty Extension to 10 years/150,000 miles, effective June 2025) but covers only when code P0741 appears; Honda denies coverage in some cases citing wrong diagnostic code; dealers report transmission replacement as the only remedy
Transmission Judder and Vibration (Torque Converter Lock-up Clutch)
Persistent juddering, shuddering, or vibration in transmission, especially during low-speed cruising or light acceleration, often recurring after torque converter replacement or fluid service.
When: 35,000–129,000 miles; onset typically between 20,000–69,000 miles; recurring or chronic even after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Juddering or vibration in 4th–5th gear at 30–50 MPH around 1800 RPM; Shuddering between 2nd and 3rd gear; Shuddering when slowing to a stop (jerking motion); Vibration at specific speeds (44, 66, 68, 70, 72 MPH) on acceleration, similar to driving over rumble strips; Problem occurs after engine reaches nominal operating temperature; Persistent judder after torque converter replacement (3 units in one case); Transmission overheating warnings that appear and disappear; Hard shifting or flare on 2–3 upshift
Codes mentioned: P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changes (multiple flushes); transmission software updates; torque converter replacement (one case required 2 replacements/3 units); dealers have no known permanent fix; one owner reported 90+ days in shop over 15 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 17-025, TSB 17-026 (addressing torque converter lock-up clutch issues); TSB 23-078 (warranty extension); Honda tech line reports no known fix for systemic defect; one owner reports dealership believes issue is VCM/ACM degradation with no resolution
Transmission Slipping and Hard/Delayed Shifts
Transmission slips, hesitates to shift, or shifts with delay or hard engagement; may include lag during downshift or no shift engagement until restart.
When: 20,000–117,000 miles; issues reported as early as 20,000 miles and persisting over years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping without warning lights illuminating; Transmission lagging while downshifting and sudden acceleration; Hesitation and loud clunk noise when shifting; Hard shifting or failure to immediately shift into gear; Vehicle jerks while shifting gear; Transmission unable to find correct gear; Sluggish to start off the line; Intermittent problem occurring five times over 6-month period; Transmission fails to shift sometimes at high RPM
Codes mentioned: P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance/Stuck OFF)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changes (multiple, some recommended by dealership); transmission software update; in one case, transmission computer flash did not resolve issue; some cases required transmission flushing three times; one case noted failed valve body and leaking 3rd gear clutch seal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates attempted; Honda denies warranty coverage in some cases where VIN not included in extended warranty; no recall issued
Sudden Power Loss / Limp Mode—Multiple Systems
Complete or near-total loss of power while driving, accompanied by multiple warning lights (transmission, emissions, VSA, power steering, hill start assist, trailer stability assist, blind spot) and entry into limp mode with RPM restricted to 2,000.
When: 69,000 miles (4 years old); one case recurring exactly 6 months and 7,000 miles apart
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all power on freeway (70 mph); Multiple warning lights and alerts flashing simultaneously; Vehicle enters limp mode, restricting acceleration to 2,000 RPM; Dangerous deceleration or violent downshift if RPM over 2,000 at time of warning; Power restoration after vehicle restart or 10-minute wait; Warning lights remain flashing after restart; Recurring problem on exact 6-month cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed as accelerator pedal position connector problem; no permanent fix confirmed or documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda roadside assistance available; no recall or known solution provided
Camshaft and Valve Train Failure
Defective camshaft causing multiple warning lights (VSA, emissions, all-wheel drive, power steering, hill start assist, trailer stability assist) and limp mode, with vehicle restricted to 2,000 RPM or experiencing violent downshifts.
When: 69,000 miles (4 years old)
Symptoms owners cite: Warning lights: VSA, emissions system, all-wheel drive system, power steering, hill start assist, trailer stability assist; Vehicle enters limp mode restricting acceleration to 2,000 RPM; Violent downshifting and dangerous deceleration if traveling over 2,000 RPM when lights appear; Difficulty accelerating (dangerous when merging onto busy road); Defective camshaft causing systemic failure
Repairs/costs cited: $2,300 repair cost for camshaft, camshaft thrust cover, and CMP sensor replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service News Article A18010I Version 1 (January 2018) documents this known problem; Honda refused warranty coverage; noted as not uncommon for this model and year
Axle Separation from Transmission
Axle separated from transmission while driving, causing complete loss of power to wheels while engine continued running. No prior warning or symptoms.
When: No mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk noise; Immediate loss of power to wheels while engine running; Inability to move vehicle even after shifting to neutral; No warning lights or prior symptoms; Front passenger wheel would not turn
Repairs/costs cited: Axle had to be separated from transmission for repair; part still being worked on at time of report
Engine Surge and Acceleration Issues
Engine surges on takeoff and at highway speeds; hesitation and chugging during acceleration with RPM bouncing.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Engine surges on takeoff and at highway speeds; Chugs and hesitates when accelerating on highway or in city; RPM tachometer bounces during acceleration; Vehicle accelerates suddenly then stops and lurches forward; Engine continuously revs very high when attempting to accelerate; Vehicle almost stalls after activating A/C at stop light
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump recall 19-013 investigated but confirmed not the problem; transmission software update attempted but did not resolve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump system verified as fine by dealership
Torque Converter Failure (Lock-up, Performance)
Torque converter failure causing vehicle to enter unsafe limp mode, persistent judder after replacement, and potential for catastrophic failure at highway speed.
When: 96,000 miles and beyond; first failure, then recurring judder after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping and juddering; Clogged solenoid in transmission; Foul burnt smell in transmission fluid; Large pieces of clutch in transmission fluid; Entry into limp mode at highway speed; Visual confirmation of torque converter failure by dealership; Persistent judder from torque converter lock-up clutch after replacement
Codes mentioned: P0776 (Clogged Solenoid; Pressure Control Solenoid B), P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced; quote over $13,000 for transmission replacement; one case required 2 replacements (3 units); TSB repairs unsuccessful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 23-078 identifies improper torque converter manufacturing specifications and extends warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles (effective June 2025), but only covers cases with code P0741; Honda denies coverage when code P0776 appears instead; one owner reports Honda denies coverage citing wrong diagnostic code despite visual confirmation of failure
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I was driving and without any warning or indication that anything was wrong, I heard a loud clunk noise and immediately lost power to the wheels, but the engine continued running. I was barely able to get the vehicle to the shoulder before it came to a complete stop without me applying the brakes. A Police Officer came to assist and tried to push it, but even after shifting to neutral, the car…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 39 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 19,035 and 63,000 miles, with the median around 43,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,035; a quarter make it past 63,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Honda/Ridgeline.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.