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 ↗2019 Honda Ridgeline powertrain problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 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.
Among the 11 model years of Honda Ridgeline in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 - When adjusting the driver's seat height or tilt, the power seat does not move or moves just a small amount and clicks loudly during operation. The vertical transmission assembly (VTA) unit has a stripped internal gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Ridgeline's 6-speed automatic transmission and torque converter lock-up clutch emerge as the dominant powertrain issue across these 35 complaints. Starting around 40,000 miles, owners describe shuddering, juddering, and surging during light acceleration and uphill driving. The transmission refuses to shift into higher gears, forcing the engine to run at 3,000–4,500+ RPM on the highway. Hard shifting feels like being rear-ended. Owners report taking vehicles in for multiple $200–400 transmission fluid flushes, which provide only temporary relief before symptoms return or transmission failure occurs outright.
Honda issued Service Bulletin 23-078 extending torque converter warranty to 8 years/150,000 miles, citing a manufacturing defect in the lock-up piston that causes pressure loss. However, many owners report their VINs fall outside the eligible range despite having identical symptoms and diagnostic codes (P0741). Cost to replace the torque converter or full transmission runs $800–$10,000+.
Beyond transmission issues, owners report sudden brake failure (one case at 52 mph on a curve), unintended acceleration, vehicle rollaway while parked, a rear differential oil pump failure at 44,000 miles due to corrosion, rod bearing knock at 153,000 miles on a regularly maintained truck, and a camshaft thrust bearing failure not covered by its own recall. Soy-based wiring insulation attracts rodents. One owner experienced complete loss of braking response, forcing an off-road crash with airbag deployment. Safety concerns dominate these narratives.
Same Honda Ridgeline powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Malfunction / Lock-Up Clutch Failure
Torque converter lock-up clutch fails to hold pressure due to manufacturing defects (crack in lock-up piston). Results in shuddering, juddering, surging, hard shifting, inability to shift to higher gears, and excessive RPMs at highway speeds. Honda Service Bulletin 23-078 documents the issue and extends warranty to 8 years/150,000 miles for affected vehicles, but many owners report their VINs fall outside the eligible range despite having identical symptoms.
When: 40,000–79,000 miles typically; some intermittent early warning, others sudden
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shuddering or juddering, especially uphill or during light acceleration; Hard or jerky shifting between gears, feeling like being rear-ended; Vehicle will not shift into higher gears; stays in lower gear with excessive RPMs (3,000–4,500+ RPM on highway); Surging or bucking during acceleration between 1st–2nd gear and 35–45 mph; Vehicle briefly loses power then slams into gear
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission flush/fluid change recommended initially ($200–400+ per occurrence); multiple flushes often required as temporary fix. Eventual replacement of torque converter or entire transmission necessary ($800–$10,000+). Owners report needing multiple flushes before failure escalates.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 23-078 (8/31/2023) extends torque converter warranty to 8 years/150,000 miles for eligible 2017–19 Ridgelines with 6AT. Honda Service Bulletins 17-025 and 17-026 also address transmission issues. Many owners report their VINs are ineligible for warranty extension despite meeting all specifications; Honda and NHTSA dispute responsibility for expanding coverage.
Pressure Control Valve Fault (P0776)
Transmission pressure control valve malfunction prevents proper gear shifting. Vehicle kicks or bucks at low speed (27 mph) and refuses to shift into higher gears, forcing engine to run at excessive RPM on highway. Warning lights illuminate (Emission Systems Problem, Transmission Systems Problem, Blind Spot Info System Problem) intermittently or for days at a time.
When: Mileage not consistently reported; owner had four dealer visits before confirmation
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle kicks or bucks around 27 mph; Transmission will not shift into higher gears; Engine operates at 4,000 RPM on highway during non-shift; Multiple warning lamps illuminate: Emission Systems Problem, Transmission Systems Problem, Blind Spot Info System Problem (intermittently or for days)
Codes mentioned: P0776 (Pressure Control Valve Code)
Repairs/costs cited: Part on backorder; dealer estimated up to 6-month lead time. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under extended warranty at time of first visits; coverage status later disputed by dealer due to inability to detect issue on earlier visits.
Rear Differential Oil Pump Corrosion Failure
Rear differential oil pump fails without warning at low mileage (44,000 miles), causing AWD system fault message and loss of driveline function. Dealer attributed failure to corrosion. Owner questions whether part design, placement, or shielding is adequate to prevent moisture intrusion in normal conditions.
When: 44,000 miles; sudden onset with no prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: AWD system fault message appears on dashboard without warning; Rear differential oil pump stops functioning; Fault message persists continuously until repair
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential oil pump replaced. Dealer cited corrosion as cause on service invoice. Owner paid out of pocket after warranty expiration (June 2023, despite only 44,000 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Warranty had expired despite low mileage; no recall or TSB cited.
Brake System Failure / Loss of Braking Response
Cruise control will not cancel when button pressed; more critically, brake pedal produces no response even with repeated application. Vehicle fails to slow during curve approach at 52 mph, forcing driver to leave roadway to avoid intersection. ABS fault code and message appear after the incident.
When: Sudden onset during curve approach; mileage not reported
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control 'Cancel' button unresponsive; Brake pedal produces no response despite repeated application; Vehicle continues at cruise speed through curve and into roadway departure; ABS system fault code and message appear post-incident
Codes mentioned: ABS system fault code (code not specified), ABS fault message on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle launched off roadway, deployed airbag on impact with ditch embankment. Braking finally engaged after vehicle bounced across lanes; owner speculates connection between cruise control failure and ABS involvement in modern cruise systems. Vehicle had no prior OBDII codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Hard Shifting / Secondary Valve Body Fault
Transmission shifts very hard between lower and upper gears, particularly during acceleration from a stop and on turns. One owner's complaint resolved after dealer replaced secondary valve body under warranty.
When: Timing not consistently reported; one case resolved at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely hard shifting between lower and upper gears; Shifting occurs especially during acceleration from stop; Hard shifting occurs on turns
Repairs/costs cited: Secondary valve body replacement under warranty resolved issue in one documented case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage applied for valve body replacement in at least one case.
Internal Transmission Gear Failure (3rd Gear Loss)
Transmission loses 3rd gear internally and fails suddenly at highway speeds. Vehicle was properly maintained with recent transmission service. No warning lights or symptoms preceded failure. Transmission fluid sprayed throughout engine bay; dipstick dislodged.
When: After proper maintenance; sudden failure at highway speeds, mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete transmission failure at highway speed; Loss of 3rd gear internally; Transmission fluid sprayed throughout engine bay; Transmission dipstick missing/dislodged; No warning signs or dashboard lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Honda technicians could not explain cause of failure.
Transmission Hesitation / Loss of Power During Acceleration
Transmission hesitates or fails to accelerate smoothly during gear shifts, particularly during merging onto highway and highway speeds. Vehicle loses motive power momentarily before resuming. Hesitation occurs at 35 mph and highway speeds. Some instances show no warning lights; others result in transmission system warning.
When: 11,700–61,500 miles; recurrent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates while shifting into gear at 35 mph and highway speeds; Brief loss of motive power; Vehicle will not accelerate in normal manner; Vehicle loses power while in traffic on highway; Slamming into gear after hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required in cases taken to dealer. Cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in some cases; no response documented in others.
Engine Rod Bearing Knock / Bearing Failure
Engine develops rod bearing knock at 153,000 miles on a regularly maintained vehicle. Owner reports this is premature for a Honda. Calls Honda customer service and learns their VIN is not included in rod bearing safety recall (23V-751 or related), despite owning identical year/make/model.
When: 153,000 miles on regularly maintained vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine clacking sound while driving on freeway; Rod bearing knock diagnosed by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. Cost not specified by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner's VIN not included in rod bearing safety recall, despite vehicle matching year/make/model of recalled units.
Corrosion of Wire Harness to Rear Differential
Wire harness connecting to rear differential corrodes, triggering AWD fault message. Dealer confirms corrosion and requires rear differential oil pump replacement as part of repair. Similar to narrative #3 but with emphasis on electrical harness rather than pump alone.
When: Mileage and timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: AWD system fault message on dashboard; Rear differential oil pump failure (secondary symptom)
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness and rear differential oil pump replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Soy-Based Wire Chewing by Rodents
Vehicle wiring, manufactured with soy-based insulation, attracts rodents that chew through wires. Owner reports other Honda owners cite this as major problem. Repair cost $250–300. Owner questions why Honda does not child-proof / animal-proof wire placement and whether this constitutes safety risk if critical components are damaged.
When: Timing of rodent entry not specified; discovered next day after incident
Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle not driving right after rodent damage
Repairs/costs cited: Rodent-chewed wire repaired for $250–300 out of pocket. Owner questions if Honda uses deterrent tape or improved shielding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Owner suggests Honda is aware of soy-based wire issue and should address design/placement.
Unintended Acceleration on Brake Application
Vehicle accelerates without warning when brake pedal is depressed in parking lot. Driver (owner's wife) hits brick column, airbags deploy. Prior to incident, owner noticed soft brake pedal without warning.
When: 23,706 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates upon brake pedal depression; Soft brake pedal prior to event (without warning); Sudden acceleration in parking lot
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle repaired by independent mechanic (not dealer); repair cost and details not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer nor manufacturer notified prior to independent repair.
Vehicle Rollaway While Parked
Vehicle parked in same location where it had been parked many times before slips gear and rolls away without driver present, captured on doorbell video. Owner reports it somehow disengaged brake or gear.
When: After 5+ minutes parked; timing/mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away from parked position; Vehicle slips gear while stationary; Brake disengages or gear slips without input
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Camshaft Thrust Bearing Failure
Camshaft thrust bearing fails on 2019 Ridgeline. Identical part was subject of Recall 23V-751 on other 2019 Ridgeline models. This vehicle's failure is not covered by that recall despite being the same part and year. Repair cost $4,500.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Camshaft thrust bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft thrust bearing replacement cost $4,500. Owner must pay out of pocket despite similar part being recalled on other 2019 Ridgelines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V-751 covers same part on some 2019 Ridgelines but not owner's VIN. No explanation for VIN-based exclusion documented.
Horn and Panic Alarm Spontaneous Activation
While vehicle parked in garage, horn and panic alarm activate independently and headlights flash. Failure repeated; owner disconnected battery to stop it. Dealer performed unknown software update, which apparently resolved issue.
When: 42,000 miles; timing of occurrence not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Horn activates independently; Panic alarm activates independently; Headlights flash without input
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed unknown software update; issue resolved after update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update applied; specific bulletin or technical service action not identified.
Cabin Odor (Musty)
Vehicle develops musty odor inside cabin when windows are completely closed. Owner unsure of source. Occurred at 42,000 miles alongside transmission replacement.
When: 42,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Musty odor inside vehicle when windows closed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or cost specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Transmission Fluid Leakage and Rear Camera Failure
Transmission system warning and blind spot info system problem lights illuminate together, rear camera stops working, and vehicle experiences erratic behavior. DTC P0741 confirms torque converter issue. Brake failure warning illuminates on dashboard. Symptoms intermittent; DTC clears after shutdown and restart.
When: 132,159 miles (DTC recorded at this mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission System Problem warning light; Blind Spot Info System Problem warning light; Rear camera stops working; Brake failure warning on dashboard (PRND illuminates); Dashboard warning lights illuminate while reading OBD
Codes mentioned: P0741 (Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; symptoms cleared after vehicle restart.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
While driving on the highway, the BLIND SPOT INFO SYSTEM PROBLEM and TRANSMISSION SYSTEM PROBLEM came on. Vehicle was driving normal but I notice all the BSI alert, Rear Camera stopped working. I drove the vehicle to Autozone. I had them.pull the DTC code which was P0741. While reading the ODB, the dashboard lit up, I clouding brake failure, the PRND came on. Once I got home, 49 miles…
Multiple occasions of vehicle lurching, jerky acceleration, and horrible noises when shifting gears at low speeds at 40,000-50,000 miles. Brought to Honda twice. They could not replicate the problem. It was unpredictable when this occur. Vehicle was returned at a huge loss of depreciation value in a short time for customer, who felt too scared to drive it anymore.
Torque Converter malfunctioned causing vehicle to bang into first gear with slow acceleration there after as I was accelerating/merging onto the highway. Tractor trailer that was coming up to where I was merging needed to swerve into other lane to avoid hitting me. Brought vehicle to dealer and they confirmed that my torque converter needed to be changed. There were no previous warning signs…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 35 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 28,597 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.