Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle stop, the vehicle may not restart automatically due to excessive cylinder pressure and/or low cranking torque. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pressing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Honda Ridgeline engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Ridgeline | 69 |
| 2018 Ridgeline | 20 |
| 2019 Ridgeline | 32 |
| 2020 Ridgeline (this page) | 21 |
| 2021 Ridgeline | 16 |
| 2022 Ridgeline | 16 |
| 2023 Ridgeline | 11 |
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Honda Ridgeline in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
Service Bulletin - MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The MIL flashes and vehicle will not accelerate, low power. After cycling the ignition, the symptom does not return with no stored DTCs. This issue is more common in regions with cold weather (specifically near or below freezing temperatures). Usually after a long drive (around 2 hours) and accelerating while cornering. Moisture accumulation in the intake manifold during long drives gets drawn into the combustion chamber while cornering, causing misfires.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Due to variations in the purge control solenoid valve spring, the valve wears unevenly and intermittently sticks. This may result in setting DTC P0441 (Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Purge Flow Malfunction).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and the idle stop feature engages, the vehicle may not automatically restart. Typically, the customer can immediately restart the vehicle by selecting Park and pushing the ENGINE START/STOP button.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Ridgeline's auto start/stop system is a chronic trouble spot. Owners report the engine shuts down as intended but then refuses to restart or requires multiple attempts, sometimes taking minutes to fire up. This happens in intersections and heavy traffic with no warning—roughly 10–50% of the time the feature activates. Dashboard messages say "Shift to Park," and some owners report the truck rolling forward or losing reverse camera feed when stalled in reverse. Many owners have simply disabled the feature to avoid panic in traffic.
Rod bearing failures are another major problem. Three separate owners report loud knocking from failed rod bearings in cylinders 3, 5, and 6—one at 70,000 miles, others at 140,000—requiring full engine or short block replacement. These occurred on well-maintained vehicles with regular oil changes.
Engine oil issues include rapid consumption (one truck lost all oil in days) and gasoline contamination in the oil from new, yet dealers claim this is normal and cannot fix it.
Transmission solenoid faults cause error codes and require $7,000–$9,000 transmission replacements since Honda sells only the complete unit. One owner lost power at highway speeds; another stalls repeatedly at intersections during acceleration. Dealers frequently cannot replicate failures, leaving owners stranded without solutions.
Same Honda Ridgeline engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Auto Start/Stop System - Failure to Restart / No Start
Engine shuts down as designed during idle stop but fails to restart or requires multiple start attempts. Owners report the engine cranks but does not catch, acts like a weak battery, or fails entirely. Some report having to shift to Park manually to achieve a restart. In some cases a 5-minute delay occurred before restart.
When: Occurs intermittently during normal driving; happens roughly 10-50% of the time the idle stop feature engages; first reported in 2021 models, continuing through 2024-2025
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not restart after idle stop engages; Multiple start attempts required to restart engine; Engine cranks but does not turn over; Delayed start (up to 5 minutes reported); Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' message; Collision Mitigation System Warning appears on dashboard sometimes; Vehicle rolls forward or shifts to neutral unexpectedly when stalled in reverse
Codes mentioned: MIL (Check Engine Light), Transmission error code, Emissions error code
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report Honda dealership cannot replicate the issue and provides no repair. One owner mentioned battery replacement and software update did not resolve the problem. Some owners manually disable the feature to avoid risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #A23-091 exists for related issues but Honda has not provided responsive communication to owners. Dealers report inability to replicate and cite aftermarket parts as potential cause even when vehicle returned to stock condition.
Transmission Solenoid Failure / Transmission Control Issues
Transmission solenoid in transmission control module fails, causing transmission error codes and loss of normal shifting. Owner reports transmission shifted gears normally at time of failure but error codes indicated solenoid fault. Repair requires full transmission replacement since Honda does not sell individual solenoid components.
When: Occurred around May 2025 on vehicle in question; part of broader cluster affecting multiple 2020 Ridgelines
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission error message on dashboard; Emissions error message on dashboard; Auto start/stop feature ceased working entirely
Codes mentioned: MIL (Check Engine Light), Transmission error code, Solenoid fault code (inferred from diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Local mechanic quoted $7,000 for parts and labor; Norm Reeves Honda quoted $9,000 for parts and labor. Honda does not sell individual solenoid brain, requires full transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin #A23-091 appears relevant. Honda Motor Corporation case #15593XXX opened but delayed response time cited due to influx of inquiries.
Rod Bearing Failure / Engine Knock
Rod bearings fail internally causing loud knocking noise from engine. Failures confirmed in multiple cylinders. Failures occur even on well-maintained vehicles with proper oil changes and regular service. No warning lights precede the failure in most cases.
When: First reported incident at 70,000 miles; another at 140,000 miles; one at 140,000 miles with proper maintenance performed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking sound from engine compartment; Continuous knocking noise at startup and during operation; Engine will not start after knocking begins; Engine dies and will not restart (clicking only); Tapping sound like 'two spoons tapping together'
Codes mentioned: No warning lights in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommends engine replacement or short block replacement. One owner required engine replacement; another vehicle not repaired. Rod bearings in cylinders 3, 5, and 6 failed in at least two documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda opened case for one failure at 140,000 miles but no recall issued despite multiple reports. Owners note 2020 model is not part of connecting rod bearing recall that covers other model years.
Oil Consumption / Gasoline Contamination in Oil
Engine oil level drops rapidly and develops strong gasoline smell. Owner checked oil at 40% full, added 2.5 quarts, but within days engine lost all oil requiring engine replacement. Another owner reports strong oil odor after driving and gasoline smell in oil starting at 5,600 miles.
When: Oil consumption reported from 5,600 miles onward; critical oil loss occurred between January 4 and January 8, 2025 (4-day period)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly; Strong oil odor after driving vehicle; Strong gasoline smell in oil; No warning lights initially
Repairs/costs cited: Shop found no oil in engine, recommended engine replacement. Owner had purchased oil on January 7 but had not yet changed it when engine failed. Dealer claimed gasoline smell in oil was normal but could not replicate or resolve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no problem found and smell was normal; no repair offered.
Engine Stall During Acceleration / Loss of Motive Power
Engine stalls unexpectedly during normal driving, particularly after traffic stops or at intersections when accelerating. Vehicle loses power suddenly with no warning. In some cases engine enters limp mode with fractional power output and check engine light flashing.
When: Stalls reported April 2024 and continuing; limp mode incidents reported after extended highway driving at high cruise control use
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during acceleration from stop; Loss of motive power at intersections; Check engine light flashes intermittently; Vehicle enters limp mode with ~5 mph maximum speed; No symptoms present before failure; Vehicle functions normally once restarted
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (flashing during limp mode)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; failures not duplicated by dealers. Owner reports internet forums show this is not an isolated incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated in 2022 they had never heard of the problem; no further action taken.
Starter Motor Failure
OEM starter motor failed prematurely at 40,000 miles with no prior warning signs. Vehicle functioned properly the day before failure then would not start the following morning.
When: Failure occurred at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start in the morning; No weak or delayed start warning prior to failure; Jumping the vehicle does not help
Repairs/costs cited: Honda dealership confirmed starter motor was weak and required replacement.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Strong engine oil odor after driving and then parking vehicle. Also checked engine oil, has a very strong gasoline smell to engine oil. Dealer claims unable to replicate, however I pointed out the smell to them once I arrived. Dealer mentioned that the smell was normal. They took the vehicle in anyway and claim again that the smell is normal. There are no warning lights or anything to indicate a…
I have had an engine knocking noise at startup but now is continuous/constant. Diagnosed at my local Honda dealer as a connecting rod failure of my well maintained 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Recommended repair, short block replacement or engine replacement with a used engine. My 2020 Honda Ridgeline is not part of the safety recall for the connecting rod bearing recall and should be. I have read…
Spun Rod Bearing at 70,000 miles. Truck will need a new Short Block. Truck has been at the dealer for all recommended service and oil changes.
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 engine problem on the 2020 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 95,000 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2020/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.