Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger due to software specifications that can cause some phones to have issues charging.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Honda Ridgeline electrical problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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 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.
Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops charging, even when the phone remains in the correct position on the charger.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The engine will not crank on initial startup after precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures. Water can enter the starter motor, and when temperatures drop below freezing, the water will freeze inside the starter motor. This will prevent the starter from cranking the engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - American Honda is providing this software for affected vehicles to update the PGM-FI software. This change corrects software settings that inhibit idle stop functionality after a certain number of start cycles, thus ensuring that your vehicle will maintain fuel economy performance. This software also includes Multi Information Display (MID) messaging consistent with these changes, with instructions to visit the dealer for maintenance (as appropriate).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe three main clusters of electrical trouble. First, unexpected warning lights (AWD, transmission, idle-stop) accompanied by loss of acceleration or complete power shutdown while driving. One owner experienced smoke and fire from the engine after the vehicle shut down at 50 mph. Dealers have been unable to replicate the problem in multiple attempts.
Second, the factory wireless charging pad fails to maintain charge across multiple iPhone models and with cases removed—it charges for a few seconds, stops (LED blinking), may resume briefly, then stops again. Owners report phone overheating and distraction while driving. Dealers declined repairs.
Third, the automatic high-beam system activates improperly, flashing or staying on when detecting street sign reflections or oncoming traffic, potentially blinding other drivers. Additionally, the idle-stop system exhibits two failure modes: some vehicles won't engage it at all (stays disabled despite default-on setting), while others fail to restart the engine after idle-stop engages, requiring multiple restart attempts with multiple warning lights illuminated.
One owner's alarm system began failing intermittently immediately after Honda completed a recall repair, resulting in a $1,500 Keyless Control Unit replacement not covered by warranty. Honda corporate declined to help.
Same Honda Ridgeline electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Multiple warning lights and loss of power/acceleration
Dashboard warning lights activate unexpectedly (AWD, idle-stop, transmission malfunction codes reported). Vehicle loses acceleration ability and fails to respond normally. In the most severe case, the vehicle shut down at 50 mph with smoke and flames from the engine compartment.
When: While driving; one incident occurred at 50 mph, others after leaving dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate; Reduced or failed acceleration; Brake warning light activates without cause; Vehicle power loss or shutdown while driving; Smoke from engine; vehicle fire (one case)
Codes mentioned: AWD malfunction, Auto Idle Stop malfunction, Gear shift malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate in two of the cases; Honda help line contacted in one case. No successful repair documented.
Wireless charging pad malfunction
Factory wireless charger fails to maintain consistent charge. Charger initiates briefly (few seconds), then stops. LED blinks; may resume momentarily before failing again. Problem occurs with multiple phones and phone cases removed, indicating a charger defect rather than device incompatibility.
When: Present since purchase; occurs during and without driving
Symptoms owners cite: Charger stops after a few seconds; LED indicator blinks; Phone heats up excessively; Fails to charge multiple different iPhone models; Driver distraction during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer declined to repair or replace. No parts available or remedy offered.
Automatic high-beam headlight malfunction
High-beam lighting activates inappropriately when system detects reflections from street signs or oncoming traffic. Causes flashing or sustained high-beam exposure to other drivers, creating a safety hazard by potentially blinding oncoming vehicles.
When: Present since purchase; occurs in traffic with reflective objects
Symptoms owners cite: High beam activates on street sign reflections; High beam activates with oncoming traffic; Continuous flashing or switching between low and high beams; Distracts and potentially blinds oncoming drivers
Idle-Stop system failures
Two distinct modes of failure: (1) Auto Idle Stop feature does not activate when engine is idling—remains off despite default-on setting; and (2) Vehicle fails to restart after idle-stop engages at a traffic light, requiring multiple restart attempts and illuminating multiple dash warning lights.
When: Present since purchase; restart failure occurred at traffic light
Symptoms owners cite: Auto Idle Stop does not engage when idling; Vehicle stalled after idle-stop engaged at red light; Multiple restart attempts required; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Auto Idle Stop malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner mentions needing PGM-FI idle stop switch update. No successful repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification received (unknown recall number for Auto START/STOP); dealer advised vehicle could not be repaired. Battery was replaced.
Keyless entry system malfunction
Keyless Control Unit failure causes intermittent alarm activation. Problem appeared after Honda dealership completed a safety recall repair, suggesting potential defect introduction during service or latent defect triggered by recall procedure.
When: Appeared after recall repair; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm sounds intermittently; Problem began immediately after recall service
Repairs/costs cited: Keyless Control Unit replacement required; cost $1,500 out-of-warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda corporate declined to assist; no warranty coverage or recall remedy applied.
Recall parts unavailable
Owner notified of NHTSA Campaign 24V321000 (Back Oven Prevention) but manufacturer has not provided parts needed to complete the recall repair. Timeline for parts availability exceeded what owner considers reasonable.
When: At time of complaint filing; no failure experienced yet
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts not available for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V321000; parts not yet available as of complaint date
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
1.Auto Highbeam lighting continuously flashes when sees reflection from street signs which confuses and blind coming drivers 2. Phone wireless charger not working properly, reported to honda several times. ALL this issues are since purchased.
Was stopped at a traffic light and idle-stop had engaged. Released brake and vehicle failed to restart. Multiple attempts to restart before it actually started. Many dash indicators were lit, but I was too frantic to notice which. Was in heavy traffic and it was very unsettling. Only time this has happened, but I feel like it will repeat. Have not been to dealer, but I will.
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V321000 (Back Oven Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The…
With automatic high beam active, the lights frequently switch to high beam with oncoming traffic, potentially blinding the drivers.
I took my vehicle to the Honda dealership to have a safety recall repaired. Following the repair, the alarm started intermittently going off. Before the repair, the vehicle was running well. I did not know what the alarm sounded like before the recall repair. After they checked the vehicle, I was hit with a $1500 repair bill to replace the Keyless Control Unit. This part is what is causing…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2022 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
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.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.