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 ↗2023 Honda Ridgeline electrical problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
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 ↗Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2020-2023 Ridgelines with a customer complaint of the rearview camera inop. Customer may also complain of the tailgate lock inop, alarm activating on its own, or cargo light inop. 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the rearview camera repeatedly failing in reverse mode even after Honda's recall replacement of the tailgate wire harness. The display goes black or nearly black, backup lines appear intermittently, and the failure is triggered reliably by dual-action tailgate movements. Dealers find no error codes or harness continuity problems but cannot explain why the symptoms match the original failure or why repeated tailgate cycles temporarily restore the image.
Wireless charging pads stop charging after 4–10 seconds regardless of phone case or phone model (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 both affected). The system was defective from delivery, and dealerships report no known issue.
The Auto Idle Stop system repeatedly displays error messages ("Auto Idle Stop System Problem," "Temporarily Unavailable") and persists through multiple dealer visits. One owner experienced vehicle hesitation at a stop light. A dealer replaced the power window master switch; the problem continued.
Automatic high beams flash excessively between high and low, even in response to small reflectors on empty roads. GPS voice commands don't work—owners resort to manual entry while driving. The infotainment system has failed intermittently, disabling the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor.
Owners also cite prolonged delays completing recalls because Honda has not released the required parts to dealers.
Same Honda Ridgeline electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Rearview Camera Intermittent Failure (Post-Recall)
Camera display goes black or nearly black in reverse; backup lines may or may not appear. Failure triggered by repeated dual-action tailgate movements (lowering/raising and swinging). Some temporary recovery possible after multiple tailgate cycles. Issue persists despite recall repair replacing tailgate wire harness. Dealer unable to find error codes or continuity problems with harness, proposes camera replacement instead.
When: 6+ months after recall wire harness replacement completed
Symptoms owners cite: black or nearly black display in reverse; backup lines intermittently present or absent; triggered by dual-action tailgate movement; temporary recovery after repeated tailgate cycles; no dashboard error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Recall performed to replace tailgate wire harness; dealer proposed camera unit replacement despite no error codes or detected harness continuity issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued to replace camera tailgate wire harness
Wireless Charging Mat Non-Functional
Charging pad charges for only 4-10 seconds then stops, whether phone case is on or off. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and iPhone 14 both affected. Issue present from delivery; no diagnostic issue identified by dealer despite owner reporting numerous online complaints of same problem.
When: Present from vehicle delivery (Sept 28, 2023)
Symptoms owners cite: charges for only 4-10 seconds then stops; occurs with or without phone case; affects multiple phone models (Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, iPhone 14); intermittent charging behavior
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealership reported no known issues with wireless charging unit
Auto Engine Idle Stop System Error Message
Error message 'Auto Idle Stop System Problem' or 'Auto Idle Stop Temporarily Unavailable' appears frequently on dashboard. Appears after vehicle purchase and persists across multiple dealer visits. One instance reports vehicle hesitation and unresponsiveness when system activated at stop lights.
When: Present from or shortly after vehicle purchase (June 6, 2023); persists through July and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: error message on dashboard; vehicle hesitation when idle stop activated; system temporarily unavailable messages; recurring after repairs attempted
Codes mentioned: Auto Engine Idle Stop System Problem, Auto Idle Stop Temporarily Unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Power window master switch replaced at dealer (July 19, 2023); issue unresolved after replacement
Automatic High Beam System Malfunction
High beams flash on and off excessively, even in response to small road reflectors on empty roads. System activates by default and cannot reliably provide needed lighting on dark roads. Constant flashing annoying to oncoming traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: excessive flashing between high and low beams; triggered by small reflectors; unreliable lighting on dark roads; enabled by default; flashing annoys oncoming drivers
GPS Navigation System Non-Functional
GPS voice command system does not work properly; unable to understand voice input. Requires manual navigation entry, forcing driver to look away from road to input information. Multiple owners report same issue; Honda states no repair available.
Symptoms owners cite: voice command system unresponsive; requires manual data entry; diverts driver attention from road
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda reports no repair available for GPS voice command issue
Infotainment System Failure
Infotainment system failed intermittently twice, causing backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor failures. Complete system failure one month prior to complaint; Honda unable to provide timeline for parts availability.
Symptoms owners cite: intermittent system failures; backup camera failure; cross traffic warning sensor failure; complete system failure
Repairs/costs cited: Parts not available from Honda for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda unable to provide parts timeline for repair
Recall Parts Shortage / Service Delays
Multiple owners report ongoing delays in completing recalls due to parts unavailability. Dealers repeatedly notify owners that Honda has not released parts needed for recall repairs. Delays described as ongoing for months, preventing timely completion of warranty work.
When: Months of ongoing delays from recall notice through complaint filing
Symptoms owners cite: recall parts not in stock at dealers; Honda not releasing recall parts; extended delays in recall completion; unable to schedule timely repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple recalls pending; parts not yet available from manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notices issued but parts not yet released for dealer repair; owners advised additional notice will be sent
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Automatic high beam function puts high beam on with oncoming vehicles, but not when no oncoming traffic. Dealership cannot identify problem.
I have been getting recall notices and each time I've called (beginning of the recall and just now dec 11th) My Honda location has told me Honda has not released the the parts yet another notice will be sent to advise when they will be available for repair. This is very frustrating as I have time now for the repair to be done and I'm not always available for this process , so nothing has been…
Had electrical trouble with your 2023 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 electrical problem on the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 53,000 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 $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.
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/2023/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.