Problems · by component

2020 Honda Ridgeline engine problems

39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Ridgeline cite engine, 23% of all 171 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
39
23% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to restart. Other motorists began honking their horns as traffic approached. A nearby pedestrian was able to assist the contact in restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The contact believed that the failure was associated with the STOP/START system. The vehicle became disabled in traffic. The local Honda dealer was contacted and advised that there was a diagnostic test was needed and scheduled an appointment. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11775427
“Engine idle stop function failed to restart automatically while i was stopped at a stop light. I was at a complete stop at a four way intersection with vehicles behind me and my vehicle did not restart after light turned green and i released brake and stepped on accelerator. error message flashed stating to press brake and push start button. Vehicles behine me honked for me to proceed but i could not move. i turned on my hazards and attempted to restart engine. i stepped on brake and pushed start button. Vehicle did not start, i repeated stepping on brake and start button again and did not start. I did it a third time and vehcile started. A police car behind me pulled up and asked if i was ok just as i started my vehicle and pulled away. This is the second time this has happended but i did not report it and thought it was me not stepping on the brake hard enough. the first time was about six months ago in a similiar situation at a four way traffic light.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11764707
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal knocking sound was heard, and smoke emerged from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated, and the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not inspected. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The dealer informed the contact that a piston went through the engine and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer offered to replace the engine with a salvaged engine and cover the repair under warranty; however, the contact declined the repair and requested a new engine, which was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026EngineODI 11759933
“The vehicle's Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) feature is defective and creates a severe safety hazard. While stopped at a busy road intersection, the feature engaged and shut the engine off normally. However, when releasing the brake pedal to proceed, the engine glitched and completely failed to restart, leaving the vehicle completely stalled, unpowered, and stranded in live traffic. The vehicle became a sitting duck in the intersection. This is a recurring issue that requires a complete ignition power cycle to recover, posing an immediate risk of a rear-end or side-impact collision. It happens most often under heavy load. Hot day with AC on, or Cold day with Heater on and seat warmers. Dealer ignored or failed to re-create at first because it was intermittent. I've been through SOFTWARE UPDATE, STARTER, RELAY REPLACEMENT AND VALVE ADJUSTMENTS (twice) and a new BATTERY over several years and it still stalls. It's dangerous and terrifying to be immobilized in traffic when it won't start.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11754865
“The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, the contact determined that one of the ignition coils had failed. The contact purchased a new ignition coil, replaced the part, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed due to a loosened connecting rod and needed to be replaced. The contact ordered a new engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026EngineODI 11752401
“While stopped in heavy traffic at a traffic signal, the engine stopped and would not restart. This was due to the AIS system. The car became disabled in heavy traffic. I was only a few feet from the entrance to a gas station, however due to the interlock system that locks the transmission in Park, the truck could not be pushed out of traffic. Honda, unlike other manufacturers the use the same transmission, does NOT supply an emergency over ride to get the transmission out of park ( hazard). After a few minutes of sitting in heavy traffic and nearly. wing hit by fast moving cars, the engine did restart. This is not the first time this has happened. The dealership is over 100 miles drive to have to checked (r/t).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 11, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11730561

Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2020 Ridgeline problem areas