2025 Honda Ridgeline engine problems

“On XXX, while driving my HondaTrue Certified 2025 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD, I stopped at a traffic light and the Auto Idle Stop system automatically shut off the engine. When the traffic light turned green and I released the brake pedal, the vehicle attempted to restart but failed. The starter sounded weak, as though the battery did not have sufficient power to crank the engine properly. The transmission automatically shifted into Neutral, and a battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. I was unable to accelerate or move the vehicle under its own power. I had to shift the transmission into Park, press the ignition button to shut off the vehicle, and then manually restart the engine. The engine restarted normally, and the battery warning disappeared. I contacted an authorized Honda dealership, Lia Honda of [XXX], on XXX. After checking my vehicle's VIN, the service advisor informed me that a Honda service bulletin issued XXX, applies to my vehicle. According to the advisor, Honda currently recommends disabling Auto Idle Stop until a permanent repair is available. This malfunction occurred in active traffic and created a safety concern because the…”

“Since the beginning of ownership of my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, the Auto Idle Stop system has malfunctioned. The dashboard remains illuminated and displays an error message related to the system. I am concerned about the reliability of the system and the possibility that the engine may not restart as expected. This issue has existed since I first got the vehicle. I am reporting it so that NHTSA can review the problem and determine whether it presents a safety concern.”

“When sitting at a traffic light, the auto start/stop feature engaged and shut down the engine, when my foot was removed from the brake, the truck did not restart. I had to put the truck in park and manually press the start button. This caused a safety issue by making the vehicle inoperable in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle has not been inspected yet, but will in three days when i take it to the dealer.”

“This vehicle has auto stop for fuel economy. It can only be turned off each and every time you start the car. I often turn it off but do forget to do so sometimes until it occurs on my trip. The problem is that approximately 7 to 10 times, when the feature is left on and the truck shuts itself off at a stop light, when attempting to go, the truck does not restart, a warning light comes on and instructs you to put it in park. You must put it in park, then shut off the truck, then restart in order to proceed. This is extremely dangerous and very unnerving when it occurs. I travel daily on a 55 mpg road with multiple lights. The problem could easily result in being rear ended as you try to go through the procedure to get going again once the light turns green. At the very least, I get angry beeps trying to get me to move which only heightens the anxiety. I contacted the Honda dealership. They acknowledged it was a problem but that no recall has been mandated thus far and there is nothing they could do. They only suggested to call corporate Honda.”

“I bought the vehicle with around 13k miles in May of 2026. Since I have had the vehicle, I have had 4 incidents with the vehicle auto idle-stop (auto engine start/stop). I have experienced the vehicle completely die when trying to start back up during idle stop. Of the four times - one was on a major 3 lane highway in stop and go traffic. Another time, I was stuck in the middle of an intersection waiting to make a turn. It usually does not restart and battery lights come on the dashboard. After several attempts, or sometimes 30 seconds to 1 minute it does restart. I usually shut off the idle start/stop but sometimes I forget. After researching this issue, it seems to be a common problem. It is a severe issue and needs to be addressed. I use the truck as a second vehicle, but I am scared to let my son or wife use the vehicle. Honda needs to address the issue immediately before someone gets hurt or killed.”

“The vehicle was stopped at a light and just died. We are 99% sure the start/stop button was turned off but Honda insisted it must have been active because they have had to replace many starters due to the starter not starting after the vehicle has stopped at a light. We were not told this could happen. They said they do not know how long it would take for the part to come in and just press the start/stop button everytime after starting the car and it would be fine. We had been doing that for the last month so the air would stay cooling so we were not comfortable driving it. They would not offer a vehicle either. This appears to be a major concern. We filed with Honda Corp as well.”