2020 Honda Ridgeline engine problems
38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Honda Ridgeline — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 27, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
A23-009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 7, 2025Service 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…
A24-085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 20, 2024Service 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…
A24-085 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 19, 2024Service NewsDue to On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) regulation change starting with 2019 vehicles, American Honda’s Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) On-Board Diagnostic monitors are now included in the…
A24040A · Other · issued May 1, 2024
Engine problems in other Ridgeline years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ridgeline | 19 | 23% |
| 2024 Ridgeline | 12 | 21% |
| 2023 Ridgeline | 20 | 16% |
| 2022 Ridgeline | 25 | 22% |
| 2021 Ridgeline | 28 | 28% |
| 2019 Ridgeline | 37 | 16% |
| 2018 Ridgeline | 22 | 14% |
| 2017 Ridgeline | 83 | 24% |
| 2014 Ridgeline | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 Ridgeline | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 Ridgeline | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 Ridgeline | 2 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.