Used Honda Ridgeline 2nd Gen (2017-2024): Buyer's Guide

Honda recalled certain 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines in November 2023 for connecting rod bearing failure. The crankshafts were machined incorrectly. Bearings can seize, engines can stall, and some fail with no warning at all. One year later, NHTSA opened investigation RQ24013 into 1.4 million Honda 3.5L V6 engines that weren't covered by the original recall but are experiencing the same failures. That investigation is still open. Most sellers don't know any of this exists.

The 2nd gen Honda Ridgeline is a legitimate used truck. It rides better than anything else in the segment. The in-bed trunk is genuinely useful. The dual-action tailgate works. And the 3.5L V6 is a durable engine when it isn't fighting its own cylinder deactivation system. But you need to know exactly what you're buying. This guide covers the 2017-2024 generation with the specificity you need before you hand over a check.

This Generation at a Glance

The second-generation Ridgeline (YK2 platform) launched in 2017 as a complete redesign of the 2006-2014 original. It rides on a unibody platform shared with the Honda Pilot and Passport, which is why it drives more like a crossover than a body-on-frame truck.

There are four meaningful breakpoints within this generation:

2017-2019 (Phase 1): 6-speed automatic transmission, original styling, front-wheel-drive available on RT and Sport trims. Highest recall counts.

2020 (Transition): ZF 9-speed automatic replaces the 6-speed, push-button gear selector, Honda Sensing safety suite made standard on all trims, power locking tailgate added across the range.

2021-2023 (Phase 2): New front fascia with squared-off hood and upright grille, AWD made standard on all trims (FWD dropped), volume knob added to infotainment, wider track width.

2024-present: TrailSport trim added, exterior refresh, only 1 active recall as of May 2026.

Towing: AWD models are rated at 5,000 lbs. FWD models (2017-2020 only) are rated at 3,500 lbs. Payload is approximately 1,580-1,584 lbs across all years. The 3.5L V6 is the only engine available for every year of this generation. No diesel, no hybrid.

Market data: See all 2nd gen Ridgeline listings on CarScout.

Powertrain & Trim Breakdown

3.5L V6 with 6-Speed Automatic (2017-2019)

This is the version to approach with the most scrutiny. Three major issues overlap here.

Connecting Rod Bearing Failure

Honda's November 2023 recall (campaign 23V-751) covered specific 2017 and 2019 Ridgelines for crankshaft manufacturing defects. The crank pin was improperly ground, leaving it with a convex profile instead of a flat one. That shape accelerates bearing wear. Bearings can seize the engine. The recall remedy is inspection and engine replacement or repair at no charge.

The 2018 model year was not included in the original recall. But in November 2024, NHTSA opened investigation RQ24013 after receiving reports of the same failure in vehicles outside the recall population, including 2018 models. That investigation covers 1.4 million Honda V6 engines. Its status is still active.

What this means practically: any 2017-2019 Ridgeline you look at should have a VIN recall check run before you get attached to it. If the rod bearing recall was completed, great. If it wasn't, or if the VIN falls into the grey zone the investigation is examining, push for a cold-start inspection from an independent mechanic who can check oil pressure and listen for bearing noise at startup.

Engine replacement out of pocket, if NHTSA does not expand the recall, runs $4,000 to $8,000 depending on region and shop.

Fuel Pump Failure

Honda recalled 2017-2020 Ridgelines (and millions of other Honda and Acura vehicles) for a fuel pump impeller defect. The impeller was improperly molded with low-density material that deforms over time, blocking the pump. Symptoms: difficulty starting, stalling, loss of power under load. Fix is a free fuel pump module replacement at any Honda dealer. This should have been done on any 6-year-old-plus Ridgeline by now, but run the VIN to confirm.

Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)

The 3.5L V6 uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, which deactivates 3 of the 6 cylinders under light cruise load. Honda designed it to improve fuel economy. Owners on ridgelineownersclub.com have spent years documenting what it actually does: the deactivated cylinders can't maintain proper oil ring sealing under vacuum. Oil seeps past the rings, fouls the spark plugs, and clogs catalytic converters.

The failure chain on neglected VCM engines: oil consumption that starts slowly and accelerates, fouled plugs causing misfires, misfires triggering check engine lights, catalytic converter damage from oil-contaminated exhaust. Spark plugs run $200-400 to replace. Catalytic converters run $800-2,000 each if oil fouling caused damage.

The most common owner solution is a VCM Muzzler (or equivalent resistor device) that tricks the ECU into keeping all 6 cylinders active. It costs $40-80 online and takes 20 minutes to install. Many high-mileage 6-speed Ridgelines have one. That's a green flag, not a red one. It means the previous owner understood the problem and addressed it proactively. If a 6-speed Ridgeline has 100,000 miles and no VCM disabler installed, check the oil level and condition carefully.

6-Speed Transmission Judder

Some 6-speed models develop a shuddering sensation during low-speed shifts, particularly first to second gear. This is most common in high-mileage examples. Transmission fluid condition matters here. Ask for service records showing transmission fluid changes. A flush and refill often resolves it, but a transmission with a long service gap at high mileage may already have internal wear.

3.5L V6 with ZF 9-Speed Automatic (2020-2024)

The 9-speed ZF transmission changed the Ridgeline's personality in ways owners notice immediately. Shifts are smoother. Fuel economy on the highway improves slightly. The push-button selector takes a week to get used to.

It's not without issues.

9-Speed Transmission Shudder

The ZF 9HP's lock-up torque converter can shudder between 45-60 mph, most noticeable as a rhythmic vibration through the floor when holding steady speed on a slight grade. Forum threads on ridgelineownersclub.com document this going back to 2020. A class action was filed covering Honda Passport, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline. Honda issued a TSB for harsh shifts, and software updates address the worst cases. But not every truck is fully resolved. On your test drive, cruise at 55 mph on a flat road for two minutes and feel for rhythmic vibration. If it's there, it's the torque converter.

Brake Master Cylinder Separation (2020-2023)

Honda's 2023 recall (23V-458) covered approximately 124,000 vehicles including 2020-2023 Ridgelines for a loose or missing tie rod nut in the brake booster assembly. If the master cylinder separates from the booster, you lose braking function. This is a safety recall and should have been completed. Verify via VIN lookup.

Electronic Power Steering Gearbox (2023)

Honda issued a recall in 2024 for certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles for an inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox that can detach. Complete loss of steering control is the failure mode. Again: run the VIN before buying any 2023.

VCM Still Present

The VCM system carries over to the 9-speed generation. Owners on bobistheoilguy.com and ridgelineownersclub.com report that the 9-speed's shift logic gives VCM somewhat fewer opportunities to activate than the 6-speed did, but it's still there. The VCM Muzzler solution is still relevant on any 2020+ Ridgeline.

Rearview Camera Wire Harness Fatigue (2022-2024)

The camera's wiring in the tailgate can develop fatigue cracks from repeated open/close cycles, causing the camera to stop displaying. This is a recall on 2022-2024 models. Verify it was done, and test the camera on every car you look at before you leave the lot.

Trim-Specific Notes

The Ridgeline lineup is more trim-focused than powertrain-focused, since every single truck uses the same 3.5L V6.

RT (Base): The only trim offered in FWD configuration (2017-2020). Minimal features. If you find an FWD Ridgeline, know the towing limit drops to 3,500 lbs and resale is typically weaker. After 2020, RT is AWD standard.

Sport: The trim with a distinct exterior, two-tone paint options, and a more aggressive look without the top-tier price. FWD was available through 2020. AWD only from 2021. Hits a good price-to-feature balance used.

RTL: Mid-tier, full features for most buyers. AWD always standard. Adds leather-trimmed seats, navigation, and a better audio setup. This is where most of the used inventory lives.

RTL-E / RTL-T: The RTL-E adds the 10-speaker BeatsAudio system, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a more premium interior. The RTL-T is similar but substitutes a different navigation system. If you spend time in the cab, the RTL-E is worth seeking out.

Black Edition: Top trim. Blacked-out exterior, black wheels, red interior accents, red ambient lighting. Full feature set. Commands a price premium. Offers zero additional mechanical capability over the RTL-E. Worth it only if you want the aesthetics.

TrailSport (2024+): Honda's first off-road variant. Adds all-terrain tires, a 2-inch higher suspension setup, skid plate, and unique exterior trim. Mechanically it's the same 3.5L V6 and ZF 9-speed as the rest of the lineup. It's new enough that the used supply is thin. Expect to pay close to MSRP.

In-bed trunk: Every 2nd gen Ridgeline has a lockable in-bed trunk under the bed floor. It holds roughly 7.3 cubic feet, has a drain plug, and can be filled with ice as a cooler. Check it for water intrusion on any truck you inspect. A warped seal or cracked drain plug allows water to pool inside and rust the floor.

Bed speakers: Added standard on all trims from 2021 onward. Test them on any 2021+ truck you look at.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Generation

The 2021 and 2022 are the sweet spot for most buyers. You get the 9-speed transmission, the refreshed exterior, AWD standard, and a price that reflects some depreciation from MSRP. The 2022's two-recall profile is the cleanest in the generation.

Avoid the 2019 unless you can document that recall 23V-751 was completed and get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic. Ten recalls in a single model year is a high number, and the connecting rod issue is not a minor one.

The 2017 and 2018 are only worth serious consideration at a significant price discount and with documented recall completion. The 2018 is technically not in the original recall, but it sits inside the NHTSA investigation window.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All Model Years

• Run the VIN first. Check for open recalls at nhtsa.gov or use CarScout's recall lookup. Specifically look for: 23V-751 (rod bearings, 2017/2019), fuel pump recall (2017-2020), 23V-458 (brake master cylinder, 2020-2023), and the steering gearbox recall (2023). Any open recall is a dealer-fixable problem. Any unresolved one is a negotiating point.
• Cold start. Start the engine from cold. Listen for a persistent tick or knock from the 3.5L V6 at idle. A noise that follows RPM and fades after warmup can indicate beginning bearing wear. A knock that remains after warmup is more serious.
• Check the oil. On a cold truck after sitting overnight, pull the dipstick. If the level is below the full mark on a truck with no recent oil change, VCM has been doing damage. Ask when the last oil change was done.
• Open the in-bed trunk. Lift the floor panel. Look for rust, standing water, or mold on the floor of the trunk. A waterlogged in-bed trunk means the drain plug or seal has failed and the floor may be rotting.
• Test the tailgate. Both modes. It should drop down (like a conventional tailgate) and swing out like a door. If either mode is stiff, sticky, or requires force, the mechanism needs service.
• Test the rearview camera. Shift into reverse. The camera should display immediately and clearly. A non-displaying camera on a 2022-2024 truck means the harness recall was not completed.

2017-2019 (6-Speed) Specific

• Transmission feel. Test drive on local roads and feel for shudder or thump during the 1-2 gear shift. Ask for transmission service records.
• Spark plug condition. If records don't show a recent plug change on a truck with over 60,000 miles, assume they're fouled and budget $200-400 for replacement. Look for a VCM disabler device under the hood (it's a small resistor plugged into an engine sensor near the coolant temp sensor area). Its presence is a positive indicator, not a problem.
• Rod bearing recall status. If the recall was not completed, require the seller to have the truck inspected at a Honda dealer before you finalize the deal.

2020-2024 (9-Speed) Specific

• Highway shudder. On a 10-minute test drive at highway speed, hold 55-60 mph on a flat section of road. Feel for rhythmic vibration through the floor. If it's present, it's the ZF 9HP torque converter. Some are resolves with a software update. Others are not.
• Brake feel. Firm and linear brake pedal. Any sponginess or inconsistent pedal travel on a 2020-2023 is a red flag for the brake master cylinder recall.

Running Costs

Oil change every 7,500 miles using 0W-20 full synthetic. Honda dealer oil change runs $142-173. Independent shops run $80-120. The engine takes 5.7 quarts.

Spark plugs on a well-maintained engine with no VCM damage: replace at 60,000 miles, around $200-400 at a shop. If VCM was active for years without a disabler and the oil rings are compromised, plugs may need replacement every 30,000 miles or sooner.

RepairPal estimates 10-year maintenance cost at $8,826, about $800 less than the midsize truck segment average. Major repair probability over 10 years is 25%, which is better than most competitors. The engine mounts are a known VCM casualty on high-mileage 6-speed trucks. Budget $300-600 for mount replacement if the truck vibrates noticeably at idle.

Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and $3.50/gallon: approximately $2,000-2,100.

FAQ

Is the 2nd gen Honda Ridgeline 3.5L V6 reliable? The engine itself is durable and Honda's long-term data backs that up. The reliability risk comes from the Variable Cylinder Management system, which causes oil consumption and spark plug fouling on neglected trucks, and the connecting rod bearing recall that covers 2017 and 2019 models specifically. On a properly maintained 2021 or 2022 example, long-term reliability is strong.

What year Honda Ridgeline should I avoid? The 2019 Ridgeline had 10 NHTSA recalls, the highest of any 2nd gen model year, and is included in Honda's connecting rod bearing recall (23V-751). It also carried over the 6-speed transmission from 2017-2018 without the 9-speed improvement that arrived in 2020. Skip it unless the recall is documented as completed and you can get an independent pre-purchase inspection.

What is the Honda Ridgeline VCM problem and should I worry about it? VCM deactivates 3 cylinders under light load. On high-mileage trucks, especially 6-speed models, it can cause oil to seep past piston rings, fouling spark plugs and eventually damaging catalytic converters. The fix is a VCM disabling device ($40-80) that keeps all 6 cylinders firing. Many used Ridgelines already have one installed. Check before you buy.

How much can the 2nd gen Honda Ridgeline tow? AWD Ridgelines are rated at 5,000 lbs towing with the factory integrated trailer hitch. FWD models (available only through 2020 on RT and Sport trims) are rated at 3,500 lbs. After 2020, all trims come standard with AWD. Payload is approximately 1,580-1,584 lbs regardless of trim.

Is the Honda Ridgeline 2nd gen worth buying used? Yes, with conditions. The 2021 and 2022 model years offer the best combination of mechanical refinement, features, and used-market pricing. They have the 9-speed transmission, AWD standard, and the lowest recall counts of the generation. Avoid the 2019 and approach the 2017-2018 only with verified recall completion.

Bottom Line

The 2021-2022 Honda Ridgeline is the sweet spot of this generation. You get the refreshed exterior, AWD standard, the ZF 9-speed transmission, and the fewest recalls. The 2022 has just two open recalls across its entire production run.

Before you buy any 2nd gen Ridgeline, run the VIN through a recall check. Specifically look for 23V-751 (rod bearing) on 2017 and 2019 trucks. Test the 9-speed at highway speed for torque converter shudder. Check the oil level on a cold truck.

The in-bed trunk is real. The ride is genuinely good. The 3.5L V6 is durable. Just know what you're getting into before you sign.

Track 2021 and 2022 Ridgeline price drops at CarScout ($5/week, $15/month, $99/year). Alerts fire when a specific trim and year drops below your target price.

Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database (campaigns 23V-751, 23V-458, RQ24013), EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from ridgelineownersclub.com, bobistheoilguy.com, and Reddit r/whatcarshouldibuy. See the full Honda Ridgeline market data for current pricing and inventory.