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Honda · Known Issues

2026 Honda Ridgeline Problems: 1 Known Issue

2026 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Ridgeline Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Recalls5
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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ALL YEARS2026202520242023202220212020201920182017201420132012201120102009200820072006

On the 2020-2026 Honda Ridgeline J35Y6 3.5L V6 with ZF 9HP-based 9-speed automatic, the ZF 9HP-based 9-speed automatic fitted to 2020+ Ridgelines uses dog clutches rather than friction packs for some ratio changes. The dog clutch must synchronize gear speeds before it engages, and the PCM cuts engine torque during the event; when the calibration timing drifts the driver feels a hesitation, a lurch, or a hard bang on deceleration. Ridgeline Owners Club threads document harsh shifts while coasting or descending grades, a momentary loss of engine braking on manual 5-4 downshifts, and noticeably poor shift quality until the fluid is warm. This is distinct from the 10-speed programming complaint - it is the 9AT's dog-clutch architecture and cold-fluid behavior.

This issue also affects: Acura CL, Acura ILX, Acura MDX

Common Symptoms

  • Hard or banging shift when decelerating or coasting
  • Hesitation from a stop or when accelerating from low speed
  • Momentary loss of engine braking on manual downshift
  • Poor shift quality until fully warmed up in cold weather
  • Random or unrequested gear changes

How to Fix

Have the dealer apply the latest TCM/PCM software update - Honda has released multiple recalibrations for this unit and most cases are software, not hardware. A fluid service with the correct ZF-spec Honda ATF (not DW-1) restores shift quality on higher-mileage trucks; many owners service it at 30,000-60,000 miles despite the lifetime-fill claim. Avoid manual downshifts into the dog-clutch gears on grades; use the brake instead. Slipping, flare, or a stored ratio-error code means internal repair or valve body work, which is warranty territory.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

Campaign #24V32100009/05/2024

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Campaign #26V33200021/05/2026

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

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Other Honda Models

Honda Civic74Honda CR-V64Honda Accord62Honda Pilot42Honda Odyssey25Honda HR-V24

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2026 Honda Ridgeline has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: ZF 9-Speed (9AT) Dog-Clutch Hesitation and Harsh Coast-Down Shifts. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Ridgeline issues range from $0 to $600, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2026 Honda Ridgeline ZF 9-Speed (9AT) Dog-Clutch Hesitation and Harsh Coast-Down Shifts?

The ZF 9HP-based 9-speed automatic fitted to 2020+ Ridgelines uses dog clutches rather than friction packs for some ratio changes. The dog clutch must synchronize gear speeds before it engages, and the PCM cuts engine torque during the event; when the calibration timing drifts th… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #23V45800029/06/2023

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Campaign #26V36500004/06/2026

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Campaign #24V18400007/03/2024

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.