2017 Honda Ridgeline Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Sell your car for what it's worth.
Every receipt, every service, one signed PDF you hand the buyer. OSC is the paperwork trail your resale price depends on.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Quick Facts · 2017 Honda Ridgeline
- Has 9 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2016 Honda Ridgeline earns a 91.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine - vcm system (moderate severity).
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline at a glance
- Is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Honda Ridgeline 88/100 (grade B+), categorized as low risk. A highly dependable and versatile truck that becomes truly exceptional with proper attention to its VCM system.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is an outstanding used truck, offering a rare blend of comfort, practicality, and Honda's inherent reliability. While the VCM system is a significant known issue, it is a manageable one. With a proactive approach to VCM mitigation and routine maintenance, this truck will deliver exceptional…
- Which Honda Ridgeline years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2017-2020 (post-redesign, prior to 9-speed transmission change in 2020 RTL-E/Black Edition which adds another complexity).. Years to avoid: No specific years to avoid within the 2nd generation, but ensure VCM has been addressed on any higher-mileage unit..
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline are Engine - VCM System (typically around 80,000-120,000 miles), Brakes - Rotors and Pads (typically around 20,000-40,000 miles), Electrical - Infotainment System (typically around All mileages miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the Ridgeline is still quite new. Focus on routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. This is also when you might expect the first brake service.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline stands out as one of the most practical and reliable unibody pickup trucks on the market. While its robust V6 engine and well-regarded transmission inspire confidence, buyers must be aware of the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system's potential for oil consumption and misfires. With proactive VCM mitigation, this truck is a top-tier choice for years of dependable service.
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline is an outstanding used truck, offering a rare blend of comfort, practicality, and Honda's inherent reliability. While the VCM system is a significant known issue, it is a manageable one. With a proactive approach to VCM mitigation and routine maintenance, this truck will deliver exceptional…
Best Model Years
2017-2020 (post-redesign, prior to 9-speed transmission change in 2020 RTL-E/Black Edition which adds another complexity).
Years to Avoid
No specific years to avoid within the 2nd generation, but ensure VCM has been addressed on any higher-mileage unit.
Biggest Strengths
- Powertrain durability (excluding VCM)
- Excellent ride quality and comfort
- Strong resale value
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system can lead to excessive oil consumption, fouled spark plugs, and misfires in cylinders that are deactivated (e.g., P0301-P0304 codes). If left unaddressed, this can damage catalytic convert…
Due to the Ridgeline's weight and design, many owners report premature wear of brake pads and warping of rotors, leading to pulsation and reduced braking performance.
The touchscreen infotainment system can occasionally freeze, lag, or spontaneously reboot. While usually a minor annoyance, it can be frustrating for daily use.
2017 Honda Ridgeline Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Honda Ridgeline most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the Ridgeline is still quite new. Focus on routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. This is also when you might expect the first brake service.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage marks the need for significant fluid changes (transmission, differential, transfer case if AWD), spark plug inspection, and continued brake monitoring. VCM-related oil consumption might begin to manifest for some.
Elevated Risk Zone
The VCM system is more likely to cause issues (misfires, fouled plugs) around this mileage. Suspension components might also start to show signs of wear. Budget for potential VCM mitigation or repair.
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120,000 miles, the likelihood of VCM-related engine issues increases significantly, potentially requiring major engine work or catalytic converter replacement if unaddressed. Other wear items like engine mounts and accessory belts…
2017 Honda Ridgeline Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Honda Ridgeline on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g., VCM-related, major brake job)
How Long Does the 2017 Honda Ridgeline Last?
For best longevity, target a well-maintained Ridgeline with under 80,000 miles to address VCM proactively, or one where VCM mitigation is already in place.
What 2017 Honda Ridgeline Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Unmatched ride comfort and quiet cabin for a pickup truck.
- Versatile bed features like the In-Bed Trunk and dual-action tailgate.
- Excellent all-weather capability with available i-VTM4 AWD system.
- Reliable and powerful V6 engine (when VCM is addressed).
Common Frustrations
- VCM system leads to frustrating oil consumption and misfire issues for some owners.
- Infotainment system can be glitchy, slow, and lacks physical volume knob.
- Fuel economy, while decent for a V6 truck, can be disappointing for a unibody.
- Brakes tend to wear out quickly and rotors warp easily.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
Best For
- Families needing occasional truck utility with SUV comfort.
- Homeowners who frequently haul gardening supplies or DIY materials.
- Anyone desiring AWD capability without a traditional body-on-frame truck's harsh ride.
Not Ideal For
- Those who frequently tow more than 5,000 lbs or heavy trailers.
- Off-road hardcore adventurers needing extreme articulation and ground clearance.
How the 2017 Honda Ridgeline Compares to Rivals
The Ridgeline offers a unique blend of truck utility with SUV-like comfort and driving dynamics, setting it apart from more traditional body-on-frame rivals. Its reliability often rivals Toyota but with a more refined driving experience.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Frontier (older generations)
- Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon (early 2nd gen)
- Toyota Tacoma (comfort, ride quality, interior space)
Comparable To
- Toyota Tacoma (overall reliability, but Ridgeline has better ride and interior)
NHTSA Recalls
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ridgeline AWD vehicles manufactured April 1, 2016, to August 11, 2016. Water may enter the rear wiring harness through the connector located under the truck bed drain hole, possibly causing the connection terminals to corrode.
What breaks on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
Sell your 2017 Honda Ridgeline for what it's actually worth.
Log every service. Sell with a signed PDF. Every receipt, mileage-verified, in the buyer's hands.
Honda Ridgeline by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Honda Ridgeline. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Honda Ridgeline
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Honda Ridgeline
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the 2017 Honda Ridgeline report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2017 Honda Ridgeline for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Honda Ridgeline. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
Recommended Reading for the Honda Ridgeline
Honda CR-V Common Problems and Repair Costs
Discover the most common Honda CR-V problems and their estimated repair costs, gaining insights to maintain your vehicle or budget for future fixes today.
Honda CR-V Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the worst Honda CR-V years to avoid and the best models for reliability, helping you choose wisely for your next SUV.
Honda Accord Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Uncover the definitive ranking of Honda Accord model years, revealing which to avoid due to common issues and which offer superior reliability.