2017 Honda Ridgeline recalled over corrosion concern

Updated Jan 6, 2017
2017 Honda Ridgeline2017 Honda Ridgeline

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is being recalled over concerns of potential wire terminal corrosion which could lead to a serious component malfunction and increase the risk of a crash.

“Due to a manufacturing error, the rear wiring harness installed in affected trucks is susceptible to moisture intrusion through a wiring connection joint located underneath a drain hole in the truck bed,” NHTSA reports. “Moisture may flow downstream to the rear subframe wiring harness and corrode the connection terminals.

“In certain scenarios, corrosion in the rear wheel speed sensor terminals can increase the electrical resistance and be interpreted by the vehicle stability assist (VSA) as wheel slippage, resulting in a decrease of engine torque or brake application to the rear wheel(s). The unexpected and unnecessary application of brake assist while driving may increase the risk of a crash.”

NHTSA lists that 100 percent of 2017 Honda Ridgelines, or 9,179 vehicles, are effected by the recall.

The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a Honda dealer. The dealer will inspect the rear wiring harness and corresponding rear drivetrain components for moisture and/or corrosion. If present, the dealer will replace the rear wiring harness and corresponding components as necessary.

If there is no moisture or corrosion, the dealer will repair the rear wiring harness to eliminate the potential for moisture intrusion. These repairs will be completed free of charge. Because the new vehicle warranty on all affected vehicles would have provided a free repair for the problem addressed by this recall, without any payment by the owner, reimbursement for pre-notification repairs will not be offered.

Honda American Motor Company, which is based in Torrance, Calif., can be contacted at 1-888-234-2138. Refer to manufacturer recall KD3. Contact at NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 and refer to recall 16V-888.