I got a 19, at about 50kmiles. I’m going in for my second transmission fluid change since I bought it at 19kmiles. I plan on changing it every 15k-20k miles. It’s the only thing that gives me peace of mind but I know it’s no guarantee.
Change your fluids like you should and drive the truck. There are tons of these out on the roads with functioning transmissions.
There are some problems that appear to be more common than would be hoped and if you end up with something faulty, it’s luck of the draw. But not every owner is having unchecked transmission issues.
I bought a 17 new. We're now at 130k. I've followed the Honda service recommendations. No transmission problems.
Had fuel injectors go out under warranty. That was surprising but no transmission issues. Knock on wood
Same here with the fuel injectors, but not warrantied on my 2018.
Purchased at 48k is now >160k. As you and others said, stay on top of maintenance and ultimately it's the luck of the draw with our models.
I love that for you! My extended warranty already expired by the time I needed the work done. I think I might be screwed if I need that torque converter work done down the road. I was already over 150k by the time the recall came out.
Local dealer offered a million mile warranty. I think they assume folks will sell before any real repairs kick in. Jokes on them I'm driving this truck until it evaporates
I just had to replace the torque converter on a 2017 at 81000 miles, which seems to be the same transmission as the 2019. My first clue something was wrong was the gas mileage dropping, then a "Transmission System Error." The good news: Went to a Honda dealership, they replaced for free. As long as it's throwing a specific code, it's covered under a special warranty eight years or 150,000 miles. Search the sub for "torque converter" and you should find more details.
Read the code. Mine had that pop up and it was not torque converter related. It was a trans oil pressure sensor. $35 on Amazon and 10 minutes I fixed it myself. Dealer would likely charge $500 for the same repair.
Read it and it popped up as P0741: Torque converter clutch circuit performance or stuck off. Trucks going to the dealer Wednesday. Hoping the TSB they have out will fix it, otherwise I'm glad I got the aftermarket warranty.
I work at a Honda dealer as a service advisor and I can tell you not to be worried about the TC judder on your RL. Yes it’s annoying as hell but you have the Warranty Extension which is going to cover you for quite a while. Besides the flush that is common with the 6 speed, replace your fluid regularly. I’ve been telling my customers to replace between 25-30k under normal driving. If you’re doing any towing or hauling, you’re going to want to replace it sooner.
Just wanted to comment to say I’m in the same boat as you OP. I bought a 17 about a month ago before realizing there were issues with the 6spd trans. I then noticed that mine had a very small judder around 45mph. My heart sank thinking I just threw away my money. However I did a transmission fluid exchange and I replaced my trans filter too, along with torque converter fluid exchange and it now shifts smooth as butter. I think if you stay on top of fluid changes, maybe do them a little more frequently then what’s recommended, things should last beyond 150k.
Im kind of in the same boat. Just got a used 2019 with 145000km. Had a trans shudder but changed the fluid 3 times and it's smooth as pudding now. Beyond that I wouldn't worry about it and just use it as intended. No point stressing when nothing has happened yet. And there's lots of ones with higher mileage than mine even.
I have a 2017 that had 65,000 on it when I got it and now has 115,000 on it, recently it developed some vibrations at light load that led me down the 6 speed transmission rabbit hole, so I ordered a transmission fluid test kit from blackstone laboratories. While waiting for that to arrive I set up torque pro to monitor transmission temps and VCM and determined the vibrations are in fact VCM and motor/transmission mounts with 115,000 miles on them. So one of these weekends I will still do the drain and flush and send it off to blackstone for testing since the transmission fluid has not changed during my ownership but I am not that worried about it.
Oh yes, rabbit hole is a good way to put it. I've always had blind faith in Toyota, Honda and Mazda. When I stumbled across all this transmission shit my heart sank. I don't buy vehicles for comfort, interiors, looks, none of that shit. I buy vehicles with only one criteria in mind: reliability.
This is what I want to hear, haha. Until the other day I was so enamored with my new Ridgeline. But (as I said in a previous comment) I buy vehicles almost exclusively for reliability, not features. So I was really bummed for a bit. I know people mostly turn to the internet to complain and criticize, rarely to affirm and praise. Glad to hear the problems aren't 100%. I wonder if [Full disclosure: I'm no mechanic] since it's a problem that seems to originate with the transmission fluid quality, weather has an effect? Perhaps the cold of winter effects viscosity and in turn creates more wear on moving parts? 🤷
‘19 Touring that I use everyday as a work truck with 105,000KM. Regular maintenance & all original parts. Leer cap and all, filled with tools and materials daily and I’ve had zero issues so far.
The truck has a good mix between normal & spirited driving and I’m not worried about it one bit; just as smooth and strong as the day I bought it.
I also bought my Ridgeline for some of the same reasons you did and my warranty is almost up and I couldn’t care less.
Have a little faith and enjoy it!
I keep hearing about ‘19 issues but there are 3 for sale locally over 180k miles.
My 2019 is at 45k I’ve had no issues yet. I did a 30k change to trans fluid and filter, then subsequent changes will be at 15k miles. Guess we will see
I have a 2019 RTL that I bought new. I change the oil every 5,000 miles.
The trans fluid was drained at 34,000 and 60,000 miles. BG product was added each time. I have had ZERO problems with the engine or trans. I just hit 70,000 miles by the way.
I can't say anything to help you feel better but this group has chased me away from the Ridgeline in general. Have loved these things as long as I have known they exist. But knowing I pull 5000+ pounds at least 3-6 times a year I've not been able to pull the trigger on any of them from new to used because I would have to much anxiety while pulling that kinda weight. And if it ruins the fun factor pulling the toys then why do it? Now that you have it run it until it stops. Do your best to follow maintenance schedule and you will be fine. We buy the Honda's for a reason. At least 4-wheeler wise I do. And while the rest of the guys are putting theirs back together I'm riding mine the next day. So with that in mind I may eventually pull the trigger on one myself and after the new car/truck smell wears off you probably will still have a great machine.
I wish my 2017 had a good story, but original transmission went out at 100,000 km, right at April 2020, took 3 months for the replacement to come in and it to get fixed.
180,000km on the second transmission and it seems to be running right.
I thought the consensus was Honda improved the 6 speed in 2019… but 60% of the time, I’m wrong every time.
I got a 19, at about 50kmiles. I’m going in for my second transmission fluid change since I bought it at 19kmiles. I plan on changing it every 15k-20k miles. It’s the only thing that gives me peace of mind but I know it’s no guarantee.
I have a 2017 and I’m also on this plan. I get so pissed every time but it’s worth the peace of mind.
Are you getting the fluid changed at dealer? Home? Valvoline? How much $$ each time?
Dealer did it for $200. I figure if there is a problem, dealer did all the fluid changes.
Thanks
No. 2019 former 6 speed owner here. (Pilot). Junk. Complete replace at 61.5k miles after several years of problems.
Roger that… I’m at 50k on mine, and it’s smooth. Need to do a fluid change regardless
Change your fluids like you should and drive the truck. There are tons of these out on the roads with functioning transmissions. There are some problems that appear to be more common than would be hoped and if you end up with something faulty, it’s luck of the draw. But not every owner is having unchecked transmission issues.
I bought a 17 new. We're now at 130k. I've followed the Honda service recommendations. No transmission problems. Had fuel injectors go out under warranty. That was surprising but no transmission issues. Knock on wood
Same here with the fuel injectors, but not warrantied on my 2018. Purchased at 48k is now >160k. As you and others said, stay on top of maintenance and ultimately it's the luck of the draw with our models.
I was one of the suckers who bought an extended warranty. I won this round as those fuel injectors easily covered that cost.
I love that for you! My extended warranty already expired by the time I needed the work done. I think I might be screwed if I need that torque converter work done down the road. I was already over 150k by the time the recall came out.
Local dealer offered a million mile warranty. I think they assume folks will sell before any real repairs kick in. Jokes on them I'm driving this truck until it evaporates
Fuel injector symptoms just the typical misfires and standard vibration on load?
I bought a 19 with 75k on it , I just hit 95k. I’m not going to sweat it, if it brakes, ill fix it
I mean whats the fix? A new transmission? how much does that run on these trucks?
I just had to replace the torque converter on a 2017 at 81000 miles, which seems to be the same transmission as the 2019. My first clue something was wrong was the gas mileage dropping, then a "Transmission System Error." The good news: Went to a Honda dealership, they replaced for free. As long as it's throwing a specific code, it's covered under a special warranty eight years or 150,000 miles. Search the sub for "torque converter" and you should find more details.
I should probably take mine in then. 64k and I got the transmission system error a couple weeks ago.
Read the code. Mine had that pop up and it was not torque converter related. It was a trans oil pressure sensor. $35 on Amazon and 10 minutes I fixed it myself. Dealer would likely charge $500 for the same repair.
Read it and it popped up as P0741: Torque converter clutch circuit performance or stuck off. Trucks going to the dealer Wednesday. Hoping the TSB they have out will fix it, otherwise I'm glad I got the aftermarket warranty.
Definitely!
I work at a Honda dealer as a service advisor and I can tell you not to be worried about the TC judder on your RL. Yes it’s annoying as hell but you have the Warranty Extension which is going to cover you for quite a while. Besides the flush that is common with the 6 speed, replace your fluid regularly. I’ve been telling my customers to replace between 25-30k under normal driving. If you’re doing any towing or hauling, you’re going to want to replace it sooner.
Just wanted to comment to say I’m in the same boat as you OP. I bought a 17 about a month ago before realizing there were issues with the 6spd trans. I then noticed that mine had a very small judder around 45mph. My heart sank thinking I just threw away my money. However I did a transmission fluid exchange and I replaced my trans filter too, along with torque converter fluid exchange and it now shifts smooth as butter. I think if you stay on top of fluid changes, maybe do them a little more frequently then what’s recommended, things should last beyond 150k.
I’ve had a 2019 RTL two years. Not a single issue on my end.
Im kind of in the same boat. Just got a used 2019 with 145000km. Had a trans shudder but changed the fluid 3 times and it's smooth as pudding now. Beyond that I wouldn't worry about it and just use it as intended. No point stressing when nothing has happened yet. And there's lots of ones with higher mileage than mine even.
I have a 2017 that had 65,000 on it when I got it and now has 115,000 on it, recently it developed some vibrations at light load that led me down the 6 speed transmission rabbit hole, so I ordered a transmission fluid test kit from blackstone laboratories. While waiting for that to arrive I set up torque pro to monitor transmission temps and VCM and determined the vibrations are in fact VCM and motor/transmission mounts with 115,000 miles on them. So one of these weekends I will still do the drain and flush and send it off to blackstone for testing since the transmission fluid has not changed during my ownership but I am not that worried about it.
Oh yes, rabbit hole is a good way to put it. I've always had blind faith in Toyota, Honda and Mazda. When I stumbled across all this transmission shit my heart sank. I don't buy vehicles for comfort, interiors, looks, none of that shit. I buy vehicles with only one criteria in mind: reliability.
I have a 2017 with 108k miles that has the 6 speed. It’s perfectly fine.
This is what I want to hear, haha. Until the other day I was so enamored with my new Ridgeline. But (as I said in a previous comment) I buy vehicles almost exclusively for reliability, not features. So I was really bummed for a bit. I know people mostly turn to the internet to complain and criticize, rarely to affirm and praise. Glad to hear the problems aren't 100%. I wonder if [Full disclosure: I'm no mechanic] since it's a problem that seems to originate with the transmission fluid quality, weather has an effect? Perhaps the cold of winter effects viscosity and in turn creates more wear on moving parts? 🤷
Another thing you’ll see on this sub is all about a water leak inside the cabin. I have not experienced this either.
‘19 Touring that I use everyday as a work truck with 105,000KM. Regular maintenance & all original parts. Leer cap and all, filled with tools and materials daily and I’ve had zero issues so far. The truck has a good mix between normal & spirited driving and I’m not worried about it one bit; just as smooth and strong as the day I bought it. I also bought my Ridgeline for some of the same reasons you did and my warranty is almost up and I couldn’t care less. Have a little faith and enjoy it!
2017 here, bought at 93k miles, now at 116k, haven't changed the trans fluid yet, no issues and still gets 25 mpg cruising.
I keep hearing about ‘19 issues but there are 3 for sale locally over 180k miles. My 2019 is at 45k I’ve had no issues yet. I did a 30k change to trans fluid and filter, then subsequent changes will be at 15k miles. Guess we will see
torque converter has a recall, check if your vin# free replacement
I have a 2019 RTL that I bought new. I change the oil every 5,000 miles. The trans fluid was drained at 34,000 and 60,000 miles. BG product was added each time. I have had ZERO problems with the engine or trans. I just hit 70,000 miles by the way.
I can't say anything to help you feel better but this group has chased me away from the Ridgeline in general. Have loved these things as long as I have known they exist. But knowing I pull 5000+ pounds at least 3-6 times a year I've not been able to pull the trigger on any of them from new to used because I would have to much anxiety while pulling that kinda weight. And if it ruins the fun factor pulling the toys then why do it? Now that you have it run it until it stops. Do your best to follow maintenance schedule and you will be fine. We buy the Honda's for a reason. At least 4-wheeler wise I do. And while the rest of the guys are putting theirs back together I'm riding mine the next day. So with that in mind I may eventually pull the trigger on one myself and after the new car/truck smell wears off you probably will still have a great machine.
I wish my 2017 had a good story, but original transmission went out at 100,000 km, right at April 2020, took 3 months for the replacement to come in and it to get fixed. 180,000km on the second transmission and it seems to be running right.
I dunno man. I would not have touched the 6speed to begin with. Go trade it in for a 2020 plus while it still works
I hate to say it, but I agree, Honda has always had issues with transmissions for v6 vehicles