Buyer Research

2017 Honda Ridgeline — Should You Buy One?

Typical asking price: $20,000–$29,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.

Kestrel Take

The unconventional midsize — unibody, car-smooth, and clever (in-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate), with the durable 3.5L V6. It rides and drives better than any body-on-frame rival and tows a respectable 5,000 lbs, but it won't rock-crawl and the bed is car-based. If you want a comfortable, reliable daily that occasionally hauls, it's brilliant. Watch VCM oil use and buy the maintained one.

Known Issues for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline

Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.

VCM (cylinder deactivation) oil use / mountsMedium

Cylinder deactivation can cause some oil use and accelerate motor-mount wear; feel for vibration and check oil.

Repair cost range: $300-$900

Not a hardcore off-roader / lower towLow

Unibody with modest clearance and 5,000-lb tow — less rugged than rivals. Know what it is.

Repair cost range: N/A

Infotainment quirks (no volume knob)Low

The touchscreen without a physical volume knob is fiddly.

Repair cost range: $0-$300

Normal consumablesLow

Brakes, tires, suspension wear normally.

Repair cost range: $150-$700

Walk-Away Red Flags

✗Oil consumption / vibration (VCM, mounts)
✗Expecting hardcore off-road ability
✗Neglected oil
✗Crash repair under paint

Good Signs

✓Steady oil, healthy mounts
✓Documented service
✓Clean, one-owner history

Found a specific Honda Ridgeline?

This page covers what goes wrong on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.

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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.

Other Honda Ridgeline years

2021 Honda Ridgeline

$28,000–$42,000

2010 Honda Ridgeline

$9,000–$15,000