The 2009 Honda Ridgeline is a pickup truck that was introduced in 2005 and has been in production until 2014. It has received mostly positive reviews for its unique unibody design, strong performance, and comfortable ride.
However, like any vehicle, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline may experience certain problems that may require repair or maintenance.
It is important to note that not all Ridgelines will experience these issues, and the frequency and severity of these problems may vary depending on a variety of factors such as driving habits, maintenance history, and regional weather conditions.
2009 Honda Ridgeline Problems
Find out what the most common problems are with the 2009 Honda Ridgeline based on car owner complaints.
1. Software Update Will Fix Problem When Shifting into Fourth Gear
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported difficulty shifting into fourth gear, or experiencing a grinding or slipping sensation when attempting to shift into fourth. In some cases, a software update may be able to fix this issue.
It is important to note that this problem may also be caused by other factors such as a malfunctioning transmission or a worn clutch.
If you are experiencing difficulty shifting gears in your 2009 Honda Ridgeline, it is recommended to have the issue diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair.
2. Tailgate Will Not Open Because Sensor Rod is Too Long
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported that the tailgate will not open because the sensor rod is too long.
The sensor rod is a small metal rod located inside the tailgate that activates the latch mechanism when the tailgate is closed.
If the sensor rod is too long, it may prevent the latch from fully engaging and cause the tailgate to become stuck.
This problem may be caused by a malfunctioning sensor rod or a misalignment of the tailgate components. In order to fix this issue, the sensor rod may need to be adjusted or replaced.
3. Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported hearing a noise and experiencing a juddering sensation when making turns.
This problem may be caused by the breakdown of the differential fluid, which is a special type of oil that is used to lubricate the gears and bearings in the differential.
If the differential fluid breaks down, it may cause the gears to wear and produce noise and juddering when turning. In order to fix this issue, the differential fluid may need to be replaced and the gears and bearings may need to be inspected for wear.
4. Poor Connection in Antenna Harness May Cause Static When Going Over Bumps
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported experiencing static or interference on the radio when going over bumps or rough roads.
This problem may be caused by a poor connection in the antenna harness, which is the wiring that connects the antenna to the radio. If the connection is loose or damaged,
it may cause interference on the radio signal. In order to fix this issue, the antenna harness may need to be inspected and repaired or replaced if necessary.
5. Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported that the check engine and D4 lights on the dashboard are flashing.
The check engine light is a warning indicator that illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard computer detects a problem with one or more of the vehicle’s systems.
The D4 light, also known as the transmission gear indicator light, illuminates when there is a problem with the transmission.
If both of these lights are flashing, it may indicate a problem with the transmission or another system that is causing the check engine light to trigger.
In order to fix this issue, it is recommended to have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair.
6. Shim to Correct Chirping Timing Belt
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported a chirping noise coming from the front of the engine when the vehicle is running.
This problem may be caused by a misaligned timing belt, which is a belt that synchronizes the rotation of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft.
If the timing belt is misaligned, it may cause a chirping noise as it rubs against other components.
In order to fix this issue, a shim may be used to adjust the alignment of the timing belt. A shim is a small metal or plastic spacer that is used to fine-tune the spacing between two components.
In this case, the shim would be installed between the timing belt and the components it is rubbing against to correct the alignment and stop the chirping noise.
It is important to note that adjusting the timing belt may require special tools and expertise, and it is recommended to have the task performed by a qualified mechanic.
7. Engine Idle Speed is Erratic or Engine Stalls
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported that the engine idle speed is erratic or the engine stalls while the vehicle is running.
This problem may be caused by a variety of factors such as a malfunctioning idle speed control system, a faulty fuel pump, or a vacuum leak.
The idle speed control system is a system that is designed to maintain a consistent idle speed by adjusting the amount of air and fuel that is supplied to the engine.
If the system is not functioning correctly, it may cause the engine idle speed to fluctuate or the engine to stall.
A faulty fuel pump or a vacuum leak may also cause the engine to stall or run poorly. In order to fix this issue, it is recommended to have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair.
8. Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported that the check engine light is on and the engine is running rough or experiencing difficulty starting.
The check engine light is a warning indicator that illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard computer detects a problem with one or more of the vehicle’s systems.
If the check engine light is on and the engine is running rough or experiencing difficulty starting, it may indicate a problem with the fuel system, ignition system, or another system that is causing the engine to run poorly. In order to fix this issue,
it is recommended to have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair.
9. Check Engine Light and Engine Takes too Long to Start
Some 2009 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported that the check engine light is on and the engine takes too long to start.
The check engine light is a warning indicator that illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard computer detects a problem with one or more of the vehicle’s systems.
If the check engine light is on and the engine is taking too long to start, it may indicate a problem with the fuel system, ignition system, or another system that is causing the engine to start poorly.
In order to fix this issue, it is recommended to have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Possible Solutions |
| Software Update Will Fix Problem When Shifting into Fourth Gear | Update the software, inspect and repair or replace the transmission, inspect and replace the clutch if necessary |
| Tailgate Will Not Open Because Sensor Rod is Too Long | Adjust or replace the sensor rod, align the tailgate components |
| Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown | Replace the differential fluid, inspect and replace the gears and bearings if necessary |
| Poor Connection in Antenna Harness May Cause Static When Going Over Bumps | Inspect and repair or replace the antenna harness |
| Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing | Have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair |
| Shim to Correct Chirping Timing Belt | Install a shim to adjust the alignment of the timing belt |
| Engine Idle Speed is Erratic or Engine Stalls | Have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair |
| Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting | Have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair |
| Check Engine Light and Engine Takes too Long to Start | Have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause and the appropriate repair |
2009 Honda Ridgeline Recalls
| Recall | Problem | Models Affected |
| 19V501000 | Newly Replaced Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 19V500000 | Newly Replaced Driver’s Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 19V182000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 14 models |
| 18V041000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 3 models |
| 17V029000 | Passenger Air Bag Inflator Ruptures During Deployment Spraying Metal Fragments | 7 models |
| 16V344000 | Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures On Deployment | 8 models |
| 16V061000 | Driver’s Frontal Air Bag Inflator Ruptures And Sprays Metal Fragments | 10 models |
| 22V430000 | Fuel Tank Detaches Causing Fuel Leak And Fire Hazard | 1 model |
Recall 19V501000 and 19V500000:
These recalls were issued due to a problem with the passenger and driver’s airbag inflators, respectively.
The inflators may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 10 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 19V182000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the driver’s frontal airbag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 14 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 18V041000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger airbag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 3 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 17V029000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger airbag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 7 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 16V344000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the passenger frontal airbag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 8 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 16V061000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the driver’s frontal airbag inflator. The inflator may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments that can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. This recall affects a total of 10 models of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Recall 22V430000:
This recall was issued due to a problem with the fuel tank. The fuel tank may detach from the vehicle, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire. This recall affects a total of 1 model of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Problems and Complaints Sources
https://repairpal.com/2009-honda-ridgeline/problems
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Ridgeline/2009/
All Honda Ridgeline years we talked –
Is The 2009 Honda Ridgeline A Good Truck?
Compared to other pickups, the Honda Ridgeline is a pleasant driving vehicle. Its speed-proportional power steering provides good response and feedback.
And the Ridgeline’s ride is smooth and refined, although off-road trails are best left to vehicles designed specifically for such terrain.
How Long Will A 2009 Honda Ridgeline Last?
Assuming you don’t tow your Ridgeline, and you drive only on paved roads, you’ll probably get somewhere between 250 & 400K miles before anything major breaks (drive train, steering, brake system).
Is The Honda Ridgeline Long Term Reliable?
We examined a total of 43 Makes and Models and found an average long term quality rating of 90.7 for the Honda Ridgeline.
This comparison is not based on cars of the same body style (e.g. hatchback) or class (e.g. subcompact) or size (e.g. small cars), but on all cars in the same class.
The Bottom Line
So, are 2009 Ridgelines worth it? The Ridgeline offers a smooth ride and enough capability to make it one of the best midsize pickups, rather than trying to be as tough and useful as a full-size pickup.
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