NHTSA Complaint #11696153 — 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE

Catastrophic Premature In-Service Water Pump Failure at 28,330 miles on 10/20/25 with loud metal-to-metal noise with complete loss of coolant. Engine was shutdown to prevent further engine damage. Failure occurred as vehicle was being parked after leaving city street. Failure on city street could have resulted in an accident due to engine failure and collision with other vehicles, coolant spill resulted in a large slippery spill area and possible loss of steering of following vehicles. Vehicle was towed to the vehicle’s dealer who replaced the water pump and related parts [Timing Belt Kit Package]. The failed parts are not available for inspection as the dealer routinely discards damaged parts replaced during the repair. There were no warning lamps, or messages prior to failure. Regular under hood checks by owner for: fluid levels, leaks, unusual noise, belt damage showed no issues including during an oil change with fluid level checks [the radiator level bottle showed the proper level of coolant] 5 days prior to the water pump failure. Three dealer performed Multi-Point Inspections on this vehicle on 3/20/19, 3/29/23 and 10/23/24 during ‘Campaign Recalls’ with no defects reported. The dealer Multi-Point Inspections included inspections for: Cooling System [leaks], Hoses [cracks, damage, leaks], Drive Belts [cracks, damage, leaks] with no defects reported.