Are recent production RL's still prone to leak?

New member here and hopefully soon to be new owner.
However, I have a bit of a problem putting 30K down for a vehicle with a factory defect or design flaw that results in an in-cabin water feature.
Does anyone know if the factory is still putting out RL's that can leak? Or has this been corrected at the factory?
Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Great web site by the way.

brewer, I can't speak for everybody, but my RL was built in 09/05 and I have not had any leakage problems, I did not have the problem of not being able to set the locks, and I have not had any problems with wind noise. Except for a couple minor rattles, my RL has been pretty much flawless.

I have a build 12/05 and I have had no leaks at all. I also live in a very dry area and have not driven through any rain storms ... but I have washed my Ridgeline two times with a high pressure spray gun and I've notice no leaks.

So far I have not found any of the problems reported on this forum (knock on wood) and I am thinking that Honda may have fixed them.:o Actually, I have noticed the "hesitation problem" but that is a minor annoyance when compared to everything I love about the Ridgeline.

Build date of 11/05 and purchased same month. It seemed like it rained every other day for the first month that we owned it. We now have over 7k miles and have had NONE of the problems mentioned in the forum except the missing trip computer...

Props to the original RL owners for letting Honda know about the problems and props to Honda for listening. I hope they continue to listen and improve the RLs for everyone that still have things pop up.

Welcome to the forum, brewer, ROC on!

RL was built on 12/05, no problem with leaks (knock on wood), left it out in the parking lot a couple of times during heavy rain. Hearing a little bit of windshield noise though I'm not sure if it's a problem or I'm just being paranoid, my wife does not hear it. I notified the dealer and they will check it when I get my first oil change. Good luck.

I have a 5/05 build date and have never had a leak. I believe that even the earlier build dates were mostly leak free.

Thanks for all the feedback. It greatly improves my confidence in buying an RL.
Between the leak issue that some owners had and my need to tow a 4600 lb boat&trailer, I was starting to consider a full size with a V8.

Mine was built 10/05 and no leaks. It has been tested by a lot of rain and snow.

12/05 build date and no leaks to date. Sat out through the deluge that Indiana got yesterday and still dry as a bone today. I would echo the kudos to early RL buyers who have been diligent to see that later owners would not have to experience some of the first year bugs that they had to work through:)

-Coz

dunno if they're prone to, but mine is. next stop from here is to start printing TSB's...

12/05 build, took delivery 1/14. maybe 3 washes , 3 or 4 rains, some light, some heavy (including a brief downpour early this morning)...

having audio upgrades installed today, install man called about 5:00 this afternoon, said (you know what's coming, doncha?) the front passenger floor was soaked. Sure enough, the entire footwell was saturated. Oddly, the front, where the carpet rises up the firewall, was bone dry

have already spoken to service, they can't see me until Tuesday, they claimed not to be aware of any probs until I let them know I know about the TSB's. So far all the guy mentioned was the moonroof drain...we'll see, but I'm going in fully prepared.

wish me well...I'm not happy...deep breaths...

My 9/05 Ridgeline does not leak, however, I need to take one like every other hour.

Woodlands - Sorry to hear about your RL. At least the info gained from this site will certainly help you resolve the issue. I am disappointed to here of such a recently manufactured RL having this problem.

Brewer: My RL was built in March 05. I purchased it in April 05 and have over 12,000 miles. I have been through several bad rain storms. It has been parked in the rain for days.

Todate, we have no signs of leaks. Remember, that out of 20,000 Ridgelines that were built in the suspect SN's range, you are still talking about less than 5% who have had problems.

I still worry about it today, but so far so good. We love our Ridgeline. It is the best built and has safety features galore. My wife was actually the one who talked me into the Ridgeline, I was going to get a 2005 Nissan Murano.

Also, you will hear people complain about the gas milage. Ours started out bad but is very acceptable today with 12,000 miles. This weekend fillup with 100% in town driving, I got 17.84mpg. I will get 15-17mpg in town and highway milage is over 20.55mpg.

Take Care and Good Luck on what ever you do!!!!!!!:D :D

Build date of 9/05, no leaks here!

yep,
I can say they are. What's worse many dealers deny theres a problem and don't really know how to fix it. I'll post pics of my situation and the poor sloppy workmanship at a Covington, La. Honda dealership in an attempt to fix the problem. It'll turn your stomach.

Build date of 09/05 here and have experienced no leaks of any kind.

Smoky

Build date 2/05 no leaks,9500 miles, mpg 16 around town.

yep,
I can say they are. What's worse many dealers deny theres a problem and don't really know how to fix it. I'll post pics of my situation and the poor sloppy workmanship at a Covington, La. Honda dealership in an attempt to fix the problem. It'll turn your stomach.

I'm wondering.....is it that the dealership garages/service personnel don't keep up on various TSB's on the vehicles they service or is it that there are so few RL's with leaks that, when somebody brings their vehicle in to their service garage, they act never heard of the leak problem? Or maybe it's a combination of both...I dunno.

Seems to me, for the amount of money it must be costing Honda to fix this problem (With replacing carpets, pads, doing the TSB work, and the time invested in fixing the problems), Honda would be alerting their dealerships of the problem and how to fix it. You expect your sevice garage to be totally competent and informed on your vehicle, and you expect thear hear them say something like, "Yep, we've read the TSB's, we're on it. No problem, we'll have you fixed up in no time"......not, "Problem....what problem"?!?

Thankfully (knock on wood), I have not had the leak problem. But, I would expect my service garage to be "up" on the TSB and know how to fix it.....not be running around like chickens with their heads cut off, trying to figure out what to do.

Brewer, welcome to the ROC. This is a great place to ask questions and get answers.

The Ridgeline, even from the earliest build dates, was never "prone" to leak. That makes it sound like a widespread issue. I am not minimizing the misery of anyone who got a RL with a leak problem. For the small percentage who have to deal with this, it is a HUGE problem.

I just want to point out that I think the avoidance of early build date trucks (if there are still any kicking around on lots) has been highly overemphasized. Unless the door unlock problem is a deal breaker (then look for post 9/05), I'd have no hesitation getting any RL that met my requirements on features.

We got our in April '05 and have none of the odd problems that cropped up, and for the most part have been satisfactorily taken care of, for some of the other early buyers.

The odds are in your favor to get a truck without any of the identified problems. If you have one of the problems, the way to correct them has been forged and documented. Go get your truck!

I have had a lot of the problems:
1. Rear Water Leak (fixed)
2. Total Paint Defect (whole truck Repainted)
3. Creeky Wheel (fixed)
4. Interior Door Handle broke (fixed)
5. Speaker rattle (not fixed but not a big deal to me-will fix myself)
6 SRS airbag light goes off and on when it wants to (new problem not fixed yet)

I went thru some tuff times with my Line and I seriously considered getting rid of it and getting an Escalade or an F150 but you know what they have problems too. Plus Honda stepped up to the plate and fixed all of my issues to my satidfaction and also refunded me a months payment on the truck for my troubles, that is one of the big time reasons I like Honda and will always consider a vehicle from them in the future first.

Would I buy another Ridgeline you bet your dam ass I would. I was a ford guy for all my life this my first Honda and I'm sold.

Now give me a HELL YEAH!

Mark

My 9/05 Ridgeline does not leak, however, I need to take one like every other hour.

It gets worse as you get older, too. Problem here in the Desert is the lack of trees...FL affords a lot of privacy!

11,000 miles and mine is flawless. Also handles 5000Lb boat/trailer without problems.

First Honda and took a gamble. Seems to have been the right one as this is the best combination vehicle on the market.

lWhere are Honda Ridgelines built? Mine came from Canada and I've had the dreaded leak. Are Ridgelines built elsewhere, and if so, have they had the water leak problem. Fess up folks!

I have a 12/05 build RTS and it says it was assembled in Canada and no leaks of any kind. Actually been raining a lot here lately in CA. More than normal. I am glad i have not had to experience the water leak issue, sounds like a pain.

RL 12/05 build date. Bought Jan'06. 6,000 miles and no leaks yet.

All ridges are built in Canada I believe.

New member here and hopefully soon to be new owner.
However, I have a bit of a problem putting 30K down for a vehicle with a factory defect or design flaw that results in an in-cabin water feature.
Does anyone know if the factory is still putting out RL's that can leak? Or has this been corrected at the factory?
Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Great web site by the way.
I have a feb 2006 production ridge, had it thru heavy rain, snow and a touchless jet carwash, no leaks.

My built date is June/05, bought in July/05. I park it outside every day/night, I was very worried about the water leaks reported by some folks here, so I have been checking under the carpet, front and back, FOUND NONE!.
had a slight creaky steering wheel, it was fixed by the dealer on my last visit when I went for Type B service last week, Also asked them to check for the dreaded water leak(just to be on the safe side) they didn't find any and told me that they checked with my VIN and it doesn't fall under the "COULD BE" leaky ones.
My corroding side steps were replaced with running boards under warranty, no questions asked. AND they gave me an in-store credit($105) for the price difference of the two.
A little misaligned front wheel well liner was replaced by a new one under warranty, no questions asked.
IMHO, so far Honda has lived up to it's reputation and stepped up to the plate for me. I am a happy camper so far:D And let me repeat that "this is the best vehicle I have ever driven":D

No leaks, no problems, no rattles on my 9/05 RT...just pure fun driving ever since!
:D

Hi everyone!

I have been a quiet observer for many months and now have to post the famous problem everyone else seems to have had fixed. I have RTL loaded minus the Nav system. I have already started the aftermarket dreams, 18 inch chrome rims on Yokahama tires, replaced the grille with a new Billet Grille from Carriage Works and have recently purchased a dash kit from Burtmans. Can't wait till it gets here.

However, after 7,000 miles, I now have one of those dreaded LEAKS! Mine however, is in the back and leaking behind the passengers rear seat and then streaming down my plastic trim right into the floor. Taking it in this week to have the work done and to have the rear carpet replaced. Mildew, YUCK. I will keep anyone posted who might still be having this problem.

I hope all goes well. I really love this truck!:)

my ridge has a build date of 12/05, and i have had it since 1/20/06... i first noticed the wet floors and condensation under the floormats in late march- early april, my dealer really angered me by ignoring me first, (they kinda poo-pooed it...) and telling me to comeback 2 days later... so i go hame and am shop-vacc-ing about 1.5 gallons of water total from the front passenger and throughout the rear seat area...(including under the rear seats...) after bringing it in, they simply did the drill job to my right front as listed in the TSB, and sent me home with a wet mildew-smelling ridgeline.

well, its now easter, on my way home to Sioux Falls from the twin cities of minneapolis-saint paul from family events- i'm driving in light rain- with wet toes on my flips-flops(yes from under the driver's side...), and you guessed it.... water under the mats on the right side of the vehicle-again.

now i'm really pissed. i am a die-hard honda fan, but this kills.
you don't pay 35,000 for honda quality only to get soaked.

thanks for letting me vent, does anyone know how to contact my district representative???

I do not think that Honda offers the "pool and go" option anymore for the 'Ridge. My truck was delivered with it, the manufacturer threw it in as part of the RTL package.

I had the dealer try to "remove" this option, but he could not get it right, so I fixed it myself.

RidgeLI

According to Honda:

A Pillar leaks = Vin range 500001-521114

C Pillar leaks = Vin range 500001-551855


So yes, If the Vin is outside this range, it should not leak anymore.

Well now, got my Ridge back today and the dealer fixed the two leaks, the door handle problem and the wiring harness issue and didn't give me any kind of a hassle. They even replaced the rug (that's a big job since everything has to come out of the interior). Gave me a 2006 Honda Civic 4 door with only 2400 miles as a loaner. Had the car six days at no charge. They fixed the wiring harness based on the letter that was shown on this forum. No questions asked. Bobby Rahal Honda is a class place. BTW, my VIN is: 5109XX.

The wiring harness I'm referring to is the trailer hitch wiring harness! Sorry.

Thanks for posting the VIN ranges tlaudio. It will keep some of us from worrying too much about whether we got the leak :) (and some to worry more) :( .

Got mine back yesterday also. They supposedly[April showers will be the true test] fixed the A-pillar and replaced the carpets. Told them about C-pillar..even gave them the TSB Honda put out last week on it. They tested it and it didn't leak so they didn't fix it. I told them a lot of folks here didn't get the C leak until further down the road and let's be pro-active and do the fix now instead of having to replace the carpets again if it should start leaking. The service manager refused saying they won't fix something that's not broken. What a crock of shiz. Some people are just so damn ignorant. Still smells kinda moldy...hoping that dissipates quickly as the gf didn't even want to ride in my brand new Ridge 'cause it smelled so bad.

Interesting how all dealer are NOT created equal.

My dealer is going to do the C-pillar fix even though I have not experienced any leaks. I told him it would cost Honda much more to replace everything that the water would damaged. He greed with me!

I am very fortunate to have such a great service department!

I am on the brink of jumping in and buying one of these beauties. I love the truck and all it has to offer, and so does my wife. I would like to know from as many 06 built date owners if any of the problems posted on this forum are still happening. The last I read we had a 12/05 built date complain about a leak in the truck even though we are being told that from 9/05 there aren't any problems. I cannot cross my fingers (like some are in this forum) after spending 25 to 30K on a truck, and hope all goes well.
Cmon guys/gals, help me become a full fledge member by posting as many 06 built date problems....

Thanks

Build date of 1/06 and no problems.

02/06 manu date. No leaks, no creaks, no problems. Have had considerable rain since the purchase

2007 Ridgeline purchased 10/17/2006 with build date of August 2006. Have experienced water leaks.... to date the dealer has drilled holes in the pillars and have fixed missing sealant on the drivers side. They finally agreed to replace the carpet and underlay last week due to odor and the formation of rust on the carpet. Once the carpet was removed they had to clean the rust off the floor, seat brackets and console brackets. The vehicle has been stripped twice since purchased. I believe they have now fixed the problems (fingers crossed).

i have an 07 RTX. and tonight is the first rain that i know of that it will be going through. so where are the spots that i should look for wetness inside?

i have an 07 RTX. and tonight is the first rain that i know of that it will be going through. so where are the spots that i should look for wetness inside?

I first saw water underneath the back seat on the drivers side and when I felt the rest the carpet it was wet all over. Obviously the parking grade would determine the highest water concentration. When the dealer had the carpet removed they poured water over the vehicle and you could actually see water flowing in on the drivers side panel just left of the brake pedal.

Mine leaks from the back. Im taking it to the dealership tomorrow.

edit : Build date 09/06

Our new 2007 RTS has been through almost 6 inches of rain since we bought it on December 21st. Half of that rain came during a 700+ mile round trip over the Christmas weekend, right after we got it. No leaks yet. (Knock on wood, cross fingers, etc.)

Build date: 11/06

My '07 RTS had a leak when I took it through a car wash. I had to bring it in twice, but they think they found the problem. Apparently, there were two small areas in the firewall (opposite the glove box) that had not been sealed properly at the factory. This allowed water to leak in and drip onto the floor mat on the passenger side, just under the glove box. Time will tell...:)

we have over 2,000 miles on our RTL, build date 11/06, several rain storms and haven't seen any leaks yet.

Since Christmas, we have had over a foot of rain here in Upper Margaritaville. (We had 3-4" last night, but I didn't check the rain gauge this morning, since I was more interested in going into town & seeing the tornado damage from the storm.)

Any-way... So far no leaks, although the windows do tend to fog immediately when I get into the truck after a heavy rain. (I check all the carpets after heavy rains just to see.) Why do I feel vaguely cheated that I don't have leaks? :D

On the 7th day it rained....... and now I'm stuck driving a Chevy Impala.

Bought my '07 Ridgeline last Friday. Drove home this morning in the rain after working 96 hours over 5 days. All I wanted to do was carry my bag of dirty uniforms into the house and crawl into bed. As I was grabbing things out of the back seat I noticed water dripping from the seat belt and down the inside of the passenger side rear post. I'd seen the TSB's a few days ago while searching for accessories for my new toy, and immediately the joy of my new truck vanished.

I'll give the dealer credit, I drove in without an appointment and was seen with no wait. Unfortunately they said the truck needs to be kept overnight to allow the sealant to properly cure. In fact, they told me the repair could be done in about 30 minutes, but if not allowed to set properly that the leak would persist. They said it was only the 2nd truck they've had with this issue, and that they haven't seen a problem with water leaks since 2005.

Hopefully they get this right, and I can go back to loving my new truck. Until then, stuck driving a loaner car :(

Ok, so the little bit of credit I gave the dealership yesterday is gone.

When I took my truck in the service advisor told me it would be ready today. I'm working a 24 hour shift, so we had a 10 minute conversation that ended with the assurance that they would call me and tell me where on the lot they had parked the truck, the key would be locked inside under the floor mat, I could drop the keys for the loaner in the night drop box and use my spare key to pick up my truck. :)

So I call them today to check on the status.... the service advisor I talked to was not there (he doesn't work weekends). The leak had been found, the sealant applied and cured over night, but the truck wouldn't be ready until Monday at the earliest. The truck still needed to be tested to guarantee the fix had worked and then put back together (and the guy that does that doesn't work weekends). Apparently the dealership only does basic maintenance on Saturdays. :confused:

I'm baffled by the in depth conversation regarding picking up the truck. Why couldn't they just tell me it wouldn't be ready until sometime on Monday? I guess I'll be there when they open on Monday and have a sit down with the service manager. Looks like another day with the crappy loaner car :mad:

So I managed to liberate my truck from the dealer today. The first application of sealant didn't quite do it, so they did a second. I'm heading out of town for 2 weeks, and didn't want to drive thecrappy loaner for that period. Thus, the truck is back. Will continue to watch the back corner and see if it is really fixed. Assuming the problem is resolved, it will have to go back for some touchup paint. I realize that you have to stand in the bed and stare at the pillar to see the bondo colored sealant, but I can still see it.