[17BE]

For anyone who has been a regular reader of this forum for most or all of the Ridgeline's existence and has a good pulse on the model, 56 reported transmission failures is most certainly concerning.

It's generally agreed (here and Piloteers) that there are a higher number of 6AT issues/failures than would be expected. As discussed above, keeping on top of ATF changes, and possibly switching to a different ATF, may help.

Whether individuals are concerned about this, or the extent of the concern will vary. Many 6AT owners just accept the situation, don't stress and will 'over-maintain' their vehicles accepting this weakness. One or two will sell their vehicles because of their concern. Fewer still (one on this forum) will sell their otherwise reliable 6AT, buy a 9AT and have it fail.

It's really difficult to quality the failure rate based on the information the public has, but yes, it's no doubt higher than one would want it to be. However, more qualitatively, the vast majority of 6AT owners should have a healthy vehicle. And if it fails, that's what extended warranties are for .

Anyway, need to go now, I have a Jack Russel figuratively nipping at my ankles again that I'm trying to ignore

 

[bluegrass]

It's generally agreed that there are a higher number of 6AT issues/failures than would be expected.
But yes, it's no doubt higher than one would want it to be.
As discussed above, keeping on top of ATF changes, and possibly switching to a different ATF, may help.

Whether individuals are concerned about this, or the extent of the concern will vary. Many 6AT owners just accept the situation, don't stress and will 'over-maintain' their vehicles accepting this weakness. One or two will sell their vehicles because of their concern. Fewer still (one on this forum) will sell their otherwise reliable 6AT, buy a 9AT and have it fail.
And if it fails, that's what extended warranties are for .

This is all perfectly reasonable for CURRENT existing owners of the 6-speed.
However, the thread is about a PROSPECTIVE future owner deciding between two similar used Ridgelines, one with a 6-speed and one with a 9-speed.

Given the OP's two stated options, wouldn't the most reasonable advice be to purchase the 9-speed over the 6-speed?
I don't see a compelling reason to opt for the truck with higher than expected transmission issues/failures.

Why deal with potential concern/anxiety over this known issue, the possible need to 'over-maintain' the vehicle, or uncertainty with how the transmission was maintained during the first ~20K miles...if there is a very similar alternative available in the 2020 model, that doesn't come with all of this "baggage"?

 

[17BE]

Given the OP's two stated options, wouldn't the most reasonable advice be to purchase the 9-speed over the 6-speed?

If the only options I had were the two identified in the OP, I'd go for the 2020 as I have no interest in the additional RLT-E features. However, in reality there are more than these two options so I would go for neither.

 

[tmz]

Given the OP's two stated options, wouldn't the most reasonable advice be to purchase the 9-speed over the 6-speed?
I don't see a compelling reason to opt for the truck with higher than expected transmission issues/failures.

True, if the transmission were the only issue, but the vehicles are different packages and some might find the 2019 "E" to be equipped better in other ways. The OP stated that at least two of those extra features are important to him, and I think there are more to consider also. And while there don't seem to be as many reports of transmission problems in the 9-speed, they are newer trucks, and many weren't driven as much during 2020 and even continuing to today because of the pandemic, so we don't know how much better it really is.

 

[finnster]

Hello,
This is my first post and I'm hoping to get some purchase advice. I've nailed my search to 2 Ridgelines, a 2020 RTL with 24000 miles, and a 2019 RTL-E with 17500 miles. The asking price for each vehicle is very close, about $34,500. I'm leaning toward the 2019 due to it having blindside monitoring and NAV. Are there any other pro's and con's to each??? Thanks in advance for any input received.

2019, but the price sounds high. But, my dealer offered me 36k for my 19 back in July, with close to the same miles. I had a '20 Pilot - never again!

 

[wjfyfe]

This is all perfectly reasonable for CURRENT existing owners of the 6-speed.
However, the thread is about a PROSPECTIVE future owner deciding between two similar used Ridgelines, one with a 6-speed and one with a 9-speed.

Given the OP's two stated options, wouldn't the most reasonable advice be to purchase the 9-speed over the 6-speed?
I don't see a compelling reason to opt for the truck with higher than expected transmission issues/failures.

Why deal with potential concern/anxiety over this known issue, the possible need to 'over-maintain' the vehicle, or uncertainty with how the transmission was maintained during the first ~20K miles...if there is a very similar alternative available in the 2020 model, that doesn't come with all of this "baggage"?

Due to this type of anecdotal fear mongering, I was compelled into collecting my own real time, documented, data on our transmission, where I have found to date little to no evidence to support any reason to fear our 2019 transmission. I could even go so far as to say that it has been a waste of my time, and resources, where I could have easily done without the apparently unnecessarily created anxiety.
Bill

 

[longboat]

One could say that

Due to this type of anecdotal fear mongering, I was compelled into collecting my own real time, documented, data on our transmission, where I have found to date little to no evidence to support any reason to fear our 2019 transmission. I could even go so far as to say that it has been a waste of my time, and resources, where I could have easily done without the apparently unnecessarily created anxiety.
Bill

One could say that about most things discussed on the internet.

 

[stevem5215]

I've said it all along, if you read any of the car groups that you might be considering buying a car in, you won't buy any car. They are all JUNK on the groups. And it's been like that since we had USENET before forum software. It doesn't matter. Everyone who has issues post things up. Those who don't never reply. Me included. My Ridgeline has never been repaired for anything. New tires yes, alignment that was off from factory done for new tires but that's preventative maint and not really broken. All my broken stuff has "fixed" itself for some odd reason. Yeah, I had the gas tank cover recall done but that was painless and took about an hour at the dealer. They didn't try to hit me for anything else to repair or work on. All cars show up on the forums as junk. What we need to look for is overwhelming problems that occur in the groups. That can help to sway a decision on whether or not a car is worth taking a risk on. With used cars it's easy as you see the problems. With new cars not so easy as no one has experienced the problems yet. Risks both ways. And warranties are only as good as the dealer and manufacturer fixing them long term.

 

[longboat]

I've said it all along, if you read any of the car groups that you might be considering buying a car in, you won't buy any car. They are all JUNK on the groups. And it's been like that since we had USENET before forum software. It doesn't matter. Everyone who has issues post things up. Those who don't never reply. Me included. My Ridgeline has never been repaired for anything. New tires yes, alignment that was off from factory done for new tires but that's preventative maint and not really broken. All my broken stuff has "fixed" itself for some odd reason. Yeah, I had the gas tank cover recall done but that was painless and took about an hour at the dealer. They didn't try to hit me for anything else to repair or work on. All cars show up on the forums as junk. What we need to look for is overwhelming problems that occur in the groups. That can help to sway a decision on whether or not a car is worth taking a risk on. With used cars it's easy as you see the problems. With new cars not so easy as no one has experienced the problems yet. Risks both ways. And warranties are only as good as the dealer and manufacturer fixing them long term.

I'm taking my '19 to the dealer for the first time next month, to get the hood latch recall done, and R/R an LED on one of my lighted running boards before the 3/36 runs out.

 

[22RTLE]

I would gladly take the front sensors off my 2022, they are horrible. I never go a whole day without an oncoming car on a two lane road sending my brake warning on and shaking the wheel.

If you haven't already, change the setting for the collision mitigation from "normal" to "short". I had the same gripe as you and changing that cleared up 90% of the brake and shake warnings. Still does it once and a while but not nearly as bad.

 

[zroger73]

That setting is actually "Forward Collision Warning Distance". You can't change the Collision Mitigation Braking System distance - that feature is either on or off and if you turn it off it will turn back on the next time the vehicle is restarted.

 

[bluegrass]

Due to this type of anecdotal fear mongering,

What "anecdotal fear mongering" are you referring to?
Is it not prudent & relevant for forum members to report the number of 6-speed (56) and 9-speed (2) failures experienced?
Wouldn't it be reasonable for people to utilize this data when making a used vehicle purchase decision?

 

[Pleease]

I am preety happy after 3 years (2019 rtl). I know every brand has problems. I know a guy (here we go, but I actually do) who bought several vehicles from VROOM / Carvana. He returned a few due to some unknown issues but told me the warranty is better than any dealer. Finally settled into BMW AUDI and Toyota and is happy with all three. I usually by new every 12 - 15 years whether I need it or not

Me too - happy after almost exactly 3 years. Had a 2007 Ridgeline for about 8 years before that (now my son in law's).

For our uses there's no competing truck that does everything so well. We have four grown kids with their own places plus a modest lake cabin an hour away, and with the trunk I can keep tools with me to fix/help with projects with no hassle. Plus the Ridgeline is not intimidating to operate for people who aren't used to big pickup trucks, so my wife is comfortable just hopping in it for an errand, etc., and my kids and even neighbor can borrow it to carry furniture, mulch, etc., very easily.

Interesting info about the Vroom/Carvana warranty - didn't realize that.

 

[fish4title]

Hello, This is my first post and I'm hoping to get some purchase advice. I've nailed my search to 2 Ridgelines, a 2020 RTL with 24000 miles, and a 2019 RTL-E with 17500 miles. The asking price for each vehicle is very close, about $34,500. I'm leaning toward the 2019 due to it having blindside monitoring and NAV. Are there any other pro's and con's to each??? Thanks in advance for any input received.

I'd buy new in todays market of over priced used cars. I live in California ( the land of getting screwed by companies and gov) I bought a Black Edition slightly below sticker. The Honda lots were full and I told them I wouldn't pay over sticker nor would I pay for any add-ons. Had two dealer bidding for my business. 2022 were a couple grand below sticker. Just my opinion and I love this truck!

 

[matt1m]

If you haven't already, change the setting for the collision mitigation from "normal" to "short". I had the same gripe as you and changing that cleared up 90% of the brake and shake warnings. Still does it once and a while but not nearly as bad.

I have it on short, still does it like you said. The only thing that works well is rear cross traffic alert. Thank you for trying to help though.

 

[HistorianX]

Hello,
This is my first post and I'm hoping to get some purchase advice. I've nailed my search to 2 Ridgelines, a 2020 RTL with 24000 miles, and a 2019 RTL-E with 17500 miles.

Look for a 2020+ RTL-E with low miles. You may pay a little more, but the value in what you're getting is a lot more: you get the 9 speed (a HUGE improvement over the problematic dated slushbox 6) and other important safety and other features. Have had mine for almost three years and love it--and even MORE happy that I held out for the 2020 rather than accept a good deal on a 2019.

IMO you're wasting your money and time for even considering a 2019 or older.

 

[Apex]

The issue is the over boosted used market. Pre-Covid, it was possible to find a decent early second gen for $20-30k. This made sense as most first gen trucks were well below 20k and a new ridgelines were in the high 30s. Fast forward to early 2022 and older second gen ridgelines were selling for 30-35k, sometimes higher. When you are only seeing a 5-10k difference from brand new, issues like the older transmission cannot be overlooked.

I would have happily bought a used 2017-2019 rl and even taken a chance on the transmission for the right Price.

 

[Pleease]

Look for a 2020+ RTL-E with low miles. You may pay a little more, but the value in what you're getting is a lot more: you get the 9 speed (a HUGE improvement over the problematic dated slushbox 6) and other important safety and other features. Have had mine for almost three years and love it--and even MORE happy that I held out for the 2020 rather than accept a good deal on a 2019.

IMO you're wasting your money and time for even considering a 2019 or older.

The 9 speed is definitely less risky, per the numbers, but a "HUGE" improvement, operationally? I haven't driven one, but I don't get that impression from comments here. Could be wrong about that, but my 6 speed is quick and smooth. Hope I don't have to get a transmission rebuilt, obviously, but if the worst happens I can peel the $ off the wad saved on my Ridgeline in November 2019.

 

[ReefHound]

Another vote here for the 2020, especially at the same price. Seems like the 2019 should be cheaper. Low miles is good but at some point has less impact. A difference of 7k on a 3-4 yr old model has little meaning. The 2019 is likely out of warranty and the 2020 likely has very little left. The extra features of the RTL-E are the wildcard. You may greatly desire them or they might not matter to you. If they mattered all that much I doubt you would have even looked at an RTL though. Some of them, like lighting, can be had with aftermarket mods. Others, like in-bed audio or nav, are not really feasible. They might be doable but at rather significant cost and effort.

 

[Apex]

The 9 speed is definitely less risky, per the numbers, but a "HUGE" improvement, operationally? I haven't driven one, but I don't get that impression from comments here. Could be wrong about that, but my 6 speed is quick and smooth. Hope I don't have to get a transmission rebuilt, obviously, but if the worst happens I can peel the $ off the wad saved on my Ridgeline in November 2019.

Operationally, no the 9 speed is not hugely better. For just regular driving I actually think the 6 spd is better. But the 9 speed does have the deeper 1st gear, a s-mode and manual paddle controls. So reliability aside, I would still say the zf9 does have an advantage.