According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is also aware of early warning reports. However, the exact number of these reports remains undisclosed. The preliminary evaluation with the code PE24-004 focuses on the Honda Ridgeline models manufactured between 2020 and 2023.
If the ongoing investigation leads to a safety recall, American Honda Motor Co. might have to recall approximately 156,827 units produced during the mentioned model years. On the NHTSA’s website, there are 27 complaints from vehicle owners detailing that the infotainment system displays a black screen instead of the rearview camera image when shifting into reverse.
Why does this issue occur? Many of the aforementioned complaints attribute the problem to damage in the tailgate wire harness. This damage seems to be a result of normal usage of the tailgate. When the wire harness is damaged, it disrupts the connection between the rearview camera and the touchscreen, causing the noncompliance. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 section S5.5.3, the rearview image must be displayed within 2 seconds of initiating the backing event.
This is not the first time that the ODI has investigated the Honda Ridgeline regarding backup camera problems. Two years ago, the investigation focused on the 2017 to 2018 models of the Ridgeline, following 42 complaints and an undisclosed number of early warning reports. After nine months, Honda issued a recall for 117,445 units of the 2017 to 2019 Ridgeline models.
Honda has identified two causes for the damaged wire harness. Firstly, the protective corrugated tubing and harness guide were found to be inadequate in providing optimal protection during the opening and closing of the tailgate. Secondly, the zip tie used to secure the tubing and guide was not properly tightened. Honda claims that improvements were made to the tailgate harness assembly and inspection process after the November 2022 recall. However, considering the ongoing investigation into the 2020 to 2023 models, it remains uncertain if these improvements are sufficient.
The tailgate wiring harness for the 2017 to 2019 Honda Ridgeline is supplied by APTIV US LLC, located in Troy, Michigan. As of November 17, 2022, Honda’s American division has received 3,437 warranty claims related to this issue, spanning from December 2017 to October 2022. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage, injuries, or any other serious incidents associated with this condition.
It is unclear whether the 2020 and newer Honda Ridgeline models utilize the same part, which is identified by the part number 32109-T6Z-A000 in Honda’s parts system. If your Ridgeline experiences a black screen on the infotainment display when shifting into reverse, it is advisable to contact your nearest dealership and reference this preliminary evaluation and the November 2022 safety recall.
The Ridgeline has been put together in Lincoln, Alabama, since 2008 at Honda Manufacturing Alabama, which has over 4,500 employees. Alongside the unibody truck, the plant in Alabama also manufactures the Pilot three-row crossover, the two-row Passport, and the Odyssey minivan, which share similar technical specifications. All of these vehicles are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is manufactured at Honda’s Alabama facility too.
According to the Source autoevolution.com