Does the 2017 Honda Ridgeline have cylinder deactivation?
Yes. The 2017 Ridgeline uses Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) on its 3.5-liter V6 to deactivate three cylinders during light-load highway cruising, improving efficiency.
Engine and VCM basics
The Ridgeline's powertrain centers on a 3.5-liter V6 in the J35 family, paired with a 6-speed automatic. This engine includes Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which allows three cylinders to deactivate when the engine operates under light load—typically at steady highway speeds—to save fuel and reduce emissions.
How VCM operates in everyday driving
When cruising at a steady pace and with low throttle input, the engine's control system activates VCM to switch the engine into a 3-cylinder mode. If you accelerate or demand more power, the system reactivates the remaining cylinders automatically, usually with minimal perceptible change in power or smoothness.
Notes for drivers
VCM is designed to operate automatically; there is no routine consumer control to disable it on most 2017 Ridgeline models. Some drivers may notice a brief change in engine sound during the transition between 6- and 3-cylinder operation, but overall the system aims to be transparent.
Availability across trims and model year context
For the 2017 Ridgeline, the 3.5-liter V6 with VCM is the standard powertrain across trims; there is no separate VCM-off option. The feature aligns with Honda's broader use of cylinder deactivation across its V6 lineup for improved highway fuel economy.
Summary
In sum, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline does have cylinder deactivation through Honda's Variable Cylinder Management technology. It automatically reduces the engine from six cylinders to three during light-load highway driving, aiding fuel economy, and then reactivates cylinders as needed. The system is designed to be unobtrusive and user-transparent, with no common consumer control to disable it.
What year to stay away from Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are primarily 2006, 2017, and 2018-2019, due to significant engine and transmission issues. The 2006 model is linked to a specific cylinder failure problem, while the 2017-2019 models suffered from transmission, torque converter, and fuel injector problems, especially on certain trims.
This video discusses reasons to avoid the Honda Ridgeline, including its design and off-road capability: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
First generation (2006-2014)
- 2006: Prone to engine failure in the fourth cylinder, often occurring around 100,000 miles.
- 2006: Other issues include problems with the engine, interior accessories like the gauge cluster, and exterior paint clear coat fading or peeling.
Second generation (2017-present)
- 2017-2019: These model years are known for issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter failure.
- 2017-2019: Also reported to have failed fuel injectors, which can impact fuel efficiency and performance.
- 2017: Specifically, the 2017 model year had a higher frequency of fuel injector failures.
- 2020: While 2020 was the first year of the new ZF 9-speed automatic transmission, some sources still cite concerns and note that the 2020 model year was part of a lawsuit concerning the transmission's programming, according to ClassAction.org.
What is the recall on the 2017 Honda Ridgeline engine?
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Does the Honda Ridgeline have cylinder deactivation?
Yes, the Honda Ridgeline has cylinder deactivation, which is part of its Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system. This technology automatically shuts off three of the V6 engine's cylinders during light acceleration and cruising to improve fuel efficiency.
You can watch this video to learn more about how Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system works, including its function of shutting down cylinders: 59sCampingRandyYouTube · Jul 22, 2021
- How it works: When not under heavy load, the VCM system deactivates the rear bank of cylinders by shutting off their fuel injectors and stopping their valve operation, allowing the engine to run on only three cylinders.
- When it's active: The system engages during conditions like highway cruising or light acceleration when full power is not needed.
- Re-engaging cylinders: When you need more power, all six cylinders are immediately engaged again.
- Engine features: The Ridgeline's 3.5-liter V6 engine also includes direct fuel injection and i-VTEC technology, which work alongside the VCM system to balance performance and efficiency.
- Noticeable effects: While Honda uses technology like active engine mounts to smooth out the ride, you may still feel a slight vibration when the system is active.
What year did Honda Ridgelines have VCM?
And also the J35Z1. Which is on the 2006 to 2008 Honda Pilot vcm version one starts with sixcylinder.
