How long does a 2007 Honda Ridgeline engine last?
A well-maintained 2007 Honda Ridgeline engine can last 200,000 miles or more, with many examples reaching 250,000–300,000 miles or beyond. Longevity depends on upkeep, driving habits, and operating conditions.
Engine design and durability
The 2007 Ridgeline uses Honda's 3.5-liter V6 (J35A). It relies on a timing chain rather than a belt, a design choice that often supports longer service life when properly maintained. Honda’s V6 family is widely recognized for reliability when routine maintenance is kept up.
What affects engine longevity
Several factors influence how long any engine lasts. Here’s what tends to make a difference for the Ridgeline’s V6:
- Maintenance quality: regular oil changes with the correct grade, timely filter changes, and following service schedules are the biggest drivers of longevity.
- Driving conditions: highway cruising and light towing are typically easier on engines than frequent short trips, heavy towing, and aggressive driving.
- Climate and operating environment: extreme cold or heat, dusty conditions, and salty roads can accelerate wear and corrosion.
- Component health: cooling system, spark plugs, fuel/air system, and the transmission influence overall engine stress when neglected.
In addition to routine maintenance, address cooling and lubrication system issues promptly. A well-kept cooling system prevents overheating, which is a common cause of accelerated engine wear over time.
Expected mileage milestones
To illustrate typical outcomes, consider how mileage tends to accumulate in the field. The following milestones reflect observed patterns among 2007 Ridgelines with solid maintenance records:
- Around 100,000 miles: routine maintenance keeps the engine running smoothly if oil, coolant, and belts/hoses are replaced as needed.
- Around 150,000–200,000 miles: many examples reach this range when oil changes and coolant service are kept up; engine performance remains strong with only minor wear symptoms.
- 200,000–250,000 miles: with consistent maintenance and careful highway use, some engines pass the 200k mark and continue reliably.
- 250,000 miles and above: a minority of vehicles demonstrate 300,000 miles or more, but this level of longevity depends on meticulous maintenance and favorable operating history.
Note that these figures are illustrative ranges based on owner reports and aggregated data, not guarantees for any single vehicle.
Maintenance practices to maximize longevity
Proactive care is the best defense against early engine failure. The following practices are commonly recommended for the 2007 Ridgeline’s V6:
- Follow Honda’s maintenance schedule, use the recommended fluids and parts, and consider synthetic oil if appropriate for your driving profile.
- Change engine oil and filter at the intervals suggested in the owner’s manual; many owners opt for 5,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil.
- Keep the cooling system in good shape: coolant flushes at recommended intervals, radiator hoses and clamps checked, and the water pump inspected during major service.
- Inspect and replace spark plugs around the suggested mileage (often near 100,000 miles for many V6 Honda engines) to maintain efficiency and reduce misfires.
- Monitor for leaks and address oil, coolant, or fuel leaks promptly to prevent long-term damage.
- Maintain the transmission and rear differential as advised, since transmission health is closely tied to engine stress in daily use.
By staying ahead of wear and keeping components in good condition, the Ridgeline’s V6 can avoid common failure modes that shorten engine life.
What owners notice in real-world terms
Owners who document their Ridgeline experiences often point to consistent maintenance, careful highway use, and proactive addressing of small issues as the differentiators in long-term reliability. Some report 250,000 miles or more with the original engine intact, though results vary based on upkeep and usage.
Summary
The 2007 Honda Ridgeline’s 3.5-liter V6 is widely regarded as durable, capable of lasting well beyond 200,000 miles with disciplined maintenance. Its longevity is primarily driven by oil changes, cooling system upkeep, and avoiding severe engine stresses from neglect or harsh driving. While no engine is immortal, the Ridgeline’s powertrain has a strong track record of longevity in real-world use when cared for properly.
Practical tips for current owners and potential buyers
For those evaluating a used 2007 Ridgeline, obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine condition, cooling system health, and transmission status. A documented maintenance history and current diagnostic results can provide a reliable read on expected remaining engine life.
How much does it cost to replace the engine in a Honda Ridgeline?
The best part is, our Honda Ridgeline Remanufactured Engines start from as little as $4,929.99. When it comes to your Honda Ridgeline, you want parts and products from only trusted brands.
How many miles will a 2007 Honda Ridgeline go?
A 2007 Honda Ridgeline can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more, with many owners reporting well over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. The engine is known for its reliability, but factors like consistent maintenance, especially on the transmission fluid, rust protection, and timely timing belt replacement are crucial for achieving a long life.
Factors affecting longevity
- Maintenance is key: Regularly changing the engine oil and transmission fluid is one of the most important factors for achieving a high-mileage life.
- Rust protection: Rust can be a major issue, particularly with the subframes and suspension, so managing rust is crucial for safety and longevity.
- Timing belt: The timing belt is a critical component. While the engine is durable, the timing belt needs to be replaced as part of its maintenance schedule to prevent major engine damage.
- Engine and transmission: The engine is generally reliable, but some owners have reported issues like oil consumption or valve train noise as the vehicle ages. The transmission is also a key component that requires regular fluid changes. However, some sources warn against changing the transmission fluid on a high-mileage transmission if it has never been done before, suggesting it could cause issues.
- Other components: Other parts like alternators, starters, and catalytic converters can fail, but the core engine is very durable.
Achieving maximum lifespan
- Follow the maintenance schedule: Adhere to Honda's recommended service intervals, especially for the timing belt and transmission fluid.
- Address rust proactively: Regularly inspect for and treat any signs of rust to prevent structural damage.
- Use a good mechanic: Having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle and perform maintenance can help catch potential problems early.
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.
Is 2007 a good year for Honda Ridgeline?
Yes, the 2007 Honda Ridgeline is a good truck for those with average needs, praised for its reliability, comfort, and car-like ride, though it's not ideal for heavy-duty work. It excels as a daily driver and in bad weather due to its standard all-wheel-drive system, but has lower towing and payload capacities compared to many traditional trucks.
You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of owning a Honda Ridgeline: 58sRandom Stuff with JoeYouTube · May 11, 2025
Strengths
- Reliability: The 2007 Ridgeline has a very high reliability rating and owners report low maintenance costs over time.
- Comfort: It offers a comfortable, spacious, and car-like ride, making it excellent for daily driving and long road trips.
- Handling: Its VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system provides excellent handling and stability, especially in adverse conditions like snow and ice.
- Functional design: It features a unique, lockable, and weatherproof trunk under the bed, and a dual-action tailgate that can open like a regular tailgate or swing open like a door.
Weaknesses
- Off-road and towing: The Ridgeline is not built for serious off-roading, and its towing (5,000 lbs) and payload (1,500 lbs) capacities are lower than many traditional trucks.
- Performance: Some owners note that it can feel underpowered on steep hills, and its fuel economy is not outstanding.
- Dated features: The audio system and other interior features may seem dated compared to newer vehicles.
Who is it good for?
- The 2007 Honda Ridgeline is an excellent choice if you need a reliable daily driver with truck-like utility for light hauling and cargo, and prioritize comfort and all-weather capability over heavy-duty performance.
- It is not a good choice if your primary needs involve heavy towing, serious off-roading, or high-payload hauling.
