Why does my 2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline shudder at 20 to 60 mph?

Short answer: A shudder that feels like driving over rumble strips at light throttle, usually around 20–60 mph, is a known Ridgeline issue with the torque converter lock-up clutch (the clutch inside the torque converter that locks it at cruising speed). Honda's bulletin fixes most cases with a software update and transmission fluid flushes. If the 'D' on the dash flashes and you get code P0741, Honda extended warranty coverage on the torque converter.

Symptom: A light vibration or shudder at steady low-throttle cruising, often 20–60 mph, sometimes a flashing D on the gear display and a check-engine light.

What to check first

1. Note the speed and throttle when it happens, so the dealer can reproduce it.
2. Ask a Honda dealer about bulletin 17-026 (software and fluid flushes) and warranty extension 23-078 (torque converter).
3. Watch for a flashing D on the dash and have the codes read. P0741 points to the torque converter.
4. Keep your service records. The extension depends on time and miles from the original sale.

Likely causes

1. Transmission fluid breaking down under heat. Honda bulletin 17-026 says the judder comes from fluid that has deteriorated, and the torque converter is not damaged. The fix is a software update plus three fluid flushes with Honda ATF DW-1.
2. Cracked torque converter lock-up piston. Honda bulletin 23-078 says a crack in the lock-up piston can cause a flashing D and P0741, and extends torque converter coverage.

What it usually costs

Covered under the bulletins and warranty extension if your truck qualifies. Honda's 23-078 extension covers the torque converter for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Usually drivable for a short time, but a flashing D means the transmission has detected a fault, so get it in soon. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Dealer. The software update needs Honda's tools, and the repairs may be covered.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No safety recall covers the judder.
• Honda bulletin 17-026: for judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch. Dealers update the software and flush the fluid three times with Honda ATF DW-1. Honda says the converter itself is not damaged in these cases.
• Honda warranty extension 23-078 (2017–2019 Ridgeline, 2017–2018 Pilot): a crack in the torque converter lock-up piston can cause a flashing D and code P0741. The torque converter is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase. If your truck qualifies, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 60 keyword-matched complaints for Honda Ridgeline 2017–2019 (of 741 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-17; keywords: judder, shudder, vibrat, torque converter, shake).

What owners report

• Ridgeline Owners Club has a thread on TSB 17-025 and 17-026, judder from the torque converter lock-up clutch, where owners compare how their trucks drove after the update and flushes.
• Another owner posted about 2018 Ridgeline RTL transmission judder on the same forum.

My take

My advice as a former finance manager: if you're buying a used 2017–2019 Ridgeline, look up the original sale date. The 10-year torque converter coverage counts from that date, not from when you buy it.

Vehicle focus: 2017–2019 Honda Ridgeline.

Safety / mechanic note

A flashing D means the transmission has logged a fault. Verify with a mechanic.