If you’re dealing with a wet floor or a musty smell in your truck, you’re not alone. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline water leak is a well-known issue that many owners face, even years later. This guide will help you find the source and implement a lasting fix in 2023, using updated information and proven solutions.
Water inside your cabin isn’t just an annoyance. It can lead to mold, electrical problems, and a ruined interior. The good news is that the most common leaks are often repairable at home with some patience and basic tools.
2017 Honda Ridgeline Water Leak
The primary culprit for water intrusion in this model year almost always traces back to a few specific spots. Honda issued technical service bulletins (TSBs) for some, but others became clear as owners shared their experiences. We’ll cover them all.
Most Common Leak Sources
Before you start taking things apart, it’s helpful to know where to look. Here are the usual suspects, in order of likelihood:
* Third Brake Light: The most frequent offender. The seal on the high-mounted brake light on the back of the cab fails, letting water run down the inside of the rear window and into the headliner and cabin.
* Rear Window Seal: The seal around the entire rear window can degrade or was improperly installed, allowing water to seep in around the edges.
* Roof Antenna Base: The seal under the shark-fin antenna on the roof can crack, letting water into the headliner above the front seats.
* Door Vapor Barriers: The plastic sheets behind the door panels can come unglued, allowing water that enters the door to leak into the cabin instead of draining out the bottom.
* Sunroof Drains: If equipped, the sunroof’s drain tubes can get clogged with debris, causing water to overflow into the headliner and pillars.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
You won’t need many specialty tools. Here’s a basic list to have ready:
* A hose with a spray nozzle or a large container of water
* A flashlight or work light
* Trim removal tools (plastic pry tools)
* Phillips head and socket set
* Clean, dry towels or shop rags
* Silicone sealant (clear, automotive-grade is best)
* Butyl tape or new vapor barrier sealant
* Compressed air (for clearing drains)
Step-by-Step Leak Diagnosis
Finding the exact entry point is the most important step. Don’t guess—test.
1. Dry Everything: Start with a completely dry interior. Soak up any standing water and use fans to dry carpets and seats as much as possible.
2. The Helper Method: Have a friend sit inside the truck with the flashlight. Close all doors and windows.
3. Systematic Soaking: Start spraying water on one area of the truck at a time. Focus on one potential source for at least 2-3 minutes.
4. Observe: Your helper needs to watch for the first sign of water dripping or running inside. Start with the third brake light area, then the top of the rear window, then the antenna, then the sunroof area, and finally along door seams.
5. Mark the Spot: When water appears, try to trace its path upward. Water can travel along wires or framework before dripping, so the drip point isn’t always the entry point.
Fixing the Third Brake Light Leak
This is the fix most 2017 Ridgeline owners will need. The original foam seal compresses and fails.
1. Open the tailgate and remove the two plastic covers on the inside of the cab to access the brake light nuts.
2. Use a socket to remove the two 10mm nuts holding the light assembly in place from the inside.
3. Gently push the light assembly outward from inside the cab. You can now grab it from the outside and pull it out, disconnecting the electrical plug.
4. Remove all the old, crumbling foam seal from the light housing and clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.
5. Apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant where the old foam was. You can also use a pre-cut foam tape seal, but silicone is often more reliable.
6. Re-install the light, reconnect the plug, and tighten the nuts. Don’t overtighten, as you can crack the housing.
7. Let the silicone cure for at least 24 hours before testing with water again.
Fixing the Rear Window Seal Leak
If water is coming in around the glass edges, the sealant between the window and the body has failed.
1. Remove the interior trim panel around the rear window. This involves careful prying to remove plastic clips.
2. Perform your water test again with the trim off to confirm the exact leak spot along the window edge.
3. Dry the area thoroughly. From inside the cab, you’ll see the backside of the window sealant.
4. Apply a liberal bead of automotive window urethane or silicone sealant along the leaking section of the seam from the inside. You’re essentially creating a new seal from behind.
5. Smooth it with a finger dipped in soapy water to ensure good contact. For severe leaks, a professional window reseal or replacement might be the best long-term solution.
Clearing the Roof Antenna Leak
A leak here shows as wetness near the front of the headliner or the sun visors.
1. Carefully pry up the antenna base cover. It is held by clips.
2. You will see one or more bolts holding the antenna module. Remove them.
3. Lift the antenna and check the rubber gasket underneath. It’s often cracked or flattened.
4. Replace the gasket with a new one (Honda part) or clean the area and apply a ring of silicone sealant around the antenna base before re-installing.
5. Tighten the bolts snugly and snap the cover back on.
Checking Door Vapor Barriers and Drains
If your carpets are wet along the sides, check the doors.
1. Remove the door panel. This usually involves removing a few screws and then prying the panel away from the clips.
2. Inspect the large plastic vapor barrier. If it’s peeling away, water running inside the door will leak into your cabin.
3. Re-seal it using butyl tape or new sealant. Press firmly to ensure a complete seal around the entire edge.
4. While the panel is off, check the drain holes at the bottom of the door. Poke them clear with a screwdriver to ensure water can escape.
For sunroof drains, locate the drain tubes (typically at the front corners of the sunroof opening). Gently blow compressed air through them or use a long, flexible brush to clear debris. Pour a small amount of water into the drain channel to confirm it flows out behind the front wheels.
Drying Out and Preventing Mold
After fixing the leak, you must dry the interior completely to prevent mold.
* Remove as much moisture as possible with a wet/dry vacuum.
* Use fans and a dehumidifier inside the cab for at least 24-48 hours.
* Lift the carpet if possible to dry the padding underneath. This foam holds water longer than anything.
* Consider using a mold-inhibiting spray designed for automotive interiors on the affected areas.
When to Call a Professional
While these fixes are DIY-friendly, some situations need a pro:
* If the leak source remains elusive after thorough testing.
* If the rear window seal leak is extensive and the window needs full removal.
* If you discover significant mold growth or electrical damage.
* If you’re not comfortable removing interior trim or handling sealants.
A good auto glass shop or body shop has the experience to diagnose and seal leaks quickly.
FAQs: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Leak Problems
Q: Is there a recall for the 2017 Honda Ridgeline water leak?
A: No, there is no official safety recall. However, Honda did issue Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 17-091, which addressed wind noise and potential water leaks at the rear window for some 2017-2019 Ridgelines. It’s worth asking a dealer to check your VIN against this TSB.
Q: Why is my Ridgeline floor wet only on the passenger side?
A: This often points to a clogged sunroof drain (if equipped) or the HVAC drain tube. The HVAC drain can clog, causing condensation from the A/C to back up into the passenger footwell. Locate the drain tube under the vehicle and clear it with a pipe cleaner.
Q: Can these leaks cause electrical issues?
A: Absolutely. Water running down the inside of the rear window can reach wiring harnesses and connectors behind the trim panels, leading to shorts, malfunctioning sensors, or other gremlins. Thorough drying and checking connectors for corrosion is crucial.
Q: I fixed the third brake light, but my headliner is still damp. Why?
A: The headliner foam acts like a sponge and holds water for a long time. It can take days of active drying (fans, dehumidifier) to fully dry out. Also, water may have traveled along the roof frame from another leak point, like the antenna.
Q: Are newer Ridgeline models still having these problems?
A: Reports suggest Honda improved sealing in later model years, particularly around the rear window. However, the third brake light and antenna base remain potential weak points on any vehicle with similar designs. Regular inspection is a good idea.
Dealing with a water leak can be frustrating, but a methodical approach will solve it. Start with the simple tests, focus on the most common points of failure, and take your time with the repairs. With the leak sealed and the interior properly dried, your 2017 Ridgeline can return to being the dependable, dry truck it was meant to be.