There should have been a footnote somewhere in Honda's information that states that the "resume from stop"* function is not applicable to the Ridgeline, Pilot, Passport, etc., as these models do not have a VSS system capable of working below 31mph, or whatever the cutoff is.

IOW, your Ridgeline is working as designed. If Honda is actually advertising that ALL Honda models with Safety Sensing can "resume from stop"* with no footnotes or caveats, then a very good lawyer might be able to make a case for you based on false advertising.

Good Luck!

* i don't recall what the actual phrasing for the function is called, but that should get us in the ballpark!

 

Here's a screenshot of the entire page. It's very clear this Truck is advertised as having ACC with the capability of slowing to a stop with no reference otherwise. Also, webarchive has the pages saved and it hasn't been updated for over a month. Many new Ridgeline owners could be affected by this apparent mistake. I know that I am, I just purchased a $42k truck that may not have the feature that was advertises and the primary reason of purchasing this specific vehicle.

Anyways I love the Ridgeline besides this "small" (but costly) issue, hopefully Honda will be willing to properly remedy it somehow someway without having to get an attorney.

 

Anyways I love the Ridgeline besides this "small" (but costly) issue, hopefully Honda will be willing to properly remedy it somehow someway without having to get an attorney.

Well, now that you've got your RL and understand how it really works (hard to understand why you didn't test this 'priority for you' item during a test drive?) .... one might ask: "What do you imagine as a 'proper remedy' for your ill-considered (IMO*) buying decision?"


*IMO because caveat emptor means conducting due diligence before making a purchase

"...which I am sure Honda will fix or compensate appropriately for..."

@zroger73, will be able to advise you on how much compensation you can expect from Honda.

?

 

I do see an asterisk next to the ACC, as well as the RDM. The asterisk is telling you that you need to read more about it than they have room to print in that marketing blurb.

Not telling you that you don't have a case, but that asterisk is going to make it extremely difficult.

IMO, if i were very interested in ACC to the point that i would base a significant buying decision on the feature, i would read all of the good and bad points about the system (one of the bad points being that it is not available on Honda's light trucks) prior to purchase. Not defending Honda here, just caveat emptor.

 

I totally see what your saying, they will need to compensate in some way or fashion. Here's the underlying code showing the disclaimer. There is nothing on the page that says otherwise and the average customer is not going to inspect the page. Also, the dealership confirmed the 2020 has "ACC with low-speed follow" (so it seems some dealers may be misinformed as well).

Also the press release seems to contain that mention as well, here's one example: 2020 Honda Ridgeline Upgraded With 9-Speed Automatic And More

Attaching screenshot showing code with disclaimer for asterisk.

I do want to say that I mean no ill-intent to Honda and I absolutely LOVE the truck besides this issue, which I am sure Honda will fix or compensate appropriately for. I am happy to join the Ridgeline community for the foreseeable future.

 

Honda's site has been horribly managed and updated as of late. I’ve DM'ed them on Twitter and sent emails on several occasions for features that are broken or inaccurate information. They need to pay attention to this stuff, now more than ever. OP's error is a prime example of why it’s so important.

/rant

 

"...which I am sure Honda will fix or compensate appropriately for..."

@zroger73, will be able to advise you on how much compensation you can expect from Honda.

 

@zroger73, will be able to advise you on how much compensation you can expect from Honda.

Some early 2017 Ridgelines incorrectly advertised walk-away auto locking on the Monroney label on models not so equipped. Honda gave owners a $100 credit good at Honda dealers.

Some 2017 CR-V EX-L owners were able to to get a $300 credit from Honda after complaining about HD Radio missing from their non-navigation models even though this feature was advertised on Honda's website and in printed literature.

I've never known of Honda to compensate owners for an error that existed only on their website.

This wasn't a $500 purchase, this was a $42,000 purchase and because of that Honda WILL compensate in some way, I promise you that. If I have to pay an attorney, so be it but I have faith Honda will rectify this without going to that step.

Good luck. Honda's US legal department alone covers six acres.

 

I am not going to make comments on that until I speak with Honda, however I know it's a $42,000 liability. Who's to say if I test drove it or not, or perhaps I wasn't able to definitely confirm due to coronavirus and a stay-at-home order in my state. That's one reason I posted here to begin with to understand if it's true that it lacks the advertised feature or not. The main point here is that the advertising materials for the vehicle I purchased not only specifically says it has the capability but the dealership also confirmed that. I made a $42,000 purchase decision based on that information. As mentioned above, there could be a warranty extension, there could be an offer to replace with a 2021 equivalent trim if it fixes the issue at hand, there's the potential for monetary compensation since I purchased the truck with a certified check (same as cash).

I suspect neither you nor I are attorneys or legal scholars, but we know where this could go especially if hundreds or thousands of people were under that false impression from Honda's website.

Here’s a snapshot of North Carolina’s laws regarding deceptive advertising:

North Carolina General Statutes § 14-117: Makes it unlawful to use advertisements that contain untrue, deceptive, or misleading statements.
North Carolina General Statutes § 75-1.1: States that unfair or deceptive acts are unlawful.

Possible Penalties
Some of the penalties that fraudulent or deceptive advertisers may suffer in North Carolina include:

• Restraining order or Injunction (North Carolina General Statutes § 75-14);
• The return of money or property acquired by the unlawful advertising (North Carolina General Statutes § 75-15.1);
• Up to $5,000 per violation of the law against unfair or deceptive acts (North Carolina General Statutes § 75-15.2);
• Three times the amount of Actual damages (North Carolina General Statutes § 75-16);
• The cost of reasonable attorney’s fees of the person suing, if the advertiser acted willfully (North Carolina General Statutes § 75-16.1).

Source: North Carolina | Truth In Advertising

 

 

View attachment 401067

Yes, thank you for posting information that was already shared above in my screenshot of the code. Your description shows a perfectly valid argument of how that could be misleading advertising, don't you think? You just hit the nail on the coffin. How much more misleading could that be? Now add the fact that the dealership backed up the information that the 2020 had a new 9 speed transmission and "adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow". See the problem?

To emphasize how confusing that is one simply needs to re-read it. The main blurb says ACC is designed to slow and stop your vehicle. Yes, of course if you're traveling at high speed and there is an abrupt stop or completely stopped vehicle it is your responsibility to prevent a collision. That pop-up clarifies nothing and only adds to the confusion. "ACC only includes a limited braking function" - that doesn't tell much except perhaps it can't brake from 60-0 in the same time as a driver could by slamming down the brake pedal. Again that does not change the fact that they are and HAVE been advertising that "ACC is designed to slow and stop your vehicle."

I am not sure why several are adamant about trying to prove me wrong here but the cold reality is Honda is creating a liability and others like @TNTA2 agree. I am not the only one here who feels like that. This wasn't a $500 purchase, this was a $42,000 purchase and because of that Honda WILL compensate in some way, I promise you that. If I have to pay an attorney, so be it but I have faith Honda will rectify this without going to that step. Be part of the solution or move on. Maybe Honda will take advertising material more seriously after this.

 

I agree it's misleading,but I was told that if you get really close to something the truck will actually stop to prevent an accident, not that it's a function for daily driving; and that would make your case much harder to win, based on the asterisk.
I just think Honda's lawyers are better than any individual could afford, and at best you'll see the verbage get changed on the site. However, if you do get any money, let us know I'd like to get in on that action.

 

Honda's official reply makes things even more confusing. I asked them point blank:

Thank you for that information however does the ACC do what your website advertises for the 2020 Ridgeline RTL-E:

"ACC helps you maintain a set following interval behind a detected vehicle for highway driving. If the detected vehicle slows to a stop, ACC is designed to slow and stop your vehicle as well. After stopping, a tap on the throttle instructs the car to continue maintaining the desired interval."

Honda's official reply:

Thank you for your reply to Honda Automobile Customer Service and allowing our team the opportunity of responding to your message. We received your reply regarding operation of your 2020 Honda Ridgeline vehicle's Adaptive Cruise Control system.

Essentially, the Adaptive Cruise Control system allows the user to set a following interval speed when driving the vehicle. Using the Honda Sensing system and sensors, ACC helps maintain a constant vehicle speed and a set following-interval behind a vehicle detected ahead of yours, without you having to keep your foot on the brake or the accelerator.

 

I don't know much about it but have some experience with the Mercedes system. It's not meant to drive for you, it's there for accident prevention. If the distance between you and the car in front decreases rapidly, as would happen if you are approaching a stationary object, it activates.
It isn't going to mandate a certain distance and apply brakes to maintain it. That would be unworkable in City driving where you are always changing speed and distances to other vehicles.
Hondas explanation doesn't match my understanding however. Maybe they are indeed misleading with there claims.

 

Agree! Hey btw, what type of trailer is that in your profile pic, looks cool!

 

Look man I am not looking to argue or prove that even if you have the best biggest attorneys does not necessarily mean you will win. Before it even goes anywhere like that I am reaching out to Honda to make sure they are even aware that is up like that and their support team is giving those answers. I look forward to working with Honda, I have faith we can work it out. Like I said I love the truck other than the ACC and I do consider that alteration in reality vs advertisement to be a large factor in safety. Everyone may not be as impacted as my situation because I legitimately trusted the information on Honda's sales page and the dealerships testimony towards the feature, with no real reliable/safe way to test it with the pandemic. I used that information to make a decision, that's exactly what we should stand up to is false or misinformation. If Honda was aware that information has been up like that since the truck launched and refused to correct it, which led to a boost in sales that's not only illegal but criminal, that's not what I am saying they did here, just saying it's happened with other automakers (VW, ahmm). ACC with Start/Stop or Low-Speed Follow is ideal on highway driving traffic or even city driving. I traded a 2019 Hyundai Sante Fe Ultimate Edition with ACC Low-Speed and also owned a 2018 CR-V with it, it's pretty amazing and definitely a huge advantage when it comes to safety.

 

I fully agree there is conflicting information regarding the ACC;s capabilities on Honda's website for the 2020 Ridgeline. I'm just giving you an idea about realistic expectations.

You said, "I purchased a new 2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E about 4 days ago because of this advertisement..." If the low-speed follow function of ACC was truly that important to you and the primary reason you purchased the vehicle as your statement suggests, I can't imagine not testing that feature before spending $42,000.

Please keep us updated on the outcome.

 

So let me make sure I understand here... you purchased the Ridgeline solely for the ACC system capabilities and nothing more? Ok....

 

The 2017 stops ACC below 25mph and LKAS is 40mph or above. Per compensation, Honda (or any company in general) cannot be held liable for errors or omissions on a web site or brochure unless it was intentional. If you go the lawsuit route, you would have to prove an intent to deceive on Honda's part. Good luck with that. However, squeaky wheels do occasionally get the grease, so if you complain (respectfully) thru Honda America enough times, they might throw you a small bone.

 

The 2017 stops ACC below 25mph and LKAS is 40mph or above.

More specifically, you must be traveling 25 MPH or faster to set or resume the ACC. It will remain engaged until the vehicle slows to 22 MPH. I always have ample time to brake manually once the ACC disengages at 22 MPH.

LKAS turns on at 45 MPH and turns off at 40 MPH.

 

I am being very respectful in my inquiry, however to rebut what your saying, they absolutely can be held responsible and it would be fairly easy to prove it was intentional because the information is still there as of right now and has been there for over 2 months. Numerous people including myself have notified Honda and they have not removed or corrected the information. Keeping inaccurate information on your website / brochures for 2+ months after being informed it was incorrect is a clear violation of state statue and federal statue on wrongful advertising practices, it would be negligent under NC state law. Not sure what state you are in but this matter couldn't be more clear cut, if I did have to go down the lawsuit route I assure you Honda would offer settlement prior to trial. I have everything documented, every communication, screenshots with PDF download's, downloads of the entire public content of their site as well as logs of when each change was made. They have made numerous changes to content on the site since, there is no excuse to keep that information up but to trick buyers into thinking that their vehicles with ACC are all capable of low-speed follow. At a minimum it would qualify for negligence which unfortunately doesn't reduce or eliminate Honda's liability. Now to get into technical terms any Ridgeline 2017+ with ACC can break completely to a stop that is a limitation Honda put in with software that is easily overridden with a $1,000 "dash cam" from Comma.ai and OpenPilot open source self-driving software. A simple fix and legal remedy would be a software update to bring this advertised capability to current Ridgelines.

In reply to Sandevino, in looking at over 5 different truck models I chose the Ridgeline for several reasons but the selling point was the fact it had ACC w/ low-speed follow advertised for $15-20k less than any other truck on the market.

Anyways, that's my 2 cents.

 

Now to get into technical terms any Ridgeline 2017+ with ACC can break completely to a stop that is a limitation Honda put in with software that is easily overridden with a $1,000 "dash cam" from Comma.ai and OpenPilot open source self-driving software.

If you fail to brake manually after ACC disengages at 22 MPH, CMBS will still stop the vehicle. However, you'll probably need to change your underwear.

 

Well 'caveat emptor'. If that was the biggest issue whether to buy, you should have tried it on your test drive. Not trying to be contrary, but that is what test drives are for IMHO

 

I completely understand your thought here and would normally agree with you, however no one would ever imagine Walt Disney World shutting down. Coronavirus has changed many things, at least temporarily. The way the vehicle was presented, we were not offered a traditional test drive. I know every dealership is different. I run an essential business (cannabis/hemp farm) and pretty much did most of the purchase and discussion of the vehicle on phone and via email where there is numerous communications about the ACC having the ability to fully stop the vehicle and resume with the pedal. I was only at the dealership for 15 minutes to finalize title paperwork. People are more dependent at this time on reliable information out there online and via the phone. Think about the PR nightmare if this turned into a class action lawsuit and it was flipped by some really good class action ambulance chasing attorney's into Honda being deceitful during this pandemic, that would look really bad. Again I hope and feel that Honda will make it right to those affected but I think I made my point.

 

Insightful comments, do I hear class action? Sometimes you really need to shake them.

 

I have been looking at the RL and was excited about this feature because on trips, it walks flawless on my wife's Subaru in stop and go traffic which really relieves leg fatigue issues I have.

 

 

Sorry but this is a bit over the top.

You could sue but no mediator, judge, or jury (never get that far) would believe that Hondas minor oversight meant you selected an unsuitable vehicle due to this.
It’s still no a Tesla.
My ‘17s owners manual for USA model say it has rain sensing wipers, it doesn’t.
You can press had here, you might get an apology letter, maybe locally a free oil change, oops.

I admittedly hadn’t read every post on this

The part you’re not admitting to yourself is that vehicles are available to test drive. If this was a pivotal decision for you, then you had an opportunity to see it yourself but obviously didn’t. If it mattered that much, go to any RTL-E in stock dealer, say hey salesperson, show me how it comes to full stop and resumes. Toyota, Chevy, Ford or Jeep next?

Well try for a lemon law refund, good luck.

 

It looks like you have a point. I have a 2017 Black edition and the ACC is one of the features I love, however I didn't buy mine expecting the low speed follow functionality so I see your frustration. Obviously Honda should change their advertising for future RL buyers but what do you want them to do for your situation? Buy the truck back from you for full price seems like the only logical option. Some states have laws requiring dealers to allow you to return a new vehicle at full price refund for a specified number of days. Its probably not possible for them to install that feature on your truck. If they provide monetary compensation to you then does that mean they need to provide the same compensation to every 2020 RL buyer?

 

I'm coming from a Subaru Outback with their EyeSight system, I needed a pickup, my mistake was thinking Honda Sensing was compatible with the Subaru its NOT. Honda Sensing to me is a joke.
Buy the truck because its a great vehicle, not for its so-called Sensing Safety System

 

I ordered Comma.ai's OpenPilot system and will let everyone know on the forum how well it works. I have heard it makes the Ridgeline drive completely autonomous on a highway, but obviously you've got to remain fully alert and that's assuming good weather conditions. We shall see.

 

This is a video of a CRV from a Honda dealer in NY. It comes to a stop and gets going again without driver input. I guess some models have this but the Ridgeline doesn't.
I have no idea why they don't have this feature available on all models.

Went to the Ridgeline website on Honda.com

Scrolled down to the Honda Sensing section and over to the ACC option and it reads:

"ACC helps you maintain a set following interval behind a detected vehicle for highway driving. If the detected vehicle slows to a stop, ACC is designed to slow and stop your vehicle as well. After stopping, a tap on the throttle instructs the car to continue maintaining the desired interval."

I purchased a new 2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E about 4 days ago because of this advertisement but yet it seems the vehicle does not stop or slow down to a stop by itself. Anyone else affected by this, Honda has not gotten back to me about this yet.

Thanks! View attachment 401059

 

I guess some models have this but the Ridgeline doesn't.
I have no idea why they don't have this feature available on all models.

Honda says the VSA modulator used in the Ridgeline, Pilot, Odyssey, and Passport isn't compatible with low-speed follow. I suspect one reason is because it's so noisy. That low-pitch hum you hear when the ACC is braking the vehicle would be even more audible when slowing to a stop.

 

What do you want?
Honda can’t build you a feature not equipped.
They can’t and won’t buy back you vehicle equipped as designed.

Not being disrespectful but I don’t/can’t accept you had blind faith in an advertisement.

Furthermore, you owed it to yourself, not Honda’s fault as they didn’t denyyou access corporately.

if you’re blaming COVID19 before purchase, then you should have confirmed the Ridgeline was capable of autonomous social distancing. It’s not!

 

If he sues he does not want me sitting on a jury as I would probably ask for him to pay damages to Honda.
I doubt that he would come close to finding a like minded jury.