Honda Ridgeline Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025 Honda Ridgeline based on NHTSA complaints and recalls; 2017 and 2019 top the list with 341 and 237 complaints and complaint indexes of 86 and 93. The 2010, 2012, and 2014 model years score best, with complaint indexes as low as 7 and 14.
Avoid 2017Avoid 2019Avoid 2023Avoid 2025Best 2010Best 2012Best 2014
- Model years
- 15
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,587
- Recall campaigns
- 31
- Crashes reported
- 32
- Fires reported
- 19
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Ridgeline Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Honda Ridgeline problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Best | 21 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 9 | Airbags | 17 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 29 | 39 | 2 | 0 | 10 | Airbags | 17 | — |
| 2012 | Best | 7 | 24 | 0 | 1 | 11 | Airbags | 17 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 36 | 45 | 3 | 1 | 7 | Airbags | 17 | — |
| 2014 | Best | 14 | 34 | 0 | 1 | 6 | Airbags | 17 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2017 | Avoid | 86 | 341 | 3 | 7 | 8 | Electrical System | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Good | 43 | 161 | 3 | 1 | 7 | Electrical System | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 93 | 237 | 8 | 2 | 11 | Fuel System | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 64 | 169 | 1 | 0 | 8 | Electrical System | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 50 | 101 | 3 | 0 | 7 | Engine | 21 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Caution | 71 | 117 | 2 | 3 | 3 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 79 | 127 | 2 | 2 | 5 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 57 | 59 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 89 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 20.5 | 5★ |
Ridgeline years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Honda Ridgeline Index 100 · 89 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2025 Ridgeline has the worst complaint index in the dataset at 100, despite only 89 complaints so far, reflecting very low mileage failures. Electrical System complaints account for 54% of the total with a median failure mileage of just 299.5, and Engine issues make up 26% at a median of 1,300 miles. Owners reported engine fires with under 4,000 miles on the odometer, dashboard lights triggering unexpected deceleration and loss of steering control, and airbags deploying during minor slides. Two recalls are already listed for this year.
2019 Honda Ridgeline Index 93 · 237 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2019 Ridgeline has 237 complaints and a complaint index of 93, the second worst year. Fuel System issues lead at 31% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 46,000, followed by Engine at 20% and Electrical System at 15%. Owners reported brake failure that did not stop the vehicle, sudden unintended acceleration during parking, and airbag seat belt pretensioners that failed to secure occupants in crashes. This year saw 8 crashes and 9 injuries reported. It carries 11 recalls, the most of any avoid year.
2019 fuel system problems →2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →
2017 Honda Ridgeline Index 86 · 341 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2017 Ridgeline logs 341 complaints and a complaint index of 86, ranked third worst of all years covered. Electrical System and Engine problems each make up 28% of complaints, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 13% and Fuel System at 13%. Owners reported engine fires with smoke and flames from under the hood, sudden transmission failure with hard shifting, and collision mitigation braking that locked up unexpectedly. Median mileage at failure across top areas ranged from about 28,000 to 61,000 miles. The year carries 8 recalls, including fuel pump module and airbag seat weight sensor campaigns.
2017 electrical system problems →2017 engine problems →2017 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
2023 Honda Ridgeline Index 79 · 127 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2023 Ridgeline shows 127 complaints and a complaint index of 79, ranked fourth worst. Electrical System problems dominate at 45% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 26,525, followed by Engine at 19% and Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 15%. Owners reported engine fires with smoke from under the hood, stalling that led to engine replacement, and inconsistent auto high-beam headlight behavior. The year has 5 recalls, including a rearview camera wire harness issue and an airbag sensor campaign.
2023 electrical system problems →2023 engine problems →2023 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
Most common Honda Ridgeline problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Electrical System467 (29%)
- Engine341 (21%)
- Other208 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras203 (13%)
- Fuel System186 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain138 (9%)
- Airbags130 (8%)
- Structure & Body100 (6%)
- Brakes84 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers64 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Honda Ridgeline years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2017, 2019, 2023, and 2025 Honda Ridgeline. These years have the highest complaint indexes, at 86, 93, 79, and 100 respectively.
- What is the best year for the Honda Ridgeline?
- The 2010, 2012, and 2014 Ridgeline are the best years, with complaint indexes of 21, 7, and 14, the lowest in the lineup.
- Why is the 2019 Ridgeline rated poorly?
- The 2019 Ridgeline has 237 complaints and a complaint index of 93. Fuel System problems make up 31% of complaints, and the year also saw 8 crashes and 9 injuries reported to NHTSA.
- Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline unreliable?
- The 2025 Ridgeline has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, driven by Electrical System issues (54% of complaints) and Engine problems occurring at very low mileage, with medians as low as 299.5 and 1,300 miles.
- What is the most common problem area across all Ridgeline years?
- Across all 15 model years, the Electrical System accounts for 467 complaints, 29% of the total, making it the top problem area, followed by the Engine at 21%.