Is the 2018 Honda Ridgeline's electrical system a problem?

NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ridgeline, 30% of all complaints filed for that model year, with most centered on a tailgate wiring harness that frays and disables the backup camera.

At what mileage does the 2018 Ridgeline's electrical issue usually show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 33,000 miles at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Ridgeline's backup camera or wiring harness?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this Electrical System complaint area on the 2018 Ridgeline.

Did the tailgate wiring issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA records one crash tied to an Electrical System complaint for the 2018 Ridgeline, with no reported fires or injuries.

How does the 2018 Ridgeline compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2018 model's 30% share of electrical complaints is similar to 2017 (28%) and 2019 (15%) but lower than 2020 (35%), 2023 (45%), and 2024-2025 (54% each).

2018 Honda Ridgeline Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline, 30% of its 161 total complaints. The dominant pattern is a tailgate wiring harness that frays and severs from repeated opening, killing the backup camera, at a median 33,000 miles. No related recall is listed.

Electrical System complaints: 49; 30% of 161
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 33,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Backup camera image goes black or intermittent because the tailgate wiring harness frays and severs at the hinge or pivot point from repeated opening and closing.
Owners report bare or exposed wires visible where the harness exits the tailgate and enters the left rear fender area, sometimes cut through entirely.
Loss of the backup camera reduces visibility while backing up, which owners say increases risk in parking lots, driveways, and around pedestrians.
One owner reported the car alarm arming and then going off randomly and intermittently while parked, with dash lights behaving as if the vehicle were starting, risking a drained battery.
One reported instance of a severed wiring harness and inoperable backup camera occurred while backing a boat trailer down a launch ramp, resulting in a crash.

When 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 23, 2018, latest Aug 29, 2026.

49 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2022 (5).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Ridgeline model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20102 (5%)
20112 (5%)
20121 (4%)
20131 (2%)
20144 (12%)
20151 (50%)
201797 (28%)
201849 (30%)
201936 (15%)
202059 (35%)
202129 (29%)
202249 (42%)
202357 (45%)
202432 (54%)
202548 (54%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Honda Ridgeline's electrical system a problem?: NHTSA lists 49 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Ridgeline, 30% of all complaints filed for that model year, with most centered on a tailgate wiring harness that frays and disables the backup camera.
At what mileage does the 2018 Ridgeline's electrical issue usually show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 33,000 miles at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Ridgeline's backup camera or wiring harness?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this Electrical System complaint area on the 2018 Ridgeline.
Did the tailgate wiring issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA records one crash tied to an Electrical System complaint for the 2018 Ridgeline, with no reported fires or injuries.
How does the 2018 Ridgeline compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2018 model's 30% share of electrical complaints is similar to 2017 (28%) and 2019 (15%) but lower than 2020 (35%), 2023 (45%), and 2024-2025 (54% each).