Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 10 recalls and 222 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (YK2/3; 2017).
Recalls
10
Complaints
222
Complaint Rate
66.6
per 10k sold
Above avgEst. Annual Cost
N/A
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
10 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (YK2/3; 2017).
- Redesigned for the 2017 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2021.
- 2nd generation Ridgeline (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Second generation (YK2/3; 2017)
Should You Buy the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 3 of the Second generation (YK2/3; 2017).
Its complaint rate (66.6 per 10k sold) is above the Truck segment average of 21.1. The most common reports involve fuel system, gasoline (36).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to fuel system, gasoline (36). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Honda Ridgeline for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- 5-star NHTSA crash rating
- Well-established generation
Cons
- Above-average recall count
- Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- FUEL SYSTEM issues reported (36 complaints)
- 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2019 Honda Ridgeline With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 10 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- FUEL SYSTEM (36)
- POWER TRAIN (35)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (28)
- ENGINE (23)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (23)
- STRUCTURE (20)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (10)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (9)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (3)
- STEERING (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- SEATS (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
Recall Overview
10
recalls on record
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline has 10 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
66.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 21.1
Safety Incidents
Crashes
8
Fires
1
Injuries
7
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Honda Ridgeline Recall Details
10 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
Consequence
A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Consequence
A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
2019 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Honda Ridgeline Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
5Maintenance rating: 5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2019 Honda Ridgeline
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect for transmission shudder or hesitation during acceleration
- Check for engine knocking or unusual noises
- Test backup camera functionality by opening and closing the tailgate
- Verify hood stability at highway speeds for vibrations or fluttering
- Ensure brake pedal does not sink or feel spongy
- Confirm fuel pump and injector recalls have been addressed
- Test infotainment system for random volume changes or screen freezes
Check Any 2019 Honda Ridgeline's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Ridgeline in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Honda Ridgeline with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Honda Ridgeline Common Problems by Component
222 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL SYSTEM
36 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly concerning a recall campaign where parts for necessary repairs are unavailable. Complaints often mention difficulties with stalling, sputtering, and hesitation during acceleration, with some instances occurring at speeds as high as 65 MPH. These issues appear at varying mileages, with some reports at approximately 25,000 miles and others over 115,000 miles. While some owners have experienced engine warning lights and diagnostic trouble codes related to fuel pump failures, others report no failures but express frustration with the delay in recall repairs. Safety implications include potential stalling and hesitation during driving, which could affect vehicle control.
POWER TRAIN
35 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report transmission issues, including symptoms such as hesitation during acceleration, harsh shifting, and loss of power. These problems often occur around 40,000 to 100,000 miles. Several complaints involve the torque converter malfunctioning, leading to erratic gear shifting and high RPMs without corresponding speed increases. Safety implications are evident, with reports of two crashes and one injury linked to transmission failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and the associated repair costs, as some owners note that their vehicles are not covered under existing warranty extensions or recalls.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
28 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2019 Honda Ridgeline's electrical system, particularly involving the keyless entry unit and backup camera. Many complaints describe the alarm going off randomly, which drains the battery and sometimes prevents the vehicle from starting. This problem often emerges around 20,000 to 66,000 miles. Additionally, numerous owners mention that the backup camera fails due to wiring issues in the tailgate, with symptoms appearing shortly after the warranty expires. These electrical problems may pose safety risks by affecting the vehicle's operability and visibility when reversing.
ENGINE (23 complaints)
ENGINE
23 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues related to engine knocking and connecting rod bearing failures, often resulting in significant engine damage. Symptoms include engine noises, loss of power, and sudden engine shutdowns, with some instances occurring at highway speeds. Several complaints mention these issues arising around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with reports of engine stalls leading to hazardous situations on the road and one case involving smoke and potential fire risks. Additionally, some owners express frustration over exclusions from related recalls, despite experiencing similar failures.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (23 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
23 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, specifically involving the fuel pump and fuel injectors. Common symptoms include the vehicle hesitating or stumbling during acceleration, the check engine light activating, and a persistent fuel odor, particularly after the vehicle is parked. Some complaints indicate these issues often emerge around 60,000 to 75,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with concerns about potential crashes due to engine hesitation and the risk of fire from fuel leaks. Buyers should be aware that parts availability for these repairs is often delayed, leading to prolonged unresolved issues.
STRUCTURE (20 complaints)
STRUCTURE
20 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues with the hood vibrating, fluttering, or bouncing, particularly at highway speeds and during windy conditions. Symptoms include noticeable hood movement, sometimes significant enough to suggest it might open unexpectedly, and difficulty in securing the hood latch. Complaints often indicate that these issues persist even after attempted repairs or recall work, such as striker plate installations or adhesive applications. Some reports mention the hood deforming or the adhesive failing, with occurrences noted as early as 6 months after purchase and at mileages ranging from 1,900 to over 61,000. Safety implications include potential hood detachment while driving, posing a risk of obstruction or crash. Additionally, a few complaints highlight tailgate issues, where it may not stay open securely, especially on uneven ground.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (16 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
16 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues with the backup camera and wiring harness, leading to a black screen and inability to view obstacles when reversing. Complaints also highlight sunroof glass unexpectedly shattering and fuel odors both inside and outside the vehicle, often when idling or upon startup. Some owners mention difficulties obtaining recall repairs for the fuel pump, with symptoms like engine hesitation and hard starts. Safety implications are noted in instances of potential visibility loss from the backup camera and the risk of injury from exploding sunroof glass. These issues are reported across varying mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems soon after purchase.
SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues with the braking system, primarily describing symptoms such as a soft or spongy brake pedal, excessive pedal travel, and the need to pump the brakes to achieve effective stopping. Several complaints indicate that these issues persist even after replacing components like the brake booster and master cylinder. Some reports also highlight that the brake pedal may sink to the floor or become hard, particularly when the vehicle is idle or during sudden stops. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 100 miles. Two incidents involve crashes, one during parking and another resulting in a collision with another vehicle, both citing brake failure as a contributing factor. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications and the recurring nature of the brake issues.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (9 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues with the backup camera, often linked to wiring problems in the tailgate area. Common symptoms include the camera displaying a black screen, intermittent functionality, or a distorted "fish eye" view. These issues typically arise shortly after the warranty period, with some owners noting problems around 21,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by owners, who express worry about the risk of backing over pedestrians due to the camera's failure. This pattern suggests potential repair costs for prospective buyers, especially if the vehicle is out of warranty.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Honda Ridgeline report issues with vehicle speed control, specifically related to cruise control and the Honda Sensing system. One complaint describes the cruise control advancing the vehicle's speed by an additional 3-4 mph without input, occurring approximately 5-8% of the time, which nearly led to an accident. Another report involves a crash where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated into a wall after the Honda Sensing system activated the brakes while parking, resulting in one injury. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including unintended acceleration and abrupt stops, with one incident resulting in a crash and airbag deployment.
When Do 2019 Honda Ridgeline Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Ridgeline Years
Best Honda Ridgeline Years to Buy
The best Honda Ridgeline year is 2025 with a reliability score of 85/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (85/100) and 2023 (78/100).
Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid
The worst Honda Ridgeline year is 2019 with a score of 65/100, primarily due to fuel system, gasoline (36) issues.
2019(this page)
10 recalls · 222 complaints
Honda Ridgeline Reliability Score Trend
Honda Ridgeline reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 82/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 85/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 85/100 | Excellent |
Honda Ridgeline Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 83/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | 85/100 | 0 | Excellent | 1 | 42 |
| 2024 | 85/100 | +7 | Excellent | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 | 78/100 | 0 | Good | 3 | 105 |
| 2022 | 78/100 | +3 | Good | 2 | 106 |
| 2021 | 75/100 | +5 | Good | 5 | 90 |
| 2020 | 70/100 | +5 | Good | 7 | 158 |
| 2019(selected) | 65/100 | -5 | Good | 10 | 222 |
| 2018 | 70/100 | — | Good | 6 | 153 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Honda Ridgeline?
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline have?
Is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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