Last updated: 2026-04-20
2025 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline scores 85/100 ("Excellent"), but its complaint rate of 8.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the 2025 Truck segment average of 1.4.
Recalls
1
Complaints
42
Complaint Rate
8.7per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850–$3,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (17)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
Should You Buy the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline earns an Excellent 85/100 reliability score.
However, its complaint rate of 8.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Truck segment average of 1.4, driven largely by exterior lighting (17) reports.
If buying used, confirm recall repairs are complete and inspect exterior lighting (17) carefully on the test drive.
Compared to the 2026 Honda Ridgeline, which scored 1 points higher. See also the 2024 Honda Ridgeline for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Only 42 complaints reported
Cons
- −Above-average complaint rate for Truck
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING issues reported (17 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2025 Honda Ridgeline With
2025 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 70/100
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 83/100
2025 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 74/100
2025 Nissan Frontier
Reliability: 84/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (17)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8.7
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 1.4
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2025 Honda Ridgeline Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2025 Honda Ridgeline. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
Buying a used 2025 Honda Ridgeline? Check its history first
Every 2025 Honda Ridgeline has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Honda RidgelineRepair 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.
Honda Ridgeline Resale Value
The Honda Ridgeline is estimated to retain about 85.8% of its original value after 3 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Honda Ridgeline model overall and is not specific to the 2025 model year.
- Value Retained
- 85.8%
- Depreciation
- 14.2%
- Listings Analyzed
- 50
after 3 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Honda Ridgeline depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
20–21 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,850–$3,000/yr
Fuel only
18 city / 23–24 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgeline AWD 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Ridgeline AWD TrailSport 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S9) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Honda Ridgeline.
Test brakes for sponginess and delayed response
Check auto idle stop for restart failures
Inspect auto high beam functionality for erratic behavior
Verify adaptive cruise control reliability during test drive
Check for excessive engine oil consumption
Inspect for any signs of electrical system malfunctions
Test transmission for delayed shifting or engagement
2025 Honda Ridgeline Common Problems by Component
42 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
17 complaintsOwners report persistent issues with the automatic headlight dimming system in the 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the most common complaint being its inconsistent performance. Symptoms frequently include headlights failing to dim for oncoming traffic, randomly toggling between high and low beams, and reacting to reflective surfaces such as road signs. These issues are noted across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 5,017 miles. Multiple owners describe safety concerns, as the malfunctioning system can blind oncoming drivers or fail to provide adequate illumination in dark conditions. These patterns are evident in newer Ridgeline models, contrasting with satisfactory performance in previous model years.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly with the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature, which sometimes fails to restart the engine after stopping, leaving vehicles stranded in traffic. Complaints also highlight problems with the Collision Mitigation Braking System and Lane Keeping Assist System, with some owners noting these systems malfunction without apparent cause. Additionally, multiple reports describe issues with auto-dimming headlights that fail to adjust properly and an inaudible turn signal warning tone, even at maximum volume. These problems are reported in vehicles with as few as 24 hours of ownership or under 1,000 miles, indicating early onset. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and increased risk of accidents due to malfunctioning driver assistance features.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline report several issues related to vehicle systems and components. Commonly, complaints mention a low volume on the turn signal, even at maximum settings, which some owners worry might lead to distractions while driving. Additionally, issues with the auto idle start system are noted, where the feature intermittently fails to restart the engine, sometimes accompanied by brief dash warnings like "Auto High Beam Error" or "Brake System Problem." These occurrences are reported around 21,000 miles. Another complaint involves emission system warnings and stop/start failures, with sensors failing shortly after replacement. Lastly, some owners describe a strong odor from the cargo area panels, suspected to be high in VOCs, and issues with brake performance due to air in the brake lines, which can affect stopping ability. These reports indicate potential concerns regarding vehicle operation and occupant comfort.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsOwners report that the 2025 Honda Ridgeline's forward collision avoidance system frequently issues false alarms on two-lane roads, particularly during right-hand curves when an oncoming vehicle is detected. Common symptoms include unexpected brake warnings, steering wheel vibrations, and automatic braking, which can occur even when both vehicles remain in their lanes. These incidents are described as frequent and distracting, with some owners experiencing them multiple times per drive. Several complaints highlight safety implications, noting that sudden braking could pose a risk of rear-end collisions. No specific mileage ranges are mentioned, but the recurring nature of these reports suggests a persistent issue.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline report issues with the service brakes, describing them as "spongy" and difficult to engage effectively. Complaints frequently mention the need to pump the brakes to achieve a firm pedal, with some owners noting this occurs as early as 4,181 miles. Another symptom described is a delay in the brake pad returning to its initial position after being depressed. These brake issues are noted to create potentially dangerous situations, such as near collisions, highlighting safety implications for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline report issues with the transmission, specifically noting delays in shifting both while driving and when transitioning from park to drive or reverse. One complaint highlights a significant delay of up to 9 seconds before the transmission engages, during which the gas pedal can be depressed without response. Another owner describes the vehicle rolling noticeably before the transmission lock engages when parked. These issues are observed immediately after purchase, suggesting they occur at low mileage. There are no reports of crashes or warning lights, but the symptoms could potentially impact vehicle control, particularly in situations requiring quick acceleration or precise parking.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline report two distinct engine-related issues. One complaint describes a severe incident involving a fire, where smoke emerged from the vehicle, leading to a complete loss of the truck, with no dashboard warnings prior to the event. Another owner reports excessive engine oil consumption, with no warning lights indicating a problem, at approximately 1,300 miles. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly the risk of fire, and suggest issues may arise early in the vehicle's lifespan.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline report issues related to vehicle speed control, particularly with the idle stop feature and adaptive cruise control. The idle stop feature reportedly fails to restart the vehicle after it has stopped, with symptoms emerging after approximately 10,000 miles, and no warning lights to indicate a problem. Another issue involves the adaptive cruise control and road departure mitigation system disengaging unexpectedly, with owners noting this problem even after dealer repairs at low mileages around 254 miles, resurfacing at 4,385 miles. Safety implications include potential stranding due to the idle stop issue and reduced confidence in cruise control reliability, though no crashes or loss of control are reported. These patterns may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintEngine "Stop/Start" turned off when trying to make a turn. When it did the steering would not move. Also when "Stop/Start" turns off it was dangerous when turning. I email Honda and they called me back. They could have it disabled but it would cost $80 and I would have to buy the part and they would install it. This is a new truck bought last month.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedWhile turning left on a snowcovered road, my passenger airbags deployed when I slid into the curb. The only damage was to my rear passenger wheel. The force to the vehicle should not have been hard enough for the airbags to deploy. No warning lights prior to the accident.
When Do 2025 Honda Ridgeline Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Honda Ridgeline Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Honda Ridgeline Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Honda Ridgeline year is 2026 with a reliability score of 86/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (85/100) and 2024 (85/100).
2026
2025
(Current Model)
2024
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.
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 |
| 2026 | 86/100 | Excellent |
Honda Ridgeline Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Honda Ridgeline?
How many recalls does the 2025 Honda Ridgeline have?
Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Honda Ridgeline without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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