Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 83/100 (EXCELLENT)

2026 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report

Name: 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Brand: Honda

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a predicted reliability score of 83/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

5.5per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$3,000

The Verdict

Buy

Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 83/100 — a strong pick.

Top Issues to Watch

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)

Should You Buy the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a predicted reliability score of 83/100 ("Excellent") based on prior model year performance.

So far: 0 recalls, 2 owner complaints. Early complaint volume is still developing.

Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.

See also the 2025 Honda Ridgeline for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Strong predicted reliability based on prior model years
+No recalls issued
+5-star NHTSA crash rating
+Only 2 complaints reported

Cons

−Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
−Above-average complaint rate for Truck

Compare 2026 Honda Ridgeline With

2026 Toyota Tacoma

Predicted: 64/100

Predicted

2026 Chevrolet Colorado

Predicted: 77/100

Predicted

2026 Ford Ranger

Predicted: 73/100

Predicted

2026 Nissan Frontier

Predicted: 82/100

Predicted

Common Problem Categories

Other

LOW RISK

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

5.5

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 0.9

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2026 Honda Ridgeline? Check its history first

Every 2026 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

2026 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBT)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (Info Not Available)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Driver Monitoring System (No)Automatic High Beams (Standard)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Honda RidgelineRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

Based 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.

MPG & 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 2026 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 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

Test Auto High Beam feature for consistent operation in various lighting conditions
Verify that high beams do not disengage unexpectedly on dark roads
Check if high beams remain on when facing oncoming traffic
Ensure all safety features function below 45 MPH as expected

2026 Honda Ridgeline Common Problems by Component

2 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the Auto High Beam feature on the 2026 Honda Ridgeline, describing it as turning on and off unpredictably. Complaints frequently mention that the high beams either disengage on dark roads or remain on when facing oncoming traffic, potentially impairing visibility and causing safety concerns. These issues occur regardless of the vehicle speed, although some note that the feature's utility is limited under 45 miles per hour. No specific mileage range is provided, but the problem is consistently linked to the vehicle's exterior lighting system. Used car buyers should be aware of this reported malfunction, which may affect nighttime driving safety.

2 complaints total

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 score

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).

Top Pick

Excellent

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.

Good

2019

10Recalls

222Complaints

See full Honda Ridgeline years-to-avoid analysis

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.

Honda Ridgeline reliability scores by year
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

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026(selected)	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	65/100	-5	Good	10	222
2018	70/100	—	Good	6	153

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has a predicted reliability score of 83/100 ("Excellent") based on prior model year data. So far there are 0 recalls and 2 owner complaints on file. This is a prediction — the actual score will be available once more real-world data accumulates.

What are the most common problems with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?

There aren't enough owner complaints to establish common problem patterns yet for the 2026 Honda Ridgeline. Based on prior model years, review known issues from previous years to understand potential problem areas.

How many recalls does the 2026 Honda Ridgeline have?

The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

How is the predicted score calculated?

The predicted score of 83/100 is calculated by averaging reliability scores from prior model years of the same generation. When generation data is unavailable, the average of the most recent model years is used. The prediction updates automatically as new data becomes available.

Don’t buy a 2026 Honda Ridgeline without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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