Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma: Reliability Compared

More ReliableHonda Ridgeline reliability comparison

Honda Ridgeline

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Toyota Tacoma reliability comparison

Toyota Tacoma

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Honda Ridgeline and the Toyota Tacoma? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize trucks.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Honda Ridgeline currently leads with an average score of 76/100 compared to 63/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma Generations Compare?

The Toyota Tacoma is currently in its fourth generation, introduced in 2024. With its new platform, potential buyers should be aware of possible first-year issues that often accompany newly redesigned models. In contrast, the Honda Ridgeline is in its second generation, launched in 2017 and facelifted in 2021. This positions the Ridgeline later in its generation cycle, suggesting a more mature and well-sorted platform. Buyers considering reliability may find the Ridgeline's established generation appealing, as it tends to have fewer issues compared to the Tacoma's brand-new design. Both models have undergone significant facelifts, which typically address early issues and enhance reliability.

Verdict

The Honda Ridgeline is more reliable than the Toyota Tacoma, scoring 76/100 vs 63/100.

The Honda Ridgeline edges out the Toyota Tacoma in reliability with a slightly higher average reliability score of 74/100 compared to Tacoma's 71/100. Despite having more recalls at 35 compared to Tacoma's 23, the Ridgeline has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 14.2 per 10,000 sold, contrasting with Tacoma's 30.1. While both vehicles share common issues in the power train and engine, the Ridgeline's lower complaint rate and slightly better reliability score make it the more reliable choice, although precise repair cost data for the Ridgeline is unavailable for direct comparison.

Key Differences

  1. 1Honda Ridgeline has 15.9 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  2. 2Honda Ridgeline scores 13 points higher in reliability
  3. 3Toyota Tacoma has 12 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

3Honda Ridgeline
—
1Toyota Tacoma
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma: Which Is More Reliable?

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricHonda RidgelineToyota Tacoma
Reliability Score76/10063/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls3523
Complaints per 10k Sold14.230.1
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins80

What Are the Common Problems With the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline present distinct problem profiles, with each model exhibiting specific areas of concern. The Tacoma has a notable issue with its service brakes, accounting for 121 complaints, 13 of which are crash-linked, highlighting a significant safety concern. In contrast, the Ridgeline shows a higher frequency of complaints in the electrical system, totaling 170, although only one is crash-linked. While both models experience issues with the power train, Tacoma's 153 complaints, including one crash-linked, suggest a slightly higher prevalence compared to Ridgeline's 82 complaints with two crash-linked incidents.

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma common problem areas comparison
ComponentHonda RidgelineToyota Tacoma
POWER TRAIN1.3Low5.8Average
SERVICE BRAKES0.5Very Low4.6Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2.6Low2.4Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.7Very Low3Low
ENGINE1.6Low1.7Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.4Low1.1Low
FUEL SYSTEM0.8Very Low1.7Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1.8Low—None
STEERING0.1Very Low1.4Low
STRUCTURE0.5Very Low0.9Very Low
AIR BAGS0.2Very Low1.2Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.9Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.5Very Low—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
SUSPENSION—None0.1Very Low
TIRES—None0.1Very Low

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma?

Independent repair cost data shows that the Toyota Tacoma has an annual repair cost of $478, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 17% risk of major repairs. Although specific data for the Honda Ridgeline is unavailable, industry estimates suggest that the Tacoma's figures can provide a useful benchmark. For cost-conscious buyers, the Tacoma’s repair costs translate to about $2,390 over five years, with relatively infrequent trips to the shop. The major repair risk is notable, but the overall cost remains competitive. Without comparable data for the Ridgeline, the Tacoma appears to be a reliable choice for those prioritizing predictable maintenance expenses.

How Does Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma Reliability Compare by Year?

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma year-by-year reliability scores
YearHonda RidgelineToyota TacomaEdge
202585/1001R / 42C70/1004R / 33CHonda Ridgeline
202485/1001R / 41C55/1004R / 126CHonda Ridgeline
202378/1003R / 105C68/1004R / 42CHonda Ridgeline
202278/1002R / 106C67/1003R / 51CHonda Ridgeline
202175/1005R / 90C70/1000R / 69CHonda Ridgeline
202070/1007R / 158C65/1001R / 81CHonda Ridgeline
201965/10010R / 222C55/1004R / 203CHonda Ridgeline
201870/1006R / 153C55/1003R / 190CHonda Ridgeline
2026(predicted)83/100(predicted)64/100(predicted)Honda Ridgeline

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Honda Ridgeline scored 85/100 and the 2025 Toyota Tacoma scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Honda Ridgeline vs the Toyota Tacoma?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer frequent repairs, the Toyota Tacoma is a solid choice. With an estimated annual repair cost of $478 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it offers predictability in maintenance expenses. However, be aware of its higher owner complaints rate of 30.1 per 10,000 sold and a significant risk of major repairs at 17%. This model is ideal for those who can manage occasional issues with power train and service brakes but prefer a model with fewer recalls, totaling 23. For those who value a higher overall reliability score and lower owner complaints, the Honda Ridgeline could be more appealing. It boasts a reliability score of 74/100 and only 14.2 complaints per 10,000 sold. Despite having 35 total recalls, its top issues are less severe, focusing mainly on the electrical system and exterior lighting. Choose the Ridgeline if you want a vehicle with generally fewer owner complaints and can accommodate potentially higher recall-related visits.

Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Tacoma: Common Questions

Is the Honda Ridgeline more reliable than the Toyota Tacoma?
Based on our data, the Honda Ridgeline is more reliable with an average score of 76/100 compared to 63/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Ridgeline or the Toyota Tacoma?
The Honda Ridgeline has more recalls (35) compared to the Toyota Tacoma (23). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Honda Ridgeline or the Toyota Tacoma?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Honda Ridgeline has a lower complaint rate at 14.2 per 10,000 sold versus 30.1 for the Toyota Tacoma. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma safer?
Based on NHTSA crash test ratings, the Honda Ridgeline has a higher overall safety rating of 5/5 stars compared to 4/5 for the Toyota Tacoma. Check sub-ratings (frontal, side, rollover) above for a more detailed safety comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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