Last updated: 2026-03-04

Honda Ridgeline

1 Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Honda Ridgeline average of 76/100

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 65/100. The best Honda Ridgeline year to buy is 2025 85/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 65/100 due to fuel system, gasoline (36) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 78/100.

Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Honda Ridgeline average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201965/100Good10222Fuel System, Gasoline (36)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

65
GoodReliability score: 65 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Honda Ridgeline

The 2019 Honda Ridgeline has good reliability. There are 10 recalls and 222 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. Severity signals include 8 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel System, Gasoline (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (28).

10 recalls222 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Fuel System, Gasoline (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (28), Engine (23), Fuel Propulsion System (23), Structure (20)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Honda Ridgeline Problems?

Top reported issues across all Honda Ridgeline model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

170 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

117 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2021, 2022

ENGINE

101 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

90 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

82 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

FUEL SYSTEM

49 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

Best Honda Ridgeline Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 106 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (29), Engine (15), Electrical System (13).

Score: 78/100 (Good)2 recalls106 complaints
View full 2022 reliability report →

All Honda Ridgeline Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Honda Ridgeline Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 20182025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Honda Ridgeline years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Honda Ridgeline years: 2019 (score: 65/100). These model years score significantly below the Honda Ridgeline average of 76/100.
What is the best year for the Honda Ridgeline?
The best year for the Honda Ridgeline is 2025, with a reliability score of 85/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 42 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Honda Ridgeline have?
Across all years in our database, the Honda Ridgeline has a total of 35 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Honda Ridgeline worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 85/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Honda Ridgeline problems?
The most common Honda Ridgeline problems are electrical system (170 complaints), exterior lighting (117 complaints), engine (101 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable long-term?
The Honda Ridgeline has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Honda Ridgeline generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Honda Ridgeline generation is the Second generation (YK2/3; 2017) with an average score of 73/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 85/100 ("Excellent"). It has 1 recalls and 42 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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