Honda Ridgeline Reliability and Common Problems

When you’re in the market for a reliable pickup truck, you can’t go wrong with a Honda Ridgeline. Both new and older model years of the Honda Ridgeline have something great to offer, from high reliability ratings to superb performance. Its resale value is also good, only depreciating by 54% in five years, according to CarEdge.com.

Are Honda Ridgelines Reliable?

The Honda Ridgeline enjoys above-average reliability, with some of its model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 6th out of the 7 midsize pickup trucks in its category. Meanwhile, J.D. Power rated the 2021 Ridgeline an 81 out of 100, giving it the second spot out of the six models reviewed in its segment.

US News & World Report ranked the 2021 Honda Ridgeline first out of seven vehicles in the compact pickup truck market. With these figures, it’s apparent that the Honda Ridgeline can easily enjoy a long service life with proper handling and regular maintenance.

Top Honda Ridgeline Problems

Although the Honda Ridgeline is one dependable midsize pickup truck, it still has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported issues for different model years:

Fuel Injector Failure

According to some owners of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, problems with its fuel injector are common for some units of this model year. They reported that the emission system problem light on their dash came on due to the faulty part.

The owners that ignored the warning light experienced drivability issues, such as hesitating during acceleration and reduced fuel economy. Most of them were able to resolve the problem by replacing the busted fuel injector. Honda has yet to issue a recall for this problem as of this writing.

Electrical Issues

Many owners of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline have complained about various electrical issues, from the horn suddenly blaring to incorrectly sensing forward collisions.

Some owners reported having all of their warning lights come on. In some cases, warning lights for parts they didn’t even have, such as the trailer and tow warning lights, also illuminated.

Others shared that the warning lights activated with the loss of power steering and acceleration. These owners had to bring their trucks to the dealer to sort out their electrical problems.

Brake Problems

Based on reports from some drivers of the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, brake problems seem to crop up often in this model year. Owners have reported hearing a springboard-like sound when they step on the brakes.

Brake rotors seemed to rust prematurely in some of its units. Some owners have also observed scraping metal noises while using their brakes. To resolve these issues, the affected parts may need to be replaced.

Malfunctioning AC/Heater

Faulty AC and heater are among the most reported 2008 Honda Ridgeline problems. Some owners have complained that their AC and heater stopped working without warning. Most of them experienced this problem when their truck had just clocked a little over 7000 miles.

The solution for this issue varies. Some were able to fix it by replacing the blower wiring harness, while others had to replace the entire HVAC unit.

Although there were recalls issued for 2006 and 2007 Honda Ridgeline models for this same issue, the automaker has yet to release one for the 2008 model as of this writing.

Tailgate Problems

Many owners of the 2007 Honda Ridgeline have complained that their tailgate wouldn’t open, even in swing mode. In some cases, it works when in drop mode but only intermittently when in swing mode.

This is usually caused by a sensor rod that’s too long, and replacing this part usually corrects the issue. As of this writing, no recalls were issued to resolve this problem.

Transmission Troubles

Some owners of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline have reported problems with their pickup’s transmission. Most of them complained that their transmission won’t shift into fourth gear.

Some shared that their transmission worked intermittently, while others reported experiencing strange vibrations while driving. Drivers observed that their truck hesitates to shift to the next gear between 40 and 45 mph. Most owners were able to resolve these issues with a software update from Honda.

Cylinder Problems

According to some owners of the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, problems with its cylinder are common for this model year. Most reported symptoms like their pickup blowing smoke on startup as well as an illuminated check engine light and VTM-4 light.

In most cases, a busted #4 cylinder caused these issues. Most owners had to replace their engines to fix their ride. Despite the number of complaints, no recalls have been issued to fix this as of this writing.

If you’re in the market for a Honda Ridgeline, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. As long as you know the issues that the specific model year you’re planning to get may have, buying it should come with little risk. Knowing what to watch out for will help you avoid costly repairs through preventive maintenance, so you can maximize the service life of your midsize pickup truck.

Where to Get Quality Replacement Parts for Your Honda Ridgeline

The highly reliable Honda Ridgeline also has its fair share of issues. Many of these problems, such as faulty brakes or a failing fuel injector, will often require you to purchase new parts or have the old ones repaired by a trusted mechanic. If it’s parts you need, you can always count on CarParts.com.

The CarParts.com catalog has a wide array of quality aftermarket parts that are available at different price points. Our price-match guarantee and 60-day return policy are in place so you can order online with confidence. If you’re in a hurry, we even offer fast shipping. Your parts can arrive at your door in as fast as two business days. For any questions or concerns, reach out to our friendly and helpful customer service team who are there to assist around the clock.

Place your order for a new fuel injector or other parts for your Honda Ridgeline at CarParts.com today.