Best and worst Honda Ridgeline years — which to avoid

Honda Ridgeline is a great used pickup option to go for, but buying a reliable model might not be as easy as it seems due to several problematic years. While it’s a Honda and mostly dependable truck, we’ve laid out some common problems and years to avoid to get you and your purchase decision on the right path.

To do that, our seasoned team of automotive experts considered all the reports – from Honda Ridgeline safety ratings to reliability records and complaints, and up to recent recalls. This guide on the best years to buy and worst Honda Ridgeline years to avoid will fill you in on the details and serve as buying advice, so let us give you some important updates.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Honda Ridgeline years

As the only current pickup truck offered by Honda, the Ridgeline proved to be a reliable option overall, but our team noticed some discrepancies as we went through the NHTSA reports. We saw that certain model years are plagued by issues that tend to repeat from one model to another, so we considered those reports while making this guide.

Also, we had to follow up on the car’s overall safety by going through IIHS records and we’ll share our findings with you in this guide. To make sure that our ratings are completely correct, we also compared the details we found with trustworthy Ridgeline sources including ratings of specific model years on Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports.

Last but not least, our team also dedicated some time to scrolling through the forums in pursuit of commonly reported issues and some additional pieces of information. That being said, let’s take a look at the best and worst Ridgeline years:

Most common Honda Ridgeline problems

If you want to have an easier time driving and maintaining your Honda Ridgeline, it’s crucial to avoid the model years that faced common problems and received some criticism. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you so you can take a look at the most commonly reported Ridgeline issues as found by our experts below:

1. Chipped paint

Many Ridgeline drivers complain about the paint chipping easily in areas prone to scuffing. If you spend a lot of time off-road, this will escalate into a bigger problem for you in no time. The rocks and other debris the truck would be exposed to on the track would help widen the chipping.

Repairing the chipping to return the car to its former glory is tricky, and most drivers fall into this trap not knowing what paint correction is. Therefore, if you must take the Ridgeline on an off-road adventure, getting a good set of rock guards or mud flaps would be in your best interest to prevent damage.

2. Electrical problems

The Ridgeline comes with many electronics. Some of these electronics were prone to breaking at certain times. For instance, the screen of the center console could easily be broken, causing other features like Bluetooth and the audio system to be inaccessible until the screen is replaced.

Also, drivers complained that the headlights stopped working after a few years of usage. Non-functional headlights are a safety hazard as they make it difficult to see at night. Honda had to issue a recall for this problem due to its severity. So, if you have a Ridgeline with dead headlights, you can take it to the dealership and have it fixed for free.

3. Broken fuel pump

The fuel pump of the Ridgeline is prone to damage primarily by rust. When it does break, the engine would not have access to gas, making it unusable. You must take precautions to prevent this issue from happening, especially if you reside in an area where rust is prevalent. Another common situation that drivers have faced is the problem with signs of a bad fuel pump relay which may lead to a stalling pump.

Broken fuel pumps are one of the most expensive repairs you can do on the Ridgeline. Getting a fuel tank liner to prevent rust would save you a good amount and some stress.

4. Engine issues

Ridgeline engines are durable, but they still have issues that are bound to happen. Especially for the 2006 model, engine issues are the most common problems that plagued the Ridgeline. The most common one is broken valve springs.

Broken valve springs present a very severe problem if not addressed on time. It causes the engine to misfire and can damage the engine’s catalytic converter and other components. It would help if you stuck to an efficient maintenance schedule so you would not have to spend so much on repairs caused by noticing this problem late.

Also, the problem with the fourth cylinder going bad is one of the most common for the 2006 model year and in general when it comes to Honda Ridgeline engine issues.

5. Brake problems

Many Ridgeline drivers reported having brake problems due to malfunctioning anti-lock brake (ABS) systems. The sensors that monitor the speed of the wheels and remit relevant information to the ABS on how much brake to apply often get flawed or broken, causing the ABS to work erratically.

6. Broken torque converter

The function of the torque converter in the transmission is to convert the engine’s power into torque. If it gets damaged or broken, you will experience bad torque converter symptoms like vibrations, shuddering, and slipping, even when in overdrive. The vehicle will lag, and its drivability will be significantly reduced.

The Ridgeline is very prone to having this issue. It is expensive to fix, so it is best to invest more time in preventive maintenance arrangements than allow the vehicle to develop the problem on its own.

Worst Honda Ridgeline years to avoid

It’s no secret that the Honda Ridgeline is a reliable model, but there are few exceptions to that rule as you can clearly see from complaint reports. So, are you still wondering what are the worst Honda Ridgeline years to avoid?

The worst Honda Ridgeline years are 2006 and 2017, but we’ve prepared a list of all the negatively-rated models:

• 2006
• 2007
• 2008
• 2017
• 2019

We’ll also tell you exactly why those years received worse rating than others in effort to help you pick the most reliable possible option.

First-generation Ridgeline (2006-2008 model years)

Like many other vehicles, the Ridgeline’s first models came with many problems. For this pickup, its first release was its worst one yet.

The fourth cylinder in the engine always failed prematurely, causing drivers to spend money on replacing the affected cylinder. In severe cases, more than one cylinder would be affected.

The best fix for this issue was to replace the entire engine, which cost nothing less than $2,500. However, changing the whole engine at a very early mileage is a big inconvenience and frustrating for drivers.

Furthermore, the model also had issues with its HVAC system and airbags. They are both safety hazards as the HVAC problems usually create a fire behind the dashboard while the airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident, so there was a major airbag system recall.

The 2007 model tried to make up for the problems the first model presented. However, only the HVAC issue was addressed. The vehicle still suffered from engine and airbag problems.

In addition, the 2007 Ridgeline consumed too much oil and had a cosmetic problem. It had a severe problem with rust which compromises its structural integrity when left for too long. Repainting the vehicle costs about $1,500 or more, making it highly undesirable for drivers who are being frugal.

Though the 2008 model came with some improvements compared to the first two models, it was still no better. It combined the problems of the 2006 and 2007 model years and presented them in their less severe form. It was simply an inconvenience, though it marked progress as the complaints leveled against it were much less than that of preceding years.

Second-generation Ridgeline (2017 and 2019 model years)

The 2017 model started the second generation of Ridgelines Honda produced. Unfortunately for the line, it followed in the footsteps of the 2006 model to become ranked the worst in its era.

Drivers had a lot of complaints, most of them bothering the vehicle’s electrical system. What was more frustrating was that mechanics had a hard time pinpointing the exact cause of most of its warning lights so they could fix it.

Faulty fuel injectors were another problem on this model as they frequently failed without warning. Drivers have had to fix it with nothing less than $2,000, so they could keep using the vehicle.

The 2019 model is relatively new but already gives a wrong impression. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received many complaints about the braking system from angry drivers.

The brake pedals were unreliable as they often depressed to the floor when engaged. Also, drivers have noticed fuel odor in the car, indicating a problem with its fuel line or engine. With these two serious problems that ultimately become a safety hazard, the 2019 Ridgeline is one model you should stay away from so you do not spend unnecessarily on repairs.

What are the best Honda Ridgeline years to buy?

Regardless of the problematic model years, the Honda Ridgeline managed to create the impression of a reliable pickup truck. Still, we’ll give you a few hints on the best Honda Ridgeline model years to buy, just to make sure you’ve got it right:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2018
• 2020

These models are reliable, safe, and return good value for their price. More recent versions come with the latest innovations to improve the driving experience, so we’ll take a look at the best models from both the first-gen and the second-gen models.

2012 Honda Ridgeline

The 2012 Honda Ridgeline is a special model in many things, including the extremely low amount of driver reports focusing on complaints and issues. It proved to be reliable and dependable in the long run as it didn’t have any reported engine issues or problems with the transmission.

There were some problems with chipping paint and interior accessories, but nothing to worry about regarding the model’s general reliability.

2020 Honda Ridgeline

Although it’s still a fairly recent model, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline managed to impress with its low number of owner complaints and repetitive issues. It also received quite a decent rating on Edmunds and KBB, making it one of the best-rated model years.

Engine-related issues including the one with a faulty fourth cylinder were long gone by this point, so we advise you to get one of the later models of the second generation if you wish to get the most out of your truck.

Is the Honda Ridgeline worth buying?

The Honda Ridgeline is a great deal and is worth your money if you get any more reliable models. On average, the vehicle lasts about 200,000 miles without needing severe repairs or replacements. With the proper care and maintenance, you can make it last longer.

You may hit a brick if you want to buy the Honda Ridgeline as an investment. The vehicle does not have a good resale value, despite its above-fair reliability. Some of its competitors fare better than others and are in more demand in the mainstream market.

Looking at durable and dependable trucks like the Ford Ranger, GMC Sierra, or Nissan Frontier? Each of these models brings strength and versatility to the table, but it’s important to note that not all model years are equally reliable.