Best and Worst Years for Honda Ridgeline

Honda isn’t known for its truck prowess. Despite making trucks for other purposes, Honda resisted the urge to dive into the consumer trucks market for decades. The Ridgeline, the company’s first (and only) proper truck for the everyman, has been well received. It consistently earns great reviews, and generally leaves drivers pleased with its drive and overall performance as a truck. 

Though the unibody truck is popular, it’s not without its faults. Honda is known for making rock-solid, dependable autos, but even the best can fall short from time to time. Here, we’ll tell you which Honda Ridgeline model years are excellent, which are decent, and whether there are any to avoid completely. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you’re buying a Honda Ridgeline, these are the model years to avoid:

• 2006

• 2007

• 2008

• 2017

• 2019

The worst model year for the Honda Ridgeline, by far. Expect engine problems, interior fit and finish issues, and shoddy build quality on the exterior. There are also several reports of seatbelt and airbag malfunctions for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline.

Faulty air conditioners, transmission woes, and electrical problems shadow the 2007 Honda Ridgeline. Engine misfires due to oil and coolant mixing were also reported.

This model year has widely reported air conditioning/heater failures, as well as many of the same problems found in the 2006 and 2007 model years.

After a redesign, the Honda Ridgeline had transmission issues and troublesome brakes. Power system failures and fuel system concerns are also widely reported. The infotainment system was also a problem as the touchscreen is prone to giving out.

The touchscreen issues continued into 2019, and how Honda chose to route tubing through the vehicle. Reports of electrical shorts due to leaky tubing dripping onto components are widespread, and the air conditioning compressor is not reliable.

These are the best model years for the Honda Ridgeline:

• 2009

• 2010

• 2011

• 2012

• 2013

• 2014

• 2020

• 2021

• 2022

• 2023

The first generation of the Honda Ridgeline was not “just another truck,” it was a revelation. Honda went with a unibody design, a crew cab, and a short bed. It had a powerful V6 engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission, standard. Its tailgate was unique, too, opening both sideways and down, something other trucks just didn’t do in 2006. It saw a slight refresh in 2009, and the final year of this generation (2014) had a “special edition” model with bespoke wheels and badging.

Honda revamped the second-generation Ridgeline and began producing it on the company’s global light-truck platform. To that, the second-generation Ridgeline is more like a Honda Pilot under its hood and frame. Honda kept a V6 under the hood, but added a new nine-speed automatic transmission in 2020. In 2021, the front fascia was retooled, and in 2024, a new off-road ready trim, the Trailsport, was introduced.

A malfunctioning anti-lock braking system dogs the Ridgeline. It’s been reported intermittently through both generations. Sensors relaying how fast the wheels are spinning may malfunction, which can cause unreliable braking.

The finish on the Honda Ridgeline hasn’t always been great. Issues with paint cracking, chipping, and fading have been reported. 

The infotainment system is prone to freezing in the Ridgeline, sometimes failing altogether. This also affects Bluetooth connectivity to become unreliable, and the overall sound system to act erratically. Some drivers complained that headlights stopped working, which was solved with a recall.

Engine issues are most common in the 2006 model year, with the most prevalent issue being broken valve springs which cause engine misfires and damage to the catalytic converter. There are also reports of the fourth cylinder failing entirely, which can lead to poor fuel economy, sluggish performance, and can lead to more issues requiring expensive repairs.

The Honda Ridgeline fuel pump may rust, which can prevent the engine from getting gas. The fuel pump is an expensive component to replace, too, so this known issue can mean large repair bills.

Generally speaking, the Honda Ridgeline is reliable. It has some serious problems, but many makes and models have similar issues.

The Honda Ridgeline is great for towing trailers and other lightweight items. Its full towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Always get a CarFax or vehicle history report, and have the vehicle you want to buy inspected by an independent mechanic. We advise avoiding the earliest model Ridgelines as they are prone to the more serious issues listed above.