2018 Honda Ridgeline Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 49 1 crash

“BACK UP CAMERA INOPERABLE RELATED TO FAILURE OF WIRING HARNESS TO TAILGATE. STRESS POINT IN HARNESS SEVERS ELECTRICAL CONNECTION LEADING TO NO IMAGE FROM CAMERA. THIS INITIALLY OCCURRED WHILE BACKING BOAT TRAILER DOWN ACCESS RAMP AT NOBLEBORO, MAINE PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCH. HEAVILY TINTED REAR WINDOW IN THIS VEHICLE INCREASES DRIVER DEPENDENCE ON BACK UP CAMERA FOR AVOIDING ACCIDENTS. BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW FOR $42,000.00. CAMERA FAIL AT 43,000 MILES OF LIGHT USE. THIS RECURRENT SAFETY ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET AT HTTPS://WWW.RIDGELINEOWNERSCLUB.COM/THREADS/2017-2018-BROKEN-TAILGATE-HARN…”
NHTSA complaint #11350162, 2020 · crash

“I had the backup camera harness recall performed on my 2018 Honda Ridgeline on 09/06/2023 by Honda of Escondido , CA. (See attached invoice of recall work performed.) On 01/27/2026, the backup camera failed to appear on the dash screen when the vehicle was in reverse. I restarted the vehicle and the camera view was still not visible on the screen. I drove home and parked the vehicle in my garage. I turned the ignition off and then on again and put the car in reverse with the brake applied. This time the camera view was displayed on the dash screen. Appears to be an intermittent problem. (…”
NHTSA complaint #11713888, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake sy…”
NHTSA complaint #11700587, 2025

Back Over Prevention 30

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V867000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11619867, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and 22V867000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available”
NHTSA complaint #11634838, 2023

“Rear view camera not working, exposed wires from lift gate operation. I can now see the exposed wires and some have been cut due to operation of lift gate over time.”
NHTSA complaint #11515483, 2023

Engine 21

“I had been hearing a ticking or clicking sound from the engine. When I brought it to a Honda dealership that I had used about a year ago for the 100,000 mile maintenance, I was told that the truck had a rod bearing failure and that I needed a new engine. I was told that if I kept driving it as is, that I could have catastrophic engine seizure without warning at anytime. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I saw that the same part on both the Ridgeline models of 2017 and 2019 had been recalled in 2023. The truck only has 110k miles and I have faithfully had routine maintenance. For an e…”
NHTSA complaint #11737831, 2026

“Catastrophic Engine Failure. Reported to NHTSA on 10.11.24 for Recall 23.097. Investigation (RQ24013) which no issues were allegedly determined. Now a new investigation has opened PE25008: We had our engine replaced for a used one and are concerned that this engine still has the issues realated to Recall 23.097. Called Honda to ask if they can confirm whether or not this used/salvaged engine had been checked to see if it has rod bearing issues related to Recall 23.097 or was from a vehicle that was related to the recall. They said they had not. Furthermore, we provided the motor serial n…”
NHTSA complaint #11731559, 2026

“Truck only has 40,500 miles. Was driving down road and made a clunk noise and engine seized up and wouldn't start. There were no warning signs. I had it towed to Honda dealership. Their official repair estimate states verbatim "Bearing on a connecting rod went bad and the rod snapped." The bill is $7800 for a remanufactured engine or $13500 for a new one. I had just had the vehicle's 40,000 mile inspection done at the same Honda Dealership 2 months prior, and no issues were found.”
NHTSA complaint #11722952, 2026

Fuel/Propulsion System 17

“I went to fill my vehicle with gasoline on 02/06/2025. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline has a capless fuel system to enter fuel into the vehicle and there are two flaps that the gasoline nozzle is required to open. It repeatedly attempted to insert the nozzle and the first flap would not move. I pushed harder, and the first flap broke. I still could not insert the nozzle to get gasoline into my vehicle. I then observed a block of ice preventing the nozzle from accessing the second flap. I could not remove the ice to put gas in my vehicle. On 02/07/2025, the temperature rose above freezing and I was ab…”
NHTSA complaint #11642815, 2025

“Honda recall on fuel pump from February 2024 has not been corrected due to Honda failing to supply part to local dealer for repair. I have concerns of the fuel pump failing while driving and have made multiple calls to Honda asking for the repair. Honda reply is that when the part is available they will notify. Six months is a long time to wait on a defect that could have serious consequence.”
NHTSA complaint #11611919, 2024

“The fuel pump recall was issued in December 2023 and it still hasn't been repaired. It is almost a year later and when I have tried to contact the dealer and the company about the status of the recall, I don't get a response.”
NHTSA complaint #11622887, 2023

Unknown Or Other 17 1 fire 1 injury

“WHENEVER I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MY LEFT FOOT GOES NUMB AFTER DRIVING FOR ONLY 5-15 MINUTES. MY LEFT FOOT AND LEG ARE VERY PAINFUL FOR THE BALANCE OF THE DAY ANYTIME I DRIVE THE RIDGELINE. (I AM OF AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT.) I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND AMERICAN HONDA (SEE CORRESPONDENCE) AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED DRIVING IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND ALL MY LEG ISSUES WENT AWAY. WHEN I RESUMED DRIVING, THE PROBLEMS REOCCURRED. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #11228986, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“A fire started in the engine compartment of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The vehicle was being driven while towing a lightweight trailer. The driver pulled over to allow vehicles to pass and check the trailer. The driver allowed the engine to idle. As the driver returned to the vehicle she smelled and saw smoke then saw flames appearing from under the hood near the windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. Recall work was performed under NHTSA Recall 19V-053 10/09/2019.”
NHTSA complaint #11468382, 2022 · fire

“I had been hearing a ticking or clicking sound from the engine. When I brought it to a Honda dealership that I had used about a year ago for the 100,000 mile maintenance, I was told that the truck had a rod bearing failure and that I needed a new engine. I was told that if I kept driving it as is, that I could have catastrophic engine seizure without warning at anytime. This is a disaster waiting to happen. I saw that the same part on both the Ridgeline models of 2017 and 2019 had been recalled in 2023. The truck only has 110k miles and I have faithfully had routine maintenance. For an e…”
NHTSA complaint #11737831, 2026

Fuel System 13

“The referenced Recall for my Honda Ridgeline indicates that the fuel pump is suspect for an inadequate impeller and a possible safety problem. I have been awaiting this replacement part at least 8 months and the original recall has a date of December 18, 2023 which is over a year since identified. I have visited the dealership several times over the last six months and have been assured that I am on the "list" to receive a new fuel pump. The service department informed me on January 7, 2025 that they still have not received the fuel pump from you. The latest recall notice informed me pumps are…”
NHTSA complaint #11639708, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11624253, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V867000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11619867, 2024

Structure 9 1 crash

“ON JUNE 13, 2019, I HIT A ROCK IN A PARKING LOT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. LATER TOOK TO A BODY SHOP WHEN RADAR SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MISALLIGNMENT OF THE RADAR SENSOR UNIT CAUSED BY THE ROCK COLLISION. BODY SHOP SAYS THEY RECALIBRATED, BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS STILL RANDOMLY COME ON. COUNLDN'T GET AN APT. WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AGAIN, FOR THE THIRD TIME, UNTIL MID SEPT. DECIDED RATHER THAN RISK A FALSE POSITIVE BREAKING SYSTEM ERROR CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING RADAR SENSOR, TO TURN IT OFF. I'M HEADING OUT ON A TRIP OVER 6 MOUNTAIN PASSES AND AM NOT PLEASED THA…”
NHTSA complaint #11252010, 2019 · crash

“The hood flops in the wind, like a 2 foot long piece of aluminum foil. It's because the glue holding the composite skin to the metal frame has come loose. I'm sure over time, the stress from the wind will cause the composite material to break completely from the hood. Honda dealer wanted Honda to repair it, but Honda will only pay 60%, leaving me with a 1100.00 bill. Not acceptable, since it's a manufacturing defect. I now have a brick and a tie down holding it in place, and you know that's really safe. Since we only drove it in town for the first 2 1/2 years (bought it new off the sho…”
NHTSA complaint #11561011, 2023

“My hood is subtly bouncing at speeds over 55mph. I see that many Pilots, Ridgelines, etc. had recalls about the hood latch. I searched to see if my car was on the recall list for that after experiencing the hood bouncing, but it was not; however, it is concerning. I have not had my truck inspected yet, as I just bought it. There are no lights, messages etc. Should I be concerned or take it in?”
NHTSA complaint #11553165, 2023

Power Train 7

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, on the freeway while depressing the accelerator pedal the gear shifts shifted independently. No warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed however the diagnoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 58,538.”
NHTSA complaint #11737382, 2026

“The truck has a hard/rough shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear in an automatic transmission. No dash light indicating anything wrong with the engine or the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11678753, 2025

“We were traveling up the freeway just like any other day. Out of nowhere the low oil light flashed and next thing we know a loud clanking started to happen. We were able to make it to the exit as it was right there thankfully because once we stopped I shut the engine off got out and checked the oil and it was full. I tried to start it again, it started but turned it off fast because the noise it was making was horrible. I’ve contacted Honda regarding this issue because the Ridgeline from 2017 and 2019 are covered under a recall but the can’t explain why the 2018 is exempt from the recall see…”
NHTSA complaint #11665536, 2025

Visibility/Wiper 7

“Drivers side mirror has slid down. Can't adjust mirror anymore. Something wrong with adhesive on back of mirror.”
NHTSA complaint #11521587, 2023

“The backup camera intermittently works. When put in reverse, sometimes I’ll have a black screen with grid lines, other times just a blank screen. Yes, it is available for inspection. I cannot see persons and property when backing up. I am afraid, in reverse, of running over persons shorter than the vehicle that only the backup camera would pick up. This has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service station. The vehicle has not been inspected by another entity. There has been no warning lights or messages from the vehicle about the issue. I purchased the vehicle in October 202…”
NHTSA complaint #11493074, 2022

“The problem revolves around the rear-view camera failing through the normal use of the vehicle. The issue affects 2017-2018 Ridelines, a number of whose owners complain that the screen goes black when they try to reverse. The complaints suggest that the wiring harness going from the main body of the vehicle into the tailgate, where the camera is located, suffers severe damage caused by the normal opening and closing of the tailgate. In my case I've confirmed this is true. Backup cam suddenly stopped working. Inspected wiring to backup cam at back where tailgate is and confirmed wiring is sever…”
NHTSA complaint #11491748, 2022

Lane Departure 5

“Multiple warning lights appeared and remained illuminated on my dash, all related to safety features (LKAS, ACC, CMBS AND ROAD DEPARTURE). The problem was confirmed by Capitol Honda Service Department. The vehicle was scanned and stored DTC was found at INTEGRATED DRIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM. U3000-49 MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA UNIT INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. The DTC was set as hard code, unable to clear. RECOMMEND REPLACING MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA AND PERFORMING CALIBRATION. The estimate I was initially given for the cost of the repair parts and labor was close to $2,000. The repair was necessary because th…”
NHTSA complaint #11692872, 2025

“Rear view camera not working, exposed wires from lift gate operation. I can now see the exposed wires and some have been cut due to operation of lift gate over time.”
NHTSA complaint #11515483, 2023

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Rear camera wire harness has failed. When vehicle is in reverse the screen displays a black image. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Please see attached image. These wires are visible when the tailgate is open. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The rear camera adds tremendous safety information as I reverse the vehicle. In every situation this information is valuable; more so in a neighborhoods like the one I live in. Has the problem been reproduced or…”
NHTSA complaint #11485774, 2022

Service Brakes 4 2 crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while stopped behind a truck that had attempted to make a left turn, the vehicle began to reverse and tapped his vehicle. There was no visible damage to the vehicle and a police report was not filed. Then a few days after the incident, the contact merged onto the highway at 30 MPH and attempted to apply the brakes however, the brake pedal failed operate as needed. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Automatic Emergency Braking System failed to operate as needed and the contact crashed into the vehicle in front of him wi…”
NHTSA complaint #11441601, 2021 · crash

“ON JUNE 13, 2019, I HIT A ROCK IN A PARKING LOT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. LATER TOOK TO A BODY SHOP WHEN RADAR SENSOR LIGHTS CAME ON. WAS TOLD IT WAS THE MISALLIGNMENT OF THE RADAR SENSOR UNIT CAUSED BY THE ROCK COLLISION. BODY SHOP SAYS THEY RECALIBRATED, BUT THE WARNING LIGHTS STILL RANDOMLY COME ON. COUNLDN'T GET AN APT. WITH THE DEALERSHIP TO LOOK AGAIN, FOR THE THIRD TIME, UNTIL MID SEPT. DECIDED RATHER THAN RISK A FALSE POSITIVE BREAKING SYSTEM ERROR CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTIONING RADAR SENSOR, TO TURN IT OFF. I'M HEADING OUT ON A TRIP OVER 6 MOUNTAIN PASSES AND AM NOT PLEASED THA…”
NHTSA complaint #11252010, 2019 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake sy…”
NHTSA complaint #11700587, 2025

Engine And Engine Cooling 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower connecting rod was causing the rob bearing to fail. After further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11619280, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made abnormal clicking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with connecting rod bearing wear and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not includ…”
NHTSA complaint #11570313, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 2

“Multiple warning lights appeared and remained illuminated on my dash, all related to safety features (LKAS, ACC, CMBS AND ROAD DEPARTURE). The problem was confirmed by Capitol Honda Service Department. The vehicle was scanned and stored DTC was found at INTEGRATED DRIVER SUPPORT SYSTEM. U3000-49 MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA UNIT INTERNAL ELECTRONIC FAILURE. The DTC was set as hard code, unable to clear. RECOMMEND REPLACING MULTIPURPOSE CAMERA AND PERFORMING CALIBRATION. The estimate I was initially given for the cost of the repair parts and labor was close to $2,000. The repair was necessary because th…”
NHTSA complaint #11692872, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, all four windows of the vehicle were rolling up and down independently. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle braked unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electric system was reset; however, the horn engaged unintendedly while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that he disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electrical control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac…”
NHTSA complaint #11514025, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS AN UNEXPECTED DELAY IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP. THIS DELAY SEEMS TO BE UNPREDICTABLE AND NOT DUE TO ANY PARTICULAR PEDAL MOVEMENT. AT TIMES, WHEN MOVING FROM A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, AFTER MOVING INTO A LANE OF TRAFFIC, THE DELAY CAN SUDDENLY HAPPEN, AND CAN BE AS MUCH AS 3 TO 4 SECONDS. AT THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE IS "DEAD IN THE WATER" SO TO SPEAK. THE ENGINE IS AT IDLE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE. HENCE, THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE MOVED OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC UNTIL THE DELAY PERIOD IS OVER. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOES NO GOOD…”
NHTSA complaint #11353039, 2020

“UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION OF UP TO 5 MPH AFTER SETTING CRUISE CONTROL. WILL OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AT BOTH LOW AND HIGH SPEED.”
NHTSA complaint #11308903, 2018

Air Bags 1

“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake sy…”
NHTSA complaint #11700587, 2025

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“WATER LEAK FROM MOONROOF AND OR WINDSHIELD WILL SHORT OUT BLIND SPOT MONITOR SENSORS AND CAUSE WARNING LIGHT IN THE DASH TO APPEAR 'BLIND SPOT MONITOR SYSTEM PROBLEM'”
NHTSA complaint #11302708, 2020

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA RIDGELINE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HOOD RAISED APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE HOOD TO ASSURE IT WAS LATCHED PROPERLY. THE DEALER (LODI HONDA, 1700 S CHEROKEE LN, LODI, CA 95240) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HONDA WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,165.”
NHTSA complaint #11075831, 2018

Seats 1 1 injury

“WHENEVER I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MY LEFT FOOT GOES NUMB AFTER DRIVING FOR ONLY 5-15 MINUTES. MY LEFT FOOT AND LEG ARE VERY PAINFUL FOR THE BALANCE OF THE DAY ANYTIME I DRIVE THE RIDGELINE. (I AM OF AVERAGE HEIGHT AND WEIGHT.) I HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AND AMERICAN HONDA (SEE CORRESPONDENCE) AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT, BUT IT COULD ALSO BE IN THE FLOORBOARD OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED DRIVING IT FOR 2 WEEKS, AND ALL MY LEG ISSUES WENT AWAY. WHEN I RESUMED DRIVING, THE PROBLEMS REOCCURRED. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRI…”
NHTSA complaint #11228986, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 1

“The vehicle’s front suspension system failed, specifically the driver’s side and passenger’s side front strut assemblies and the driver’s side inner and outer tie rods. These components have been identified by the dealership as needing immediate replacement. The defective components should be available for inspection upon request, pending completion of repairs. The vehicle exhibited wobbling and a dragging sensation from the front left tire, which raised concerns regarding control and steering safety. A loose or faulty suspension or tie rod can significantly impair vehicle handling, stability,…”
NHTSA complaint #11650188, 2025