The Lemon Index2019 Honda Ridgeline.
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 86 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 253, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 21 to 22 mpg combined. The best Honda Ridgeline year is 2007.
Lemon alert. 2.5× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2007
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 237 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda Ridgeline year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 56K miles on the car (63 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 12
- body structure 2026
The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
- airbags 2026
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2023
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Show all 12 recalls
- engine 2023
Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
- back over prevention 2022
Opening and closing the tailgate may break the rearview camera wiring harness, causing the rearview camera to fail.
- body structure 2021
The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- equipment 2020
If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle.
- engine 2019
The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
- fuel system, gasoline 2019
Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
- body structure 2018
The mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar trim panel may be larger than intended.
- seat belts 2018
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Honda told dealers about
Honda sent dealers 115 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Service bulletin - The hood flutters or vibrates at highway speeds
- Service Bulletin - Honda has received customer complaints of the air conditioning system not…
- Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenEngine failure2025
- ClosedRear-view camera failure2025–2026
- ClosedRear-view camera failure2024–2025
- ClosedEngine failure2024–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Ridgeline PU/CC AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Honda Ridgeline PU/CC FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Back up camera wiring harness failure as a result of routing design within the the double action tailgate. 28,000 miles with camera failure
2019 Honda Ridgeline owner · NHTSA complaint 11468860
More owner reports
Rear camera not working Called for service at dealership told to check wire a tailgate wires are broken
NHTSA complaint 11462072
2019 Honda Ridgeline backup camera broke 5/2022 due to defective wiring harness at side hinge. Wires were chaffed bare, design flaw rendering camera useless. Safety compromised while backing up. Honda not receptive to repair.
NHTSA complaint 11491594
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.5× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 253; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Honda Ridgeline year by this measure since 2010 is 2013.
What are the most common 2019 Honda Ridgeline problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (23%), body structure (19%) and backup camera (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline have?
12 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline get?
21 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 Honda Ridgeline safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2019 Honda Ridgeline problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,100 and 56,000 miles. The middle report was at 17,500 miles, from 63 complaints.
Does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Honda Ridgeline have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Honda Ridgeline year is better than the 2019?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2018 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works