The Lemon Index2021 Honda Ridgeline.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is worse than average by owner complaints: 69 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 173, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 21 mpg combined. The best Honda Ridgeline year is 2007.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 102 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Honda Ridgeline year. 2021 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 1K to 48K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 7
- 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.
- back over prevention 2024
The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Show all 7 recalls
- airbags 2024
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- brakes 2023
The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
- visibility 2023
The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach.
- seat belts 2021
The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system.
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 83 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc
- Service Bulletin - Honda has received customer complaints of the air conditioning system not…
- Service Bulletin - Customers have complained that the air conditioning system is not blowing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenNo restart after auto start/stop engages2025
- ClosedRear-view camera failure2024
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 $3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
My car is equipe with a idle stop start assitant and in 3 ocasions did not restar the vehicle after stoping on a red light, I have to put the car in parking and then try to re-start the vehicle triying 1 or 2 time until starts up.
2021 Honda Ridgeline owner · NHTSA complaint 11622518
More owner reports
Headlights don't dim in the auto function when there is oncoming traffic. Lights cycle from dim to bright when no oncoming traffic is present. This is an ongoing problem that presents every time the vehicle is driven at night.
NHTSA complaint 11630842
Automatic high-beam system on 2021 models functions erratically, sometimes coming on when cars are approaching. Also turns on and off constantly from reflections on road signs and even mile markers
NHTSA complaint 11414897
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 173; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Honda Ridgeline year by this measure since 2010 is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 Honda Ridgeline problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (25%), lights (17%) and electrical (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?
7 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 2021 Honda Ridgeline get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Honda Ridgeline year is better than the 2021?
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