Summary
The Honda Ridgeline has 29 recalls spanning 2006 through the current model year, with the most serious recent issue being a steering gearbox defect on 2023 models where the inner joint can loosen and separate from the steering rack, causing a complete loss of steering control.
The current and recent generation has several other concerns worth knowing. On 2020-2025 models, the rearview camera wiring harness in the tailgate can fatigue and break over time, leaving the backup camera with no image while reversing. The 2020 model year also has a brake master cylinder that can separate from the brake booster, resulting in reduced braking or a total loss of braking ability. On 2019 models, a faulty airbag and seatbelt control unit can prevent airbags and seatbelt pretensioners from deploying in a crash, and an oversized mounting hole on the right center pillar can interfere with curtain airbag deployment. Going back to 2017-2020 models, the hood latch striker can become damaged and allow the hood to fly open while driving, blocking the driver's forward view. The fuel pump on 2017-2019 models can crack when exposed to acid-containing car wash soaps, allowing pressurized fuel to leak and creating a fire risk. Early 2017 AWD models have a rear wiring harness connector positioned beneath a bed drain hole where water can enter, corrode the terminals, and trigger unintended stability control activation. Honda-branded tri-fold and panel-style tonneau covers sold for 2017-2020 models can detach or buckle at speed and become road hazards. The 2018 model year has powered front seats with improperly manufactured rivets that can break in a crash, allowing the seat to separate from the floor.
On 2006-2014 models sold or registered in the Rust Belt and upper Midwest states, rear frame corrosion at the fuel tank and rear subframe mounting points can allow those components to drop away from the vehicle, which can rupture the fuel tank and cause a fire. The 2006-2007 models have an HVAC blower motor wiring connector under the passenger side dash that can be kicked by a front passenger's foot, overheat, and cause a fire inside the cabin. The 2006 model additionally had a Takata passenger airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin during deployment.
On older production, the 2011-2012 model years have a spare tire label mismatch that can lead to incorrect inflation. The 2008 model has a hood support rod pivot hole that can fail to hold the hood open while working in the engine compartment.
