NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
This page covers 9 recalls, 157 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline.
21–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.2 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 Ridgeline's complaint picture is spread across electrical issues, the backup camera system, and the engine. On the electrical side, owners report a range of malfunctions including erratic behavior and system failures, though specific symptoms vary across reports. The backup camera draws a notable cluster of complaints, with owners describing the camera feed failing to display on the infotainment screen, sometimes intermittently, sometimes persistently after a restart. Engine complaints are the most serious in nature: multiple owners report sudden engine seizure with little or no warning, in some cases preceded by a ticking or clicking noise that preceded a rod bearing failure diagnosis. A few owners describe the engine simply stopping while driving, with no prior warning lights. Several of these engine failures occurred at relatively low mileage, and owners consistently note the absence of any advance warning signs.
157
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline has 9 recalls, with the most serious involving a fuel pump housing that can crack and leak pressurized fuel, raising the risk of a fire.
Several other recalls also carry significant safety consequences. The hood latch striker can break and separate, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and block the driver's view entirely. On certain vehicles, a connecting rod bearing inside the engine can wear and seize, potentially causing the engine to stall or catch fire. Rear suspension control arms in vehicles sold in high-salt regions can corrode and fail, causing loss of handling and control. A front passenger seat sensor defect can cause the airbag to deploy unintentionally in a crash. A separate fuel pump recall, covering a much broader range of Honda and Acura models, addresses a pump that can fail and stall the engine while driving.
On the hardware side, front seat rivets in certain vehicles may break in a crash, allowing the seat to pull free from the floor. Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers sold for this truck can flip and buckle in the wind, with separated panels becoming road hazards. Finally, repeated tailgate use can break the rearview camera wiring harness, leaving the driver without rear camera visibility when reversing.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear subframe can corrode at suspension attachment points, potentially causing rear suspension components to fail.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe, install a reinforcement kit, and repair or replace components as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and create an electrical short, potentially causing airbags to deploy unexpectedly during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger seat weight sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, potentially stopping fuel delivery to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing error may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, which damages the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and repair or replace it as necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera wiring harness can break when you open or close the tailgate, causing the rearview camera to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rearview camera wiring harness at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The hood latch striker can become damaged and separate from the hood, potentially causing the hood to open while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the hood latch striker or hood at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tonneau cover may not stay properly secured in the open or closed position. Wind can cause it to flip and buckle, which may deform the hinges and allow the rear panel to separate from the truck.
What the fix does
Dealers will install tethers on the tonneau cover to prevent panel separation, apply warning labels, and provide an updated user manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Acidic substances like car wash soap can crack the fuel pump feed port, potentially causing fuel system failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump if needed and install a protective fuel pump cover at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The powered front seats have rivets that were not manufactured correctly. In a crash, these rivets can break, causing the seats to come loose from the floor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat frame assembly (driver seat in Acura MDX; driver and front passenger seats in Pilot and Ridgeline) at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.