Common Failures Of The Honda Ridgeline: Problems, Breakdowns And Solutions!

When you’re in the market for a dependable truck, you can’t go wrong with a Honda Ridgeline. Of course, this car does not escape some problems, and for this reason we list the common failures of the Honda Ridgeline , in case you are interested in one.

Both newer and older models of the Honda Ridgeline have something good to offer, from high reliability ratings to excellent performance. Its resale value is also good, depreciating only 54% in five years.

How good is the Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline enjoys above-average reliability, with some of its model years scoring better than others. It was given a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 6th out of 7 midsize trucks in its category. Meanwhile, other reports rated the 2021 Ridgeline an 81 out of 100, giving it second out of six models reviewed in its segment.

Several consumers ranked the 2021 Honda Ridgeline as the first of seven vehicles in the compact truck market. With these figures, it is evident that the Honda Ridgeline can easily enjoy a long life with proper handling and regular maintenance.

Common Honda Ridgeline Faults

Although the Honda Ridgeline is a reliable midsize truck, it still has its fair share of issues. Here are the common Honda Ridgeline failures reported for the different model years:

1- Fuel injector failure

According to some 2017 Honda Ridgeline owners, problems with their fuel injector are common for some units of this model year . They reported that the emissions system trouble light on their dash came on due to the faulty part.

Owners who ignored the warning light experienced drivability problems such as hesitation during acceleration and reduced fuel economy. Most of them were able to solve the problem by replacing the bad fuel injector. As of this writing, Honda has not yet recalled the product for this issue.

2- Electrical problems

Many 2017 Honda Ridgeline owners have complained of various electrical issues, from suddenly blaring horn to incorrect forward collision detection.

Some owners reported that all the warning lights came on. In some cases, the warning lights for parts that don’t even have it, like the trailer and trailer warning lights, will also light up.

Others shared that the warning lights came on with the loss of power steering and acceleration. These owners had to take their trucks to the dealership to have their electrical issues fixed.

3- Problems with the brakes

Based on reports from some 2009 Honda Ridgeline drivers, brake problems seem to crop up often in this model year. Owners have reported hearing a trampoline-like sound when they hit the brakes.

The brake rotors seem to rust prematurely on some of your units. Some owners have also noted metal scraping noises when using the brakes. To resolve these issues, it may be necessary to replace the affected parts.

4- Disadvantages with air conditioning / heating

Faulty AC and heater are among the most reported problems with the 2008 Honda Ridgeline. Some owners have complained that their AC and heater stopped working without warning. Most of them experienced this problem when their truck had just gotten a little over 7,000 miles.

The solution for this problem varies. Some were able to fix it by replacing the fan wiring harness , while others had to replace the entire HVAC unit.

Although there were recalls issued for the 2006 and 2007 Honda Ridgeline models for this same problem, the automaker has yet to release one for the 2008 model as of this writing.

5- Problems with the tailgate

Many 2007 Honda Ridgeline owners have complained that their liftgate will not open, even in rocking mode. In some cases it works when in drop mode, but only intermittently when in swing mode.

This is usually caused by a sensor dipstick that is too long, and replacing this part will usually correct the problem. As of this writing, no recalls have been made to resolve this issue.

6- Transmission problems

Some 2006 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported problems with their truck’s transmission. Most of them complained that their transmission won’t shift into fourth gear.

Some shared that their transmission was working intermittently, while others reported experiencing strange vibrations while driving . The drivers observed that their truck hesitates when shifting to the next gear between 40 and 45 mph. Most owners were able to resolve these issues with a software update from Honda.

7- Problems with the cylinders

According to some 2006 Honda Ridgeline owners, problems with their cylinder are common for this model year. Most reported symptoms such as their truck smoking on start-up, as well as a lit check engine light and VTM-4 light.

In most cases, a blown #4 cylinder caused these problems. Most owners had to replace their motors to fix their ride . Despite the number of complaints, no recalls have been issued to fix this as of this writing.

In conclusion

If you’re in the market for a Honda Ridgeline, be prepared to embrace the potential good and bad. As long as you are aware of the issues that the specific year model you are planning to get may have, the purchase should come with little risk. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid costly repairs through preventative maintenance, so you can maximize the life of your midsize truck.