Honda Ridgeline Problems: 6 Common Issues (Explained)

The Honda Ridgeline came on the market in 2006 and was marketed as a “sport utility truck.” It is a unibody truck (the frame and body are one piece) which some people love and others dislike.

This vehicle is known to have a number of common issues that can affect its performance, including frustrating engine problems.

We also looked at how long the Honda Ridgeline lasts, check that out if you haven’t.

For the most part, it is a great truck, but like any vehicle, it’s not perfect.

There are some common issues that owners have which we will review below.

Typical Features

The Honda Ridgeline comes with several features that are standard or available as options.

Standard features include:

• Rear view camera
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
• Traction control system
• Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming
• Seats up to five people
• Can tow a boat and more

Some optional features include:

• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• HID headlights
• Navigation system

This type of truck is good for people who need a truck for light-duty tasks but don’t want the bulk and poor fuel economy that comes with full-size trucks.

The 2022 model can tow up to 5,000 pounds with a payload of 1,500 pounds.

While there are many pros to the Honda Ridgeline, some potential owners may be wary of its array of common issues.

Before we get into the problems, you should also check our list of best and worst years for the Honda Ridgeline.

Problems with the Honda Ridgeline

1) Paint Easily Chips

Some owners have complained about the paint on their Ridgeline chipping easily, especially in areas that are prone to scuffing. This can be a problem if you spend a lot of time off-roading or doing other types of outdoor activities.

Rocks kicked up by other cars on the road can easily chip the paint, and once the paint is damaged, it’s difficult to touch up.

If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, you might want to consider getting a different truck.

However, you can proactively deal with this type of issue by investing in a good set of mud flaps or rock guards to prevent rocks from doing damage.

2) Engine Problems

While the engines on these trucks are durable, they still have issues.

The most common problem is with the valve springs.

These springs can break and cause the engine to misfire. It is a serious problem because it can damage the catalytic converter, and it can also lead to other engine problems.

If you plan on getting a Honda Ridgeline, make sure you get regular maintenance to avoid engine issues.

3) Fuel Pump Problems

Another common issue with the Honda Ridgeline is fuel pump problems.

These pumps are located in the gas tank, and they can be damaged by rust or other issues.

If the fuel pump breaks, you won’t be able to get gas into your engine, and your truck will be unusable.

This is a serious problem that can be expensive to fix.

If you live in an area with a lot of rust, you want to take certain precautions when it comes to maintaining this truck. One thing you could do is get a fuel tank liner to protect the pump from rust and other damage.

4) Transmission Problems

The transmission is another part of the truck that is known to have issues. The most common problem is with the torque converter.

The torque converter is a part of the transmission that helps to convert the engine’s power into torque.

If it breaks, it can cause your truck to slip out of gear or have other transmission problems.

This is a serious problem that can be expensive to fix, so it’s important to get regular maintenance on your transmission to avoid problems.

5) Braking Issues

Some owners have also reported braking issues with their Honda Ridgeline.

These trucks are equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), but some people have still had problems.

The problem is with the sensors that monitor the speed of the wheels and tell the ABS system how much braking to apply.

If one of these sensors breaks, the ABS system will not work properly, and your truck could be more difficult to stop.

6) Electrical Issues

There have also been reports of electrical issues with the Honda Ridgeline. These trucks are equipped with a lot of electronics, and some of them have been known to break.

For example, the center console has a screen that connects to the audio system, Bluetooth, and other features.

If this screen breaks, you won’t be able to use any of these features, and it can be expensive to replace.

Another electrical issue is with the headlights. Some people have reported that the headlights stop working after a few years.

Not having functional headlights can make it difficult to see at night, and it can also be a safety hazard. The company has issued a recall for this problem, so if you have this issue, you should be able to get it fixed for free.

Pros and Cons

People who own a Honda Ridgeline have mixed opinions on the pros and cons of this truck.

On the one hand, it has a lot of great features that make it a good truck.

It has a comfortable interior, it’s easy to drive, and it has a lot of storage space. Drivers also like the powerful engine and the excellent fuel economy.

However, some people have reported problems with this truck that can be a serious hassle to deal with.

This truck is for someone who wants a reliable truck with a lot of features. Let’s look at the towing capacity, for example.

This truck has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, which is more than enough for most drivers. If you need to tow a boat, small trailer, or another big load, then this truck could be a good option for you.

But if you are looking for something with an even higher towing capacity, then you might want to consider another option.

The Honda Ridgeline is also a good choice for people who want a truck that is easy to drive and comfortable.

With its smooth ride, spacious interior, and intuitive controls, this truck is great for long trips.

Cons

While there are benefits to this truck, there are certainly some downsides. To sum up some of the cons earlier:

• Engines have issues with valve springs
• Fuel pumps issues
• The transmission has torque converter problems
• Brake sensors issues
• Headlights stop working over time

Overall, the Honda Ridgeline is a good truck with a lot of great features. However, it does have some issues that can be a serious pain to deal with.

If you’re considering buying one of these trucks, make sure you do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully.

What Do The Reviews Say?

One review on Edmunds.com thinks it is a good truck that needs a few more elements.

The review states,

” Headlights are like driving vehicles from the early 2000s. Very poor compared to the 2018Toyota I trade in. Highbeam is a halogen bulb ( yellow light ) and low beam is dull Led white light. I had to go and buy new Led bulbs after spending $45000. The other problem is that the passager seat can not adjust up or down. My wife’s feet cannot touch the floor. “

Another online review said,

“I’m about 1750 miles into my 2022 Ridgeline RTL-E and so far I have been extremely satisfied.”

Resale Prices

The resale value of a vehicle is important to consider if you’re planning on selling it or trading it in at some point.

The Honda Ridgeline has a good resale value, thanks to its reputation for being a reliable truck.

The standard price for a new one is about $37,000- 43,000.

The Sport model is the cheapest one while the Black Editon retails for about $43,920.

However, if you want to sell or trade your truck in after five years, you can expect it to have depreciated in value by about 55%. The 5-year resale value is about $19,000.

Maintenance Tips

If you decide to buy a Honda Ridgeline, you should take care of it to prevent any serious issues from arising.

Here are some maintenance tips:

• Change the oil regularly and use the recommended type of oil for the best performance.
• Follow the recommended schedule for replacing other parts like tires, brakes, and filters.
• Avoid driving in rough terrain to prevent damage to the suspension.
• Wash and wax the truck regularly to protect the paint job.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Ridgeline is a good truck that has a lot of great features. If you need a truck with good towing capacity, a comfortable interior, and good fuel economy, then this could be a good option for you.

However, it’s important to be aware of its common issues such as chipped paint, fuel pump problems, and torque converter issues.

There have been mixed opinions from drivers but the positive ones are very good. Do your research and decide if this truck is right for you. There are many forums online to help you with your informed decision.

GO BACK: Honda problems per model.

ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.

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