Are Honda Ridgelines reliable trucks?

Yes. Honda Ridgelines are broadly regarded as reliable trucks with strong longevity, solid resale value, and relatively low maintenance costs for a pickup. Reliability can vary by model year and configuration, so prospective buyers should check year-specific data and maintenance histories.

Reliability by generation

This quick look groups the two main generations by long-term dependability, highlighting what owners and reviewers have generally observed.

• First generation (2006–2014): Built on a unibody platform, the Ridgeline earned praise for a smooth ride and solid durability. Some model-year quirks and recalls affected a minority of vehicles, but overall reliability on many examples remains notable for a pickup of that era.


• Second generation (2017–present): Introduced a refined ride, modern tech, and continued Honda reliability expectations. Early models saw some electronics and infotainment-related reports, while later years generally benefited from improvements and updates.

Year-to-year reliability can vary, so it’s important to consult year-specific reviews from sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and RepairPal before making a purchase.

Owner sentiment and known reliability signals

Beyond formal scores, owner surveys and industry assessments offer practical signals about how Ridgelines perform in daily use, including ride quality, maintenance costs, and long-term durability.

What owners typically report

• Ride comfort and interior quality: Widely praised for a car-like ride and a well-finished cabin, which contributes to a perception of reliability for daily use.


• Drivetrain and electronics: Some model years experienced infotainment glitches or drivetrain quirks; it’s wise to verify software updates and test the system during a test drive.


• Maintenance economics: Routine maintenance on Hondas is generally affordable, and parts availability is strong, aiding long-term reliability.

Overall, owner sentiment reinforces that reliability is solid on most Ridgeline models, with year-specific caveats tied to technology maturity and service history.

Buying guidance for used Ridgelines

When shopping for a used Ridgeline, a careful inspection and attention to history can help maximize reliability and value.

• Maintenance and recalls: Obtain a complete service history and confirm that all recalls have been completed via NHTSA or Honda records.


• Mechanical check: Have a qualified technician inspect brakes, suspension, drivetrain, and the underbody for wear, rust, or leaks; listen for unusual noises.


• Infotainment and electronics: Test the infotainment system, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth, and other tech features to ensure reliability and updates are in place.


• Model-year considerations: Be aware that reliability can differ between generations and even within a generation; you may prefer later-year updates that benefited from continued refinements.

With thorough due diligence, a used Ridgeline can offer dependable performance, a comfortable ride, and practical pickup capabilities for years to come.

Conclusion and takeaway

In general, Honda Ridgelines deliver dependable reliability, especially in the more recent generation started in 2017, when Honda refined its unibody pickup with modern technology and a reputation for durable powertrains. However, reliability is not uniform across all years, so buyers should review year-specific reliability data, recall histories, and vehicle maintenance records, and consider a professional inspection before purchase.

Summary

Honda Ridgelines are typically a reliable choice among midsize pickups, combining comfort with practical features and solid long-term durability. The key to maximizing reliability is selecting a well-documented model year with complete maintenance history and addressing any recalls, plus a thorough pre-purchase inspection. By focusing on year-specific data and maintenance records, buyers can enjoy a dependable, versatile pickup with strong resale value.

What is the most reliable year of Honda Ridgeline?

The most reliable Honda Ridgeline years are generally considered to be the later models in the second generation, particularly 2020 and 2021, and newer, due to the switch to a more reliable 9-speed transmission. The 2024 model year is also noted as being particularly reliable. For the first generation, the years 2009-2012 and 2014 are frequently cited as reliable choices. 
Second Generation (2017–Present)

• Most Reliable:
  • 2020, 2021, and later: These years feature a 9-speed automatic transmission (ZF transmission) that is considered more reliable than the 6-speed used in earlier second-generation models. 
  • 2024: Specifically highlighted as very reliable, with a face-lifted interior and infotainment system. 
• Years to approach with caution:
  • 2017–2019: These models are more prone to issues, particularly with the 6-speed transmission and some electrical problems. Some owners have reported transmission failures on these models, though others have had no issues with proper maintenance. 

First Generation (2006–2014)

• Most Reliable:
  • 2009–2012: Often mentioned for their strong reliability. 
  • 2014: Frequently recommended as a solid choice. 
• Years to approach with caution:
  • 2006: Had the most issues, including engine problems like cylinder failure and numerous recalls. 

General advice

• Focus on maintenance: Regardless of the model year, proper and consistent maintenance is crucial for reliability. 
• Check for recalls: It is always recommended to check for and confirm that any recalls have been addressed before purchasing a used vehicle. 

Are Honda Ridgelines long term reliable?

Owners frequently report their Ridgelines reaching 200,000+ miles with routine maintenance. Critical components like the engine, transmission, and suspension are designed to last, while rust resistance and paint quality help the truck maintain its appearance over time.

What year to avoid Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are generally 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2017 due to reported issues like transmission problems in the first generation and a high number of complaints for the 2017 model year. The 2017-2019 models are particularly flagged for problems with the 6-speed transmission and torque converter, while early first-generation models like 2006-2008 have a higher number of consumer complaints. 
Years to avoid

• 2006-2008 (First Generation): These model years have been cited for having more reported issues and consumer complaints compared to other years in the first generation. 
• 2017-2019 (Second Generation): This range is frequently mentioned as a model year to avoid, primarily due to problems with the 6-speed automatic transmission, including rough shifting and torque converter issues. 

Years to consider

• 2010-2014 (First Generation): Some sources suggest these years are generally more reliable than the earlier first-generation models. 
• 2020 and newer (Second Generation): These models switched to a more reliable 9-speed transmission, and later models (2021 and newer) have also received design updates and face-lifts. 

Important considerations for any year

• Maintenance history: For any used vehicle, the maintenance history is crucial. Some owners report that a well-maintained 2017 model can still be reliable, so a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended. 
• ZF 9-speed transmission: While a 2017-2019 model is best to avoid, be aware that a lawsuit has been filed regarding the ZF 9-speed transmission used in some later models (2016-2022 Pilot, 2018-2019 Odyssey, 2019-present Passport, and 2020-present Ridgeline) which can also experience issues like rough shifting. 

What are the negatives of the Honda Ridgeline?

Cons of the Honda Ridgeline include a lower towing capacity compared to larger trucks, limited off-road capability, a dated and sluggish infotainment system, and a narrower selection of trim options. Other drawbacks mentioned are potential issues with wind noise, connectivity problems with Apple CarPlay, and a lack of engine options beyond the standard V6.
 
This video explains 7 problems with the Honda Ridgeline: 59sFuel ForceYouTube · Sep 29, 2025
Performance and capability

• Lower towing capacity: The towing capacity is respectable but does not match that of larger, body-on-frame trucks. 
• Limited off-road capability: The comfortable, car-like ride means it is less capable off-road compared to trucks built on a more rugged platform. 

Technology and interior

• Outdated and slow infotainment: The touchscreen system is frequently described as sluggish, frustrating to use, and visually dated. 
• Connectivity issues: Some owners report problems with Apple CarPlay disconnecting, and wireless charging not functioning correctly. 
• Poor voice recognition: The voice command system can be inconsistent and struggle with accuracy. 
• Underwhelming audio: The sound quality from the standard audio system is considered underwhelming by some. 

Other drawbacks

• Limited trim options: The number of available trim levels is more restricted when compared to competitors. 
• Wind noise: Some reviews have noted the presence of wind noise, even at lower speeds. 

This video explains 6 reasons why you should avoid the Honda Ridgeline: 52sSpeed SpectrumYouTube · Oct 21, 2024