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What years are good for the Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline is a popular midsize pickup truck that has been on the market since 2005. While the Ridgeline has generally been well-received, some model years stand out as particularly good choices for buyers. Based on expert reviews and customer feedback, the best years for the Honda Ridgeline are 2017, 2020, and 2023.

2017 Honda Ridgeline

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline marked the beginning of the truck's second generation, which brought significant improvements over the previous model. The 2017 Ridgeline featured a more modern and muscular design, a more spacious and well-appointed interior, and a more powerful and efficient V6 engine. Reviewers praised the Ridgeline's smooth ride, excellent handling, and versatile cargo-hauling capabilities, making it a standout choice in the midsize pickup segment.

2020 Honda Ridgeline

The 2020 Honda Ridgeline built upon the success of the 2017 model, with further refinements and upgrades. The 2020 Ridgeline received a refreshed exterior design, updated technology features, and additional safety systems. Reviewers noted the Ridgeline's comfortable ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and impressive utility, making it a well-rounded and practical choice for both work and leisure activities.

2023 Honda Ridgeline

The most recent model year, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, represents the latest iteration of this popular midsize pickup. The 2023 Ridgeline features a more rugged and adventurous design, enhanced off-road capabilities, and a host of new technology and safety features. Reviewers have praised the 2023 Ridgeline for its impressive performance, versatility, and overall value proposition, making it a top contender in the midsize pickup segment.

In summary, the Honda Ridgeline has consistently been a strong performer in the midsize pickup truck market, with the 2017, 2020, and 2023 model years standing out as particularly good choices for buyers. These Ridgeline models offer a compelling blend of capability, comfort, and technology, making them well-suited for a wide range of uses.

What is the most reliable year of Honda Ridgeline?

The most reliable Honda Ridgeline years are generally considered to be 2010-2014 for the first generation and 2020 onwards for the second generation, with the 2010 and 2020 models specifically highlighted for their strong reliability ratings. Years to approach with more caution include 2017-2019, which experienced some electrical and transmission issues, notes Reddit and CarBuzz.

This video discusses the most reliable Honda Ridgeline years to own: 32sHursty's GarageYouTube · Sep 29, 2022
First-generation (2006-2014)

2010-2014 Most reliable: models are frequently recommended, with the 2010 year specifically praised.
Less reliable: Early models (2006-2008) had some issues, but many have proven to be durable with proper maintenance.

Second-generation (2017-present)

2020 Most reliable: models are often cited as the most dependable. The most recent models (2024 and newer) are also seen as a very reliable bet.
Less reliable: The initial years of this generation, specifically 2017-2019, had more reported issues, particularly with the 6-speed transmission and some electrical problems.
Note: Many of the second-generation issues were resolved through recalls or re-engineering in later model years.

Key takeaways

For the most trouble-free experience, focus on the 2010-2014 first-gen or 2020 onwards second-gen models.
If considering a model from 2017-2019, it is crucial to have it thoroughly inspected, as these years had more documented problems.
Regardless of the model year, proper maintenance is key to a reliable vehicle, and many owners report high mileage and satisfaction with models from various years.

You can watch this video to learn more about the reliability of the second-generation Honda Ridgeline: 59sNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 5, 2025

Which Honda Ridgelines have transmission problems?

Has There Been a Honda Ridgeline Transmission Recall? Yes, there have been transmission-related recalls for the Honda Ridgeline. Notably, the 2017 model faced issues with the torque converter lock-up clutch, which caused a noticeable juddering effect.

What is the best Honda Ridgeline to buy?

The best Honda Ridgeline is often considered the 2020 model year, as it benefits from a significant mid-cycle refresh that improved styling, infotainment, and added standard safety features, while also earning high reliability ratings. The second generation (2017-present) is generally preferred for its modern design and technology. Within that generation, the 2021 model year is also highly recommended for its awards and updates.

Top contenders

2020: A standout model year due to its high-reliability ratings and being the final year of the previous generation before a significant facelift, making it a dependable choice.
2021: Won the Car and Driver Editor's Choice award for its refreshed design, improved cabin materials, and the introduction of the HPD package.
2017: As the first model of the new generation, it introduced many updates over the first generation and is a good option to consider.

Why these models stand out

Improved reliability: The 2020 model has high ratings from sources like J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book for its dependability.
Modern features: The second-generation models, particularly from 2020 onwards, offer more modern technology, including an updated infotainment system and the Honda Sensing suite of safety features as standard.
Performance and comfort: All second-generation models share a powerful 3.5L V6 engine and a comfortable, car-like ride due to their unibody construction.

Things to consider

Trim level: The best trim depends on your needs. The Black Edition is the most luxurious, while the RTL-E adds premium features like a household power outlet and truck bed lights.
First generation: If looking at first-generation models, consider the 2012 or later years, which offer more options and are still reliable, according to Ike Honda.

What year to stay away from Honda Ridgeline?

The Honda Ridgeline years to avoid are primarily 2006, 2017, and 2018-2019, due to significant engine and transmission issues. The 2006 model is linked to a specific cylinder failure problem, while the 2017-2019 models suffered from transmission, torque converter, and fuel injector problems, especially on certain trims.

This video discusses reasons to avoid the Honda Ridgeline, including its design and off-road capability: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 27, 2025
First generation (2006-2014)

2006: Prone to engine failure in the fourth cylinder, often occurring around 100,000 miles.
2006: Other issues include problems with the engine, interior accessories like the gauge cluster, and exterior paint clear coat fading or peeling.

Second generation (2017-present)

2017-2019: These model years are known for issues with the six-speed automatic transmission, including torque converter failure.
2017-2019: Also reported to have failed fuel injectors, which can impact fuel efficiency and performance.
2017: Specifically, the 2017 model year had a higher frequency of fuel injector failures.
2020: While 2020 was the first year of the new ZF 9-speed automatic transmission, some sources still cite concerns and note that the 2020 model year was part of a lawsuit concerning the transmission's programming, according to ClassAction.org.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.