Best and Worst Honda Ridgeline Years-[Tested 2006-2024 Models]
After extensive research, we have ranked each year of the Honda Ridgeline by evaluating the reliability score, safety and fuel economy ratings, consumer-reported complaints, and recall history.
To spotlight each model from the respective generation, we have carefully examined every aspect of Ridgeline’s evolution by leveraging the extensive authoritative data from sources like NHTSA, IIHS, Edmunds, Car Complaints, etc. to ensure you will make an informed decision.
Without further wasting time let’s jump right into it.
Honda Ridgeline Generations Overview
Honda Ridgeline is a perfect midsized pickup truck introduced in March 2005 and sold as a 2006 model. Because of the spacious interior and innovative features like unibody construction, a transverse-mounted engine, a versatile in-bed trunk, a single powertrain system, and a crew–cab short-box configuration, Ridgeline swiftly earned the reliability tag from the consumers.
Besides the super innovative features, Ridgeline’s 1st model offered a smooth SUV or Crossovers-like ride with a lockable in-bed truck for an added layer of security and a dual-action tailgate facility for quick loading and unloading.
Below is the generational overview of the Honda Ridgeline.
Generation | Years |
---|---|
1st Generation (YK1) | 2006-2014 |
2nd Generation (YK2/YK3) | 2017-Present |
Quick Look at the Best and Worst Honda Ridgeline Years
1st GENERATION | |
BEST YEARS | NHSTA Recalls & Complaints |
2009 | 9 Recall, 34 Complaints |
2010 | 10 Recall, 41 Complaints |
2011 | 11 Recall, 36 Complaints |
2012 | 12 Recall, 23 Complaints |
2013 | 8 Recall, 44 Complaints |
2014 | 7 Recall, 30 Complaints |
WORST YEARS | NHSTA Recalls & Complaints |
2006 | 14 Recall, 236 Complaints |
2007 | 10 Recall, 137 Complaints |
2008 | 10 Recall, 136 Complaints |
2nd GENERATION | |
BEST YEARS | NHSTA Recalls & complaints |
2020 | 6 Recall, 77 Complaints |
2021 | 4 Recall, 50 Complaints |
2022 | 1 Recall, 66 Complaints |
2023 | 1 Recall, 39 Complaints |
WORST YEARS | NHSTA Recalls & Complains |
2017 | 6 Recall, 231 Complaints |
2018 | 6 Recall, 113 Complaints |
2019 | 10 Recall, 114 Complaints |
To compile the above table of the best and worst years of the Honda Ridgeline we have conducted multiple tests and surveys along with the below platform to help you make an informed decision.
Best, Worst & Neutral Years for Honda Ridgeline 1st Generation (2006-2014)
Honda Ridgeline’s First generation lasted from 2006 to 2014. 2009 to 2014 were the best years to be considered, however, 2006 to 2008 were less favorable years because of the excessive NHSTS recalls, poor customer ratings, and expensive maintenance and repair costs down the road.
Best Years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
After excessive criticism, Honda made significant improvements and launched the 2009 to 2014 model with drastic improvements.
Considering the fewer NSHTS recalls, decent Edmunds, JD Power, and consumer report owners’ reliability and satisfaction scores, 2009 to 2014 are the best years to be considered from 1st generation.
During these years, Honda adopted the powerful 3.5-liter J35Z5 V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) to deliver balanced power with utmost efficiency and towing capacity (Maximum 5000 tons).
Though the fuel efficiency wasn’t up to the mark like the latest Pickup trucks with six-speed automatic transmission, we still recorded 15mpg in the city and 20mpg on the high, which isn’t bad.
In addition to that dual-action tailgate, a specious bed with in bad trunk facility is a lifesaver for persons who like to carry a bunch of camping goods like portable generators, stoves, grills, etc.
When it comes to the safety ratings, ridgeline is equipped with modern features like stability control, antilock braking system (ABS), and Side curtain airbags with satisfactory safety ratings from IIHS as well.
Trim levels include the RT, RTS, and RTL variants, top of the line trims offer luxury features like a Leather-trimmed interior, premium audio system, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, one-Touch Power Moon roof, heated front seats, etc.
Worst Years: 2006, 2007, 2008
Due to the excessive NSHTA recalls and owner-reported issues, 2006 to 2008 are considered the worst years of Honda ridgelines’ 1st generation.
Below are some of the prominent reasons to avoid them.
#1: Several complaints were recorded about the cracked piston rings leading to a leak of oil into the cylinder. The vehicle starts misfiring and potentially destroys the spark plug or even the engine in the worst cases.
#2: Several recalls were also recorded about the airbags, the airbags are prone to explode when exposed to the high humidity and temperature changes.
#3: Consumers commonly deal with challenges like HVAC system short circuits and Air conditioning malfunctions.
#3: Frequent recalls and complaints of corroded transmission fittings lead to mixing the coolant with the transmission fluid, posing a risk of severely damaging the transmission system.
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints of Honda Ridgeline 2006, 2007, and 2008 for a detailed overview of the complaints and recalls.
Below is the detailed video from howstuffinmycarworks about the common problems, issues, defects, recalls, and complaints of the Honda ridgelines’ first generation.
If you want slightly more power with adquete towing capcity go for Toyota tundra.
Best, Worst & Neutral Years for Honda Ridgeline 2nd Generation (2017-Present)
Honda Ridgeline’s 2nd generation lasted from 2017 to the Present, 2020 to 2023 are the best years to be considered, however, 2017 to 2019 were the worst years due to the excessive NHSTS recalls, poor customer and safety ratings, expensive maintenance, and repair costs down the road.
Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
As per our research 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 hold fewer NSHTS recalls and customer complaints with impressive U.S News, Edmunds, JD Power, Kelly Brooks, and consumer reports ratings.
Honda infuses the super powerful 3.5L J35Y6 V6 engine that delivers 280hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed ZF 9HP automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive to cope up with the daily power-related tasks without even breaking a sweat.
Though the ridgeline is quick and smooth, still it lacks towing compared to its V-6 rivals such as the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger.
Considering a midsized truck the ridgeline provided us with commendable results in terms of efficiency, we recorded 19mpg in the city and 24mpg on the highway.
The dual action tailgate and a spacious 5-foot bed with an 8.5-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk are a lifesaver for hauling or storing camping goods.
When it comes to safety, ridgelines’ 2nd gen is equipped with collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, road departure mitigation, lane-keeping assist, etc, Along with satisfactory safety ratings from IIHS.
Trim levels include the Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition, expensive Trims offer advanced features with super luxury interiors.
For instance, RTL-E and black edition include 18-inch alloy wheels, extra power outlets, a premium audio system, a Honda sensing suit, smart entry, walk-way auto Lock, etc.
Worst Years: 2017, 2018, 2019
After extensive research and Considering the NHSTA recalls and complaints we have concluded that Honda Ridgelines’ 2017, 2018, and 2019 aren’t providing value for money.
Below are some of the reasons to avoid these years at any cost.
#1: Found cracks in the fuel pump’s feed ports due to the exposure to acids like car wash, soaps, etc. This could result in pressurized fuel leakage, elevating the potential risk of a fire hazard.
#2: The emissions system problem was also recorded due to the injector failure.
#3: Electrical system problems like flickering instrument clusters, infotainment glitches, etc.
#4: Record a Recall about the connecting rod bearing in the engine wearing out and seizing. This will cause to stall the vehicle during the drive posing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Multiple other recalls were also recorded for Corroded harness wiring, detaching the Cover Panel, opening the Hood during the drive, and rearview camera malfunctioning. Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints of Honda Ridgeline 2017, 2018, and 2019 for a detailed overview.
Recommended Read: Best and worst Honda Fit years.
Consumers and Experts Rating Comparison of Each Model
Year | Edmunds Consumer Rating | U.S News Rating | Cars Consumer Rating | NHTSA Complaints | Fixing Tire Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | 4.8/5 | N/A | 4.7/5 | 236 | 3.5/5 |
2007 | 4.7/5 | N/A | 4.7/5 | 137 | 3.6/5 |
2008 | 4.7/5 | 8.6/10 | 4.7/5 | 136 | 3.5/5 |
2009 | 4.6/5 | 8.4/10 | 4.7/5 | 34 | 4.4/5 |
2010 | 4.5/5 | 8.9/10 | 4.7/5 | 41 | 4.5/5 |
2011 | 4.7/5 | 8.6/10 | 4.9/5 | 36 | 4.8/5 |
2012 | 4.7/5 | 8.8/10 | 4.8/5 | 23 | 4.8/5 |
2013 | 4.7/5 | 8.5/10 | 4.6/5 | 44 | 4.7/5 |
2014 | 4.6/5 | 8.6/10 | 4.7/5 | 30 | 4.6/5 |
2017 | 4.4/5 | 8.9/10 | 4.7/5 | 231 | 3.9/5 |
2018 | 4.5/5 | 8.2/10 | 4.8/5 | 113 | 3.8/5 |
2019 | 4.5/5 | 8.4/10 | 4.8/5 | 114 | 3.9/5 |
2020 | 4.3/5 | 8.4/10 | 4.6/5 | 77 | 4.5/5 |
2021 | 4.6/5 | 8.1/10 | 4.7/5 | 50 | 4.6/5 |
2022 | 4.4/5 | 8.3/10 | 4.9/5 | 66 | 4.7/5 |
2023 | 4.4/5 | 8.2/10 | 4.2/5 | 39 | 4.8/5 |
Recommended Read: Best And Worst Toyota Tacoma Years
Average Resale Value Of Honda Ridgeline
After surveying both offline and online car reselling platforms like iSeeCars, Edmunds, CarGurus, Cars, etc. we have crafted the graph showcasing the average resale value as per the model year.
Note: The average resale value is highly dependent on the overall condition, trim(variant), milage and color of the vehicle
Final Verdicts
2009-2014 are the best Honda Ridgeline years to be considered if you are looking to buy one from the 1st generation, however, if you have slightly more budget and you are willing to pick from the 2nd generation, 2017-2023 years holds fewer NHSTA recalls and offer decent reliability paired with advanced features.
Due to the noted issues such as higher NHTSA recalls, ongoing repairing costs, and compromised safety. 2006-2008 and 2017-2019 were the worst years to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What Year Honda Ridgeline Is Most Reliable?
Because of the fewer NHTSA recalls, satisfactory consumer report ratings, and consistent reliable performance across the board, the 2009-2012 Honda Ridgelines are highly reliable.
What Is the Average Life of a Honda Ridgeline?
Honda Ridgeline lives around 200,000-250,000 miles on average with proper care, however, the numbers can vary as per the driving style, weather and road conditions, repairs, maintenance, and how frequently you are carrying heavy loads.
Does Honda Ridgelines Have Transmission Problems?
Yes, the Honda Ridgeline has multiple NHSTA recalls and complaints about the corroded transmission fittings delayed shifting, rough noise, etc. (Source)
Do Ridgelines Hold Their Value?
As per the data of iSeeCars Honda Ridgeline retains 64.1% of its original value even after five years, which isn’t bad at all.
Is a 2007 Honda Ridgeline a Good Truck?
As per our research and surveying data Honda Ridgeline 2007 falls in the bracket of worst years because of the excessive NHSTA recalls and complaints along with poor consumer ratings.
Does Honda Ridgelines Rust Out?
The current generation doesn’t have any recalls related to the corroded fuel tanks and transmission fitting, however, the first generator holds multiple recalls about the corrosion issues.
What Is the Oldest Year of the Honda Ridgeline?
Honda ridgeline debut in 2006
What Country Is Honda Ridgeline Made In?
Ridgeline is being manufactured in America exclusively at an Alabama auto plant
Where Are Honda Ridgeline Engines Made?
Every single engine of the Honda Ridgeline is manufactured at the Alabama auto plant.