165 of the
2,729 complaints filed about the Honda Ridgeline
are about the body and structure —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 23,995 miles. My primary concern is an intermittent transmission/powertrain malfunction. While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp/fail-safe mode and experienced a significant loss of power and acceleration. This created a potentially dangerous situation because I was unable to accelerate normally while traveling with highway traffic. I am concerned that this could happen again without warning while merging, changing lanes, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle. The electronic transmission selector has also intermittently stuck or failed to operate smoothly. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other 2023 Honda Ridgeline owners have reported similar transmission warnings, limp-mode events, loss of propulsion, reduced acceleration, transmission-selector malfunctions, or related powertrain problems. The vehicle also has premature deterioration of both headlamp lenses, including fading, hazing, and cloudiness. I am concerned this may reduce nighttime light output and roadway visibility. Additionally, the engine produces an abnormal rattling noise during cold starts. Rust/corrosion is developing beneath the door weather seals, and the exterior window/pillar trim is prematurely fading and deteriorating. My most serious concern is the unexpected transmission malfunction and loss of power at highway speed. At only approximately 23,995 miles, I believe this condition warrants investigation because an unexpected reduction in propulsion can increase the risk of a collision.
NHTSA complaint #11755379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure), the contact discovered severe corrosion on the rear frame of the vehicle. An independent mechanic refused to service the vehicle due to the extent of the corrosion. A dealer confirmed the frame failure but provided no assistance with the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that parts were unavailable, and a vehicle buyback would be offered. The contact was promised a follow-up call from the manufacturer; however, the contact had not heard back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of a 2026 Honda Ridgeline, which I have owned for approximately seven months. Since taking delivery, the vehicle has emitted a persistent, very strong chemical odor consistent with volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing. This is distinct from a mildew or air-conditioning-related odor; the smell is present throughout the cabin interior as well as in the truck bed well, and does not correlate with AC use. In an effort to resolve the issue, I have kept the vehicle parked outside (not in an enclosed garage), with the bed well left open and the windows down for extended periods to ventilate the interior. Despite these efforts over the seven-month period, the odor has not diminished to an acceptable level and remains strong. Exposure to the odor causes me to develop headaches and throat irritation. These symptoms occur during normal use of the vehicle and are directly attributable to the smell, not to any other known cause. I am requesting that this be formally investigated and documented as a defect, as the odor appears to stem from an interior or structural material issue rather than routine new-vehicle off-gassing, given that it has not resolved after seven months of ventilation efforts.
NHTSA complaint #11751373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck has been leaking water inside evertime it rains. They say its something that was not welded at the honda plant it fills the floor boards up when it rains or i wash my car. It is become a serious safety problem due to the wetness in the vehicle and the gas and brake petals. I have tried gwt it fixed the dearship keeps saying waiting on honda rep or waiting on the body shop 6 months this is taking. The vehicle is outta commission due to anytime it rains as i am scared I will wreck it and kill someone.
NHTSA complaint #11745187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION) and 26V332000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the bolt set needed to perform the suspension recall repair, and the parts needed to perform the air bags recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer had expressed frustrations due to a lack of support from the manufacturer. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11745015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the rear subframe, rear axle, and suspension were corroded and rusted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (STRUCTURE, SUSPENSION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The contact was concerned that the suspension could fail due to the corrosion. The failure mileage was 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11743296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently purchased a certified pre-owned 2025 Honda Ridgeline with 5000 miles, and within just one week of ownership, The carpet under the rear seat is completely soaked with water, clearly indicating an active leak inside the cabin. After looking into it further, I’ve also seen that water intrusion has been reported as a recurring issue with Ridgelines.
NHTSA complaint #11731713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame Has rusted out so bad Walmart says it can’t be put on lift to rotate tires. Not yet reported to dealer or inspected by dealer. This is a recall problem but my vehicle was not included. It was previously registered in North Carolina and Tennessee where salt is used on roads.
NHTSA complaint #11707635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The paint on all four doors of my 2022 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition - White Pearl is cracking at the seam where sealant is applied, with visible rust beneath. This issue began at approximately 32,000 miles, within the warranty period. The cracks have worsened over time, and I’m concerned about potential corrosion and structural weakening of the doors. In March 2025, I reported the issue to my local Honda dealer, who confirmed the cracks and instructed me to obtain repair estimates at their body shop. By May 2025, the regional Honda rep denied the claim due to repair cost and said to get a 2nd estimate from another shop they specified. That claim was again denied due to cost. The dealer told me to contact Honda Corporate which I did in October 2025. I was told the car was out of warranty and no further investigation would be made. The cracks and visible rust raise concerns about premature corrosion, potentially weakening the door structure and latches, which could lead to a safety hazard over time. The delay in processing the claim appears intentional, as it pushed the car out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11696551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the ABS and ESC warning lights were also illuminated. The contact had driven back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was determined that, because of extreme corrosion to the rear cross members and structure, the vehicle could to be repaired. The contact was advised by the dealer to pick up the vehicle and take it back to the residence. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure); but was unable to have the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that there was no other help available for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11694725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have repeatedly been in touch with dealerships and Honda USA about a paint defect. I have had this corroborated with paint and body shops and Honda. Refuses to do anything, even though they say it's a known issue for that year. And model.
NHTSA complaint #11690310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely corroded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who had repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure). The dealer had repaired the vehicle and was awaiting guidance from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11681896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just purchased a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. When driving I noticed the hood vibrating or shaking. I checked to ensure it was closed all the way, and it was. When I did research, I found there is a safety recall for this exact issue, and the year, make and model of my truck falls into the affected years. However, when I look up my VIN, it does not comeback with the recall authorization. Please advise. The recall number is: 21V932
NHTSA complaint #11681009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The rear crossmember of the Honda Ridgeline 2013 RTL where the trailer hitch is attached is rusted through which could break when towing or driving causing an accident. I think Honda should weld a plate onto the crossmember beam and undercoat it. Thank you
NHTSA complaint #11669209 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was a loud squealing sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rear crossmember had snapped, and inside the rear driver’s side wheel well was melted, and the sidewall of the tire was damaged. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear subframe was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (STRUCTURE); as the possible cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 177,237.
NHTSA complaint #11661227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corrosion formed on the rear frame and a recall was issued for Honda Ridgelines. The Checkered Flag Honda dealership tested our Ridgeline, and it failed the punch test regarding corrosion. The fuel tank, which is mounted to the rear frame, can become unsecured as the rear frame deteriorates from corrosion. An unsecured fuel tank could have a fuel leak and an increased risk of fire. The dealership confiscated the Ridgeline and Honda manufacturer still has not issued a buyback or any compensation.
NHTSA complaint #11653997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
recall was initiated because salt used on roads during winter could accumulate along the rear frame, where the fuel tank is mounted, causing corrosion and potentially leading to the fuel tank becoming unsecured. Affected Vehicles: The recall covers 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline pickup trucks that were sold or ever registered in the salt-belt region. Salt-Belt States: The affected states include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. This is a known issue, I have a huge rusted hole in the truck, and it's not covered because I don't live in a surrounding state of Kentucky or Virginia but I live within 50 miles of both of these states. This known recall should be expanded to include Tennessee and North Carolina and it's ridiculous to recall 50 miles away but not here. Why would you allow this?
NHTSA complaint #11647560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.