32 of the
2,729 complaints filed about the Honda Ridgeline
are about the suspension —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
1.The rear wheel assembly, lug nuts, and potentially the wheel studs/rear suspension system failed due to improper torque and installation by the dealership. Yes, the vehicle components are available for inspection 2.The dealership released my vehicle with completely untorqued lug nuts on the rear wheel assembly. A lug nut physically fell off onto the public street while driving back to the shop. This severe negligence created an immediate, life-threatening risk of the wheel detaching entirely at highway speeds. 3.Yes, the initial loose lug nut failure was witnessed and confirmed on-site by the dealership's staff when I returned. Furthermore, the ongoing mechanical looseness and wobble were confirmed by my own driving experience immediately after their supposed "fix," and an independent shop inspection is scheduled to document the remaining issues. But I couldn't provide the key to the lug nuts because I couldn't find it in my car, after I brought the car to them. 4.It was superficially inspected by the O'Malley Honda service department, who merely rebalanced the tires and claimed nothing was wrong, they said they properly inspect for structural stud or suspension damage and everything seem good, and nothing wrong with it. 5.There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages. The physical symptoms—a heavy clunking noise, severe road wobble, and loose rear wheels—appeared immediately upon driving the vehicle off the dealership lot following their service on July 10th, and the rear end has continued to feel wobbly ever since.
NHTSA complaint #11758791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number Associated: 22V430000 (Honda Codes AOU/AOT) My 2019 Honda Ridgeline is registered in Maine (a designated salt-belt state) and has a completely rusted-through rear subframe. The local authorized Honda dealership inspected the vehicle and officially grounded it, stating it is fundamentally unsafe to drive and cannot pass Maine State Inspection due to structural failure at the suspension mounting points. Despite the clear language of Recall 22V430000 requiring Honda to "repair or replace affected components free of charge" if they fail inspection, American Honda Corporate has officially denied coverage. Corporate customer service stated they are not responsible for corrosion caused by winter road materials. This directly contradicts the purpose of this federal recall, which was issued because improper factory paint adhesion left the subframe vulnerable to road salt. Honda is actively violating federal law by refusing to provide the mandated remedy for a structurally failed, unsafe vehicle. American Honda Case Number: 1656861
NHTSA complaint #11757663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle has significant rusting on the suspension & can be inspected upon request. The rust will deteriorate the suspension’s capacity to support the vehicle, creating a dangerous hazard for others and myself on the road. The problem was first noted by a Honda service technician, where they provided detailed images of the undercarriage of the vehicle. Images of the rust were found on the rear suspension, parts of the front suspension & in other areas like the differential box & along the shaft of the vehicle. The vehicle did not have any warning signs on the dash - however the suspension is squeaky when the vehicle is in motion.
NHTSA complaint #11752645 — 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.
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions at various speeds, when the vehicle went over bumps in the road, it shook more than usual. Additionally, when the vehicle was slowed down and the brake pedal was depressed, it took more effort to depress the pedal. The vehicle was taken for inspection, where it was determined that there was a steering suspension failure and the inner and outer tie rods were damaged. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,604.
NHTSA complaint #11737114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle started making a clunking noise that could be felt at 45,000 miles when steering left and right. An independent auto business found loose subframe bolts and lower control arm as well as checked sway bar links and found loose core support braces. The clunking stopped after the bolts were tightened. I found this very odd and concerning. 2021 Honda Rigdeline RTL. Cost to remedy included two hours of labor.
NHTSA complaint #11712592 — 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.
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.
Became aware of a rattle/clunk from right rear area of truck. Tried to find loose item like trailer hitch or item in cargo area but even with everything taken out noise continued. Finally got under the truck’s rear area and started pushing/pulling on things. Immediately found completely missing bolt and rubber cush on right-hand sway bar mount clamp. Sway bar was unanchored and moved freely, banging parts on the rear brake and bearing area. I have photos and video. One bolt still present in clamp: removed that bolt (very easily) and discovered NO thread lock or lock washer. This bolt spun out freely by hand. No lock-tite nor lock washers on left-hand side either. Honda parts sold me a rubber cush and I replaced all bolts INCLUDING thread lock this time. On driving, noticed IMMEDIATELY more stability and far less “head-toss” on normal smooth highway. And no more clunk.
NHTSA complaint #11651781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle’s front suspension system failed, specifically the driver’s side and passenger’s side front strut assemblies and the driver’s side inner and outer tie rods. These components have been identified by the dealership as needing immediate replacement. The defective components should be available for inspection upon request, pending completion of repairs. The vehicle exhibited wobbling and a dragging sensation from the front left tire, which raised concerns regarding control and steering safety. A loose or faulty suspension or tie rod can significantly impair vehicle handling, stability, and steering precision, particularly during acceleration, turning, or driving on inclines. If these components had failed while driving, it could have resulted in loss of control or an accident, posing a serious safety risk to both the driver and other road users. The issue was confirmed and diagnosed by a Honda dealership service department on March 18, 2025, and a detailed repair estimate was provided indicating strut and tie rod failure. The issue was inspected by a Honda-certified dealership service center, but not by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There were no warning lights or messages on the dashboard. The only symptoms were a wobbling or loose feeling in the front left tire and a dragging sensation during acceleration on inclines, first noticed approximately two days prior to the March 18 service visit. Upon visual inspection, I also observed what appeared to be oil on the suspension, suggesting a possible strut fluid leak.
NHTSA complaint #11650188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and became unstable. The failure had occurred a second time while driving 50 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11616582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for an inspection, the dealer determined that the suspension and sub-frame were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to the suspension and sub-frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had recently purchased the vehicle from a private seller, who informed her that the engine and transmission had previously been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 357,000. The contact took the vehicle to Bill Walsh Honda in Ottawa, IL for inspection and for the punch test required for recall 22V430 on Dec. 3, 2023 and was told the vehicle passed the punch test and needed to come back in a couple weeks to have new brackets put on to hold the gas tank. The appointment was set for Dec. 15, 2023 but the contact was told the punch test failed this time.
NHTSA complaint #11564412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Please see the recall info here: 2006 Honda Ridgeline Recall Item Affected: STRUCTUREDate Announced: 06/16/2022Description of Recall:Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles that were sold, or ever registered in 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. An accumulation of road salt may cause the frame mounting surface, where the fuel tank mounting bands are attached, to corrode and possibly detach the fuel tank, which can result in a fuel leak.Action Need To Fix It:Dealers will inspect and repair the rear frame, as necessary, free of charge. Depending on the extent of any corrosion damage, Honda may offer to repurchase the vehicle. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 1, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. We took my son's vehicle to our local Honda dealership for the recall repair. They replaced 2 bolts that secure the fuel tank straps to the frame. Then sent us away with an invoice saying the vehicle is not safe to drive due to severely rusted fuel tank straps. I have emailed and called American Honda many times to ask why this is not covered by the recall and requesting a buy back. They have only responded by saying the recall repairs were made. They won't put anything in writing explaining why the severely corroded fuel tank straps that are a safety issue per their dealership are not related to the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11557098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 Honda Ridgeline, problems started around 8K miles. When traveling at or above 45 mph and slowing down to a complete stop at stop sign and lights, steering wheel would shake aggressively and at times pull the truck to the left/right. Took it to dealer and they said they didn't notice anything wrong and could be "just how the truck is". Please help!
NHTSA complaint #11536207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The frame mounted "crossmember" is corrosed/damage and is now broken. 1. https://www.kbb.com/honda/ridgeline/2006/recall/?vehicleid=785 2. https://www.google.com/search?q=2006+honda+ridgeline+soft+frame+under&sxsrf=AJOqlzWYu_EaV-KkW_88UqeKb0u7RSBZLA%3A1673891609643&ei=GY_FY8zyJtmoqtsPqIKp-AE&ved=0ahUKEwiM46OW1Mz8AhVZlGoFHShBCh8Q4dUDCBE&uact=5&oq=2006+honda+ridgeline+soft+frame+under&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIFCCEQoAEyBQghEKABMgUIIRCgATIFCCEQoAE6CggAEEcQ1gQQsAM6BAgjECc6BQghEKsCSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAUJoLWKYoYIksaAFwAXgAgAF0iAHDBpIBAzIuNpgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:da70102e,vid:a2EWECN6NTc
NHTSA complaint #11501979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When my dealership inspected my rear frame for corrosion related to warranty 22V-430, they noted that the rear frame corrosion was so severe that the rear passenger wheel was no longer secured to the rear frame, resulting in a severe safety risk. However, warranty 22V-430 relates to corrosion of the rear frame resulting in an unsecured fuel tank which may result in a fuel leak and an increased risk of fire. The dealership and the district Honda representative agreed that the frame was severely corroded and presented a severe safety risk, but the district Honda representative said Honda will not warranty the defective frame nor offer any remedy for the related rear frame corrosion problem. The corrosion problem acknowledged in warranty 22V-430 could impair the safety and stability of the vehicle and put the driver and all passenger as well as other vehicles and pedestrians at risk if the wheel becomes unsecured. Until warranty 22V-430 was performed, there was no warning system alerting me to the safety issue and thus could have easily gone undetected. Since Honda is not taking responsibility for defect in the rear frame, I am seeking your help for this related rear frame corrosion problem. Note: The attached 4 pictures show the rear drivers side frame with secured wheel compared with the rear passenger side frame with unsecured wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11501543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New strut assemblies (complete struts, assembled by manufacturer) were professionally installed on 01/03/2023. During a road test, clunking on the front right of the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the shop to investigate the issue. The issue was determined to be the strut assembly was not assembled correctly by the manufacturer. The retaining nut that hold the assembly together, was not torqued to the proper value. This could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11500517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
During the conduct of the Fuel Tank corrosion recall, the dealer identified that the location on frame where the rear control arm attaches was completely corroded away and no longer supporting the control arm. They said this was a safety issue that can cause the rear wheel to collapse in. The dealer tried to get Honda of America to cover the repair as a part of the fuel tank recall but Honda of America refused. The dealer said the only way to fix it would be to attach a whole new truck bed as it's a unibody construction. There hasn't been a crash yet but there is a strong possibility of a crash due to the corrosion.
NHTSA complaint #11491383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.