RoadVitals

2020 Honda Ridgeline Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
166
Latest Aug 4, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle's Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) feature is defective and creates a severe safety hazard. While stopped at a busy road intersection, the feature engaged and shut the engine off normally. However, when releasing the brake pedal to proceed, the engine glitched and completely failed to restart, leaving the vehicle completely stalled, unpowered, and stranded in live traffic. The vehicle became a sitting duck in the intersection. This is a recurring issue that requires a complete ignition power cycle to recover, posing an immediate risk of a rear-end or side-impact collision. It happens most often under heavy load. Hot day with AC on, or Cold day with Heater on and seat warmers. Dealer ignored or failed to re-create at first because it was intermittent. I've been through SOFTWARE UPDATE, STARTER, RELAY REPLACEMENT AND VALVE ADJUSTMENTS (twice) and a new BATTERY over several years and it still stalls. It's dangerous and terrifying to be immobilized in traffic when it won't start.

NHTSA ID 11754865 · filed Aug 4, 2026

2020 Honda Ridgeline-Internal failure, multi purpose camera. Multiple lights on dashboard and codes associated with driving support system, Collision Mitigation, Braking System, Lane keeping assist system, Road departure mitigation, Transmission System error. All these are showing up because of the front camera going out due to overheating. Dealership quoted $1197.20 for replacement. Multiple safety violations making vehicle unsafe to drive. Extended warranty will not cover.

NHTSA ID 11751289 · filed Jul 18, 2026
All 48 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

36
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle's Auto-Idle Stop (AIS) feature is defective and creates a severe safety hazard. While stopped at a busy road intersection, the feature engaged and shut the engine off normally. However, when releasing the brake pedal to proceed, the engine glitched and completely failed to restart, leaving the vehicle completely stalled, unpowered, and stranded in live traffic. The vehicle became a sitting duck in the intersection. This is a recurring issue that requires a complete ignition power cycle to recover, posing an immediate risk of a rear-end or side-impact collision. It happens most often under heavy load. Hot day with AC on, or Cold day with Heater on and seat warmers. Dealer ignored or failed to re-create at first because it was intermittent. I've been through SOFTWARE UPDATE, STARTER, RELAY REPLACEMENT AND VALVE ADJUSTMENTS (twice) and a new BATTERY over several years and it still stalls. It's dangerous and terrifying to be immobilized in traffic when it won't start.

NHTSA ID 11754865 · filed Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, the contact determined that one of the ignition coils had failed. The contact purchased a new ignition coil, replaced the part, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed due to a loosened connecting rod and needed to be replaced. The contact ordered a new engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ID 11752401 · filed Jul 23, 2026
All 36 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle's front-facing monocular camera experienced an internal component failure that triggered a permanent error code U3000-49. This hardware failure instantly disabled multiple core safety features simultaneously, including the Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation, and Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) ABS Braking and High Beam Support with all dash lights remaining on. The sudden, unexpected loss of automatic safety braking and driver-assist features while moving poses an immediate highway safety risk.

NHTSA ID 11754863 · filed Aug 4, 2026

2020 Honda Ridgeline-Internal failure, multi purpose camera. Multiple lights on dashboard and codes associated with driving support system, Collision Mitigation, Braking System, Lane keeping assist system, Road departure mitigation, Transmission System error. All these are showing up because of the front camera going out due to overheating. Dealership quoted $1197.20 for replacement. Multiple safety violations making vehicle unsafe to drive. Extended warranty will not cover.

NHTSA ID 11751289 · filed Jul 18, 2026
All 30 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BCM module failure. Keyless entry error. Vehicle dashboard lit up with many errors. Car alarm went on and off. Car will not start . Disconnect battery toe reset. Drove home and the car doesn’t want to stop running or idling. Disconnect battery till it turns off.

NHTSA ID 11745207 · filed Jun 19, 2026

I own a 2020 Honda ridgeline pick up truck. For many months, I have been aware of an existing recall on the rear view camera tailgate wire harness and have received two notices. I have been at the dealer twice to have it repaired, the last time of which they canceled my appointment the day before the repair saying they don’t have any parts and that I will hear sometime Late fall. Honda has been aware of this problem with the rear camera tailgate wire harness because of recalls on the 2017 through 2019 models. That I have received two recall notices already with Honda claiming they don’t have the parts to fix it is ridiculous. Their dilatory conduct in fixing this defect is a definite safety concern. My rearview camera does not work and Honda has failed to timely fix it pursuant to recall 24V-321.

NHTSA ID 11603792 · filed Jul 22, 2024
All 12 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11745015 · filed Jun 18, 2026

Dealership has not completed NHTSA Recall Number24V-064 Honda dealer is saying they do not have parts to perform this recall.

NHTSA ID 11699942 · filed Nov 17, 2025
All 10 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the driver's side-view mirror was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000(Visibility), however the replacement side-view mirror displayed distorted images. In addition, the measured distance was inaccurate. The contact stated that the recall repair part was a low quality replacement and the images were distorted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the driver's side-view mirror was replaced again. However, the contact stated that the replacement was the same quality and distorted. The failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID 11575800 · filed Mar 6, 2024

Side view mirrors were replaced for a recall. Replacement drivers side mirror was wavy and distorted. Made me not want to use it. More dangerous to drive not wanting to use that mirror.

NHTSA ID 11573967 · filed Feb 26, 2024
All 10 reports naming visibility

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While stopped in heavy traffic at a traffic signal, the engine stopped and would not restart. This was due to the AIS system. The car became disabled in heavy traffic. I was only a few feet from the entrance to a gas station, however due to the interlock system that locks the transmission in Park, the truck could not be pushed out of traffic. Honda, unlike other manufacturers the use the same transmission, does NOT supply an emergency over ride to get the transmission out of park ( hazard). After a few minutes of sitting in heavy traffic and nearly. wing hit by fast moving cars, the engine did restart. This is not the first time this has happened. The dealership is over 100 miles drive to have to checked (r/t).

NHTSA ID 11730561 · filed Apr 11, 2026

My cars auto engine idle is malfunctioning causing my car to have serious transmission issues. I currently have 3 warning signs on my dashboard. 1. All wheel drive system problem 2. Auto engine idle stop system problem 3. charging system problem. I bought the car used last year. Its a 2020 honda ridgeline with only 29k mikes. Ive been seeing reports online that this issus has been affecting many honda users. Please help!! Honda needs to be responsible for this problem! RECALL NOW!

NHTSA ID 11569117 · filed Jan 31, 2024
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Auto stop start does not work properly in this vehicle after repeated fixes by Honda and dealership. Vehicle sometimes does not restart after stop start engaged at stop causing a stall like event. Auto stop start tries to start vehicle after stop but vehicle either stalls/fails to restart or is extremely slow to restart. Vehicle has been repaired, new starter, new battery, new relays less than one year ago and vehicle is now experiencing the same issues. Owner (me) is now disabling feature every time vehicle is started to prevent system from engaging.

NHTSA ID 11699941 · filed Nov 17, 2025

My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an Auto Idle/Start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an intersection. The Auto Idle system automatically turned off the engine as intended. About 2 minutes later, when the brake was released and gas pedal pressed, the engine did not restart. The truck stalled. Various efforts (~ 1 minute of panic) ensued to start the engine. Eventually, put the truck in park, waited, then started the engine. This situation occurred during high traffic at a busy intersection. It caused other drivers to take risks pulling out in front of other cars to get around my stalled vehicle. It was a very dangerous situation. A class action lawsuit was filed against Honda about this. Honda claims their software update fixed the problem. My scary experience shows that it did not fix the issue. Their auto idle/start system is simply unsafe. Also, it is not possible to permanently disable it.

NHTSA ID 11685560 · filed Sep 7, 2025
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11745015 · filed Jun 18, 2026

Sudden spontaneous moonroof explosion. Traveling at approximately 60mph I experienced a spontaneous explosion of the moonroof while it was closed and the headliner was closed. Glass flew into following traffic. There was no oncoming traffic and we were not following anyone. Sky’s were clear and the road was dry and paved. This was a loud and distracting event and if the headliner cover wasn’t closed it could have been much more serious. This happened around 10am MDT yesterday June 25 2023. The vehicle had about 20300 miles on the odometer.

NHTSA ID 11528819 · filed Jun 26, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Since buying this vehicle new, on multiple occasions the automatic braking system has come on approaching other vehicles on a straight stretch of highway even when both I and the approaching vehicle are nowhere near the center line or anywhere near an accident situation. I reported this to the dealership in the first six months after purchase and was told nothing was wrong. The frequency of this happening seems to be increasing.

NHTSA ID 11641580 · filed Feb 9, 2025

While driving on the highway truck pressed brakes without any obstacles near or in front of me. This event has happened more than once as of late.

NHTSA ID 11637905 · filed Jan 23, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11745015 · filed Jun 18, 2026

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 ID 11616582 · filed Sep 26, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I took my 2020Honda Ridgeline for tire rotation at a costco tire center and they reported that the hub and wheel mating surface are heavily corroded and that it will be dangerous to drive. I called the Honda Customer Hotline and they told me that I have to take it to body shop and get it fix with my own money. Same thing they told me at Honda Mossy Lemon Grove that corrosion and rust are not warranted by Honda.

NHTSA ID 11631248 · filed Dec 17, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that on several occasions while the rear seat was occupied, the rear passenger’s side door would not open manually from the inside. The contact stated that she had to press the unlock button on the driver's door and physically open the door. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

NHTSA ID 11586788 · filed May 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, a large sheep ran out of a yard and crashed into her vehicle with its head and horns on the driver's side front end near the bumper. The contact stated that the impact moved the vehicle to the right side of the road. The contact stated that she was lifted out of the seat and forward by the impact. The contact hit her head on the roof of the vehicle. The contact stated that her abdomen and left knee hit the steering wheel, and her right knee hit the dashboard. The contact stated that the air bag had not deployed, and the seat belt had not restrained her. The contact stopped the vehicle and saw that the driver's side headlight was shattered, and a part of the front fender was dented. The contact also saw that the engine shield had been sheared off from under the vehicle. The contact stated that the police arrived on scene and issued a report. The contact did not have the report number. The contact stated that the EMT team was not called. The contact stated that she had bruises on her knees and abdomen, and she had 2 bumps on the right and left sides of her head. The contact stated that she later went to see her doctor. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The contact had taken the vehicle to a collision repair shop. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11680951 · filed Aug 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .