2020 Honda Ridgeline Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Electrical4827.3%
- Engine3620.5%
- Driver assistance3017.0%
- Exterior lighting126.8%
- Airbags105.7%
- Visibility105.7%
- Powertrain (other)95.1%
- Fuel system84.5%
- Body & structure42.3%
- Brakes42.3%
- Suspension21.1%
- Other / unspecified10.6%
- Interior & seats10.6%
- Seat belts10.6%
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.
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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.
Dealership has not completed NHTSA Recall Number24V-064 Honda dealer is saying they do not have parts to perform this recall.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
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).
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!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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.
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.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .