RoadVitals

2021 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.
101
Latest Sep 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 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

Engine

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

31
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The auto idle function- the car engine doesn't restart. This has happened in a busy intersection and won't restart until you have made several attempts to restart. I have brought this to the attention of Honda certified techs.

NHTSA ID 11763064 · filed Sep 9, 2026

This involves the paddle shift operation on the steering wheel. There are two paddles, one at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock where the hands come into contact with the steering wheel. On four separate occasions, while driving at a relatively high rate of speed, my hands accidentally activated the gear mode by lightly touching one or both of the paddles. Very little pressure is needed to activate the gears. When this occurs, the vehicle shifts to a lower gear, and the vehicle rapidly decelerates from a high rate of speed to a low rate of speed while traveling. In addition to the unexpected and dangerous change in speed while in traffic, the shift into low gear causes the engine to rev and the noise from this caused me to panic while in traffic. On one occasion this occurred when I was trying to cross a road with oncoming traffic. The paddles are very close to where the hands come into contact with the steering wheel and very little pressure, only a tap, will activate the paddles and switch the vehicle into low gear. I have contacted Honda and there is no way to deactivate the paddles.

NHTSA ID 11756223 · filed Aug 11, 2026
All 31 reports naming engine →

Driver assistance

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

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The complete Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) has been disabled on my truck and all the warning lights are on. All the safety features ment to keep me safe on the road are no longer working.

NHTSA ID 11758843 · filed Aug 23, 2026

This involves the paddle shift operation on the steering wheel. There are two paddles, one at 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock where the hands come into contact with the steering wheel. On four separate occasions, while driving at a relatively high rate of speed, my hands accidentally activated the gear mode by lightly touching one or both of the paddles. Very little pressure is needed to activate the gears. When this occurs, the vehicle shifts to a lower gear, and the vehicle rapidly decelerates from a high rate of speed to a low rate of speed while traveling. In addition to the unexpected and dangerous change in speed while in traffic, the shift into low gear causes the engine to rev and the noise from this caused me to panic while in traffic. On one occasion this occurred when I was trying to cross a road with oncoming traffic. The paddles are very close to where the hands come into contact with the steering wheel and very little pressure, only a tap, will activate the paddles and switch the vehicle into low gear. I have contacted Honda and there is no way to deactivate the paddles.

NHTSA ID 11756223 · filed Aug 11, 2026
All 22 reports naming driver assistance →

Electrical

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

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The auto idle function- the car engine doesn't restart. This has happened in a busy intersection and won't restart until you have made several attempts to restart. I have brought this to the attention of Honda certified techs.

NHTSA ID 11763064 · filed Sep 9, 2026

My 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport experienced failure of the forward-facing Honda Sensing camera system. This camera controls safety features including Collision Mitigation Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The failure disables safety assistance features. Honda acknowledged the issue but refused to provide full repair coverage and only offered $941 toward a repair costing significantly more. I believe a safety-related camera failure should be investigated as a potential defect

NHTSA ID 11750429 · filed Jul 14, 2026
All 15 reports naming electrical →

Exterior lighting

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that there was moisture inside driver's side headlight housing. The contact took the headlight assembly apart and blew out the moisture. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 43,928.

NHTSA ID 11689930 · filed Sep 26, 2025

Auto High Beam. Very sensitive. Sometimes they don't go on when they should and sometimes, they stay on blinding oncoming traffic. I have researched this problem and also have been told this is a known problem with this particular model and year - not just my vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11686938 · filed Sep 12, 2025
All 14 reports naming exterior lighting →

Powertrain (other)

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Truck was waiting at a stop light in drive mode and foot on brake pedal. When the light changed to green. I tried to accelerate to go and the whole vehicle shook/lunges forward and shut off. Vehicle went into neutral and wouldn't allow me to go into drive mode. I had to restart the vehicle twice before it allowed me to go into drive again. Vehicle was stuck in the middle of the street with oncoming/ongoing traffic. I had this vehicle at the honda dealer(with documents) three times previous for this issue and its still not resolved. Please help.

NHTSA ID 11672492 · filed Jul 10, 2025

1. Vehicle shift to neutral while driving. 2. Shift vehicle from park to drive, but vehicle shift to neutral and alert for transmission failure comes on. 3. While waiting at a stop light in drive and on brake, vehicle shift to neutral and alert for transmission failure comes on.

NHTSA ID 11553507 · filed Nov 3, 2023
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Fuel system

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While making a right turn from a yield sign into oncoming traffic and doing about 15 mph, I depressed the accelerator to speed up and the truck stalled for about 2 seconds. The RPM's drop and you literally lunge forward until power resumes. No warning lights come on and no codes are given. This put my safety at risk and the driver accelerating towards me at risk. This is the first time it happened with my 2021 Ridgeline. However, my 2019 Ridgeline had this happen about a dozen times. Honda Service could never replicate the issue with the 2019 Ridgeline, but there was enough data out there about defective High Pressure Fuel Pumps that they agreed to replace the pump. After replacing the pump, the issue went away. Now my 2021 Ridgeline is doing the exact same thing. I can therefore only assume it's the High Pressure Fuel Pump again. I see that Honda recalled 628,000 vehicles in 2021 and then recalled an additional 720,000 vehicles in 2024 for the High Pressure Fuel Pump failing. My current VIN for some reason is not in this recall. Honda Corporate was of no help whatsoever when contacting them. They told me my truck is not under recall. This is a severe Safety Issue and Honda needs to expand the recall to cover my VIN and any other VIN's that are affected by this defective High Pressure Fuel Pump.

NHTSA ID 11681946 · filed Aug 20, 2025

After driving on the freeway for about 1 hour, took the exit to the right. Check engine light came on and vehicle had loss of power and was shuttering. Attempts at accelerating were met with little to no power. Tried turning off eco mode, no change. Limped to the first safe place to stop, avoiding any fast traffic behind. Shut off vehicle, and when I started again, no check engine light, vehicle operated as normal. I fear to think what would have happened when if my child were driving and had to make a merge onto heavy traffic. This is a serious safety issue that I have learned is known. A fix needs to happen before someone is seriously hurt.

NHTSA ID 11554692 · filed Nov 11, 2023

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

Body & structure

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

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I’ve had issues with the side view mirrors with this vehicle since the day that i took delivery. They were always wobbly. Honda issued a recall on them and the replacement mirrors look like “fun house” mirrors. They are super distorted and make me nauseous looking out of them. This is not an isolated incident. Many people are experiencing issues with the recalled mirrors being distorted. Honda needs to come up with another recall and real fix for this

NHTSA ID 11577665 · filed Mar 15, 2024

Tailgate fell down while taking off from a red light, ground was flat and even. The vehicle also didn't trigger the light that the tailgate was open.

NHTSA ID 11500796 · filed Jan 9, 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

I was involved in a rear end collision earlier today. My vehicle sustained significant front end damage and the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle had to be flat bedded to a Massachusetts State Police Barracks, pending further action by my insurance company. There were no injuries.

NHTSA ID 11736770 · filed May 9, 2026

A truck and car in front of me stopped suddenly and i has to push brakes to stop. my truck did not slow down and i hit almost full speed the truck in front of me. my brakes did not even leave i skid mark.

NHTSA ID 11573591 · filed Feb 23, 2024

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

Visibility

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I received my recall number:24V-321 in the mail. I also had an emission control warning notice come on so I took the truck to a Honda dealer. The same day my RVC starting going out so they looked at that. Bottom line: they said the emission problem was a loose something with getting my oil changed. They said my backup camera problem wasn’t due to recall and that I need a new camera and by the way it’s going to cost me $700. I have 56000 miles on it and am very unhappy with wha’t going on.

NHTSA ID 11602269 · filed Jul 15, 2024

I’ve had issues with the side view mirrors with this vehicle since the day that i took delivery. They were always wobbly. Honda issued a recall on them and the replacement mirrors look like “fun house” mirrors. They are super distorted and make me nauseous looking out of them. This is not an isolated incident. Many people are experiencing issues with the recalled mirrors being distorted. Honda needs to come up with another recall and real fix for this

NHTSA ID 11577665 · filed Mar 15, 2024

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

Airbags

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was involved in a rear end collision earlier today. My vehicle sustained significant front end damage and the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle had to be flat bedded to a Massachusetts State Police Barracks, pending further action by my insurance company. There were no injuries.

NHTSA ID 11736770 · filed May 9, 2026

This has something to do with circuit board for the seat sensor that activates air bag? I can’t get dealer to take care of recall. They keep saying we don’t have the parts. This is going on since at least September of last year. Why have recall if they aren’t going to do anything about it? They make appointments and then cancel. I have called Honda Customer Service number(twice) listed on the recall paper twice. Always get told to call dealer and talk to them. Dealer makes appointment and then cancels a few days before the date to bring it in. I have contacted dealer many times about this. Why issue a recall and then don’t fix anything?

NHTSA ID 11659837 · filed May 8, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11758791 · filed Aug 22, 2026

OEM front left and right fender flares detaching from fender on highway speeds. If I didn't notice this, it would of broke off and hit a pedestrian or another vehicle cuasing an accident. I will be bringing this in for the 3rd time to fix the same problem. I really believe it's an engineering defect.

NHTSA ID 11448522 · filed Jan 23, 2022

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

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 ID 11758791 · filed Aug 22, 2026

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 ID 11712592 · filed Jan 22, 2026

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2021 HONDA RIDGELINE SPORT AND IT WAS BROUGHT IN TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT HAD DIAGNOSED A STEERING RACK FAILURE. THE QUOTED PRICE OF REPAIR WAS $4,000. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE READING ON THIS ISSUE I LEARNED THAT SIMILAR ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED IN LATER YEAR MODELS AS WELL AS SIMILAR YEAR MODELS IN THE HONDA FAMILY. THERE WAS A RECALL OF 1.7 MILLION VEHICLES WITH THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. THE VEHICLE MAKES LOUD AND CRACKING NOISES AND AT TIMES THE STEERING GETS HEAVY AND ALSO LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH AND LOW SPEEDS. THE DEALER HAD RESPONDED THAT IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE LATER YEAR RIDGELINE MODELS AND THERE HAD BEEN A SERVICE BULLETIN ON HOW TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE ON THESE MODELS. I DID NOT SEE ANY CURENT RECALLS FROM THIS YEAR, HOWEVER THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT THIS IS NOT A KNOWN OR GROWING ISSUE FOR THE YEAR HONDA THAT I CURRENTLY OWN. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU

NHTSA ID 11733135 · filed Apr 22, 2026

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

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

the TPMS tire pressure monitoring system is inaccurate(low) by 4-5 PSI. This forces me to overinflate the tires by 4-5 PSI to Turn off the warning lights. I believe running constantly on over inflated tires is unsafe over time. It has been reported to the dealer on the past 3 services and they stated in writing that is normal for all the 2021 models

NHTSA ID 11521828 · filed May 13, 2023

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

This has something to do with circuit board for the seat sensor that activates air bag? I can’t get dealer to take care of recall. They keep saying we don’t have the parts. This is going on since at least September of last year. Why have recall if they aren’t going to do anything about it? They make appointments and then cancel. I have called Honda Customer Service number(twice) listed on the recall paper twice. Always get told to call dealer and talk to them. Dealer makes appointment and then cancels a few days before the date to bring it in. I have contacted dealer many times about this. Why issue a recall and then don’t fix anything?

NHTSA ID 11659837 · filed May 8, 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 .