2025 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 2025 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
- Exterior lighting2523.4%
- Electrical2523.4%
- Engine2018.7%
- Driver assistance1816.8%
- Brakes87.5%
- Powertrain (other)21.9%
- Visibility21.9%
- Body & structure21.9%
- Steering21.9%
- Fuel system10.9%
- Airbags10.9%
- Suspension10.9%
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
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
This 2025 Honda Ridgeline has an auto high beam function. When the headlights are on, the auto high beam will cycle on and off for absolutely no reason. Often only 3-5 seconds apart. There will be no oncoming traffic and no road signs illuminated by the headlights that would possibly confuse the system that a vehicle is approaching. ALSO, the forward collision warning system is way too sensitive. It will often either flash a brake warning on the dash, or actually activate the braking system when it is not needed. This occurs often when on a two lane road, slight curve and traffic approaches in the opposite lane.
Auto bright headlight feature malfunctions constant when on almost to thr effect of a strobe light. Street lights, reflective street markings, reflective road signs, all make it disbale. When it actually does need to disable when another car is approaching it doesn't cut off early enough blinding on coming traffic. The system doesn't work period and is very distracting, and very dangerous.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has approximately 17,200 miles on it. On XXX I approached a stop light and stopped for the red light. When the light turned green my vehicle did not move. I checked to see if it was in drive and it was in neutral. I attempted several times to get it into drive mode but it would not move. I then realized the vehicle had turned off. After several attempts I got the vehicle restarted. I drove to the dealership, Pohanka Honda in [XXX]. After inspecting my vehicle the service technician told me the starter needed replacing but they did not have one in stock and had no idea when one would become available. She told me the vehicle was not safe to drive as it may cut off again. So, I left the vehicle at the dealership. I got a loaner vehicle from the dealership the next day and again they told me they had no idea when replacement starters would be delivered. i contacted Honda Corporate Headquarters and the lady told me she would get a new starter "expedited" out to the dealership for me. I called the dealership and the guy said my name was on the list as they were waiting for forty replacement starters. - Starter failed. I assumed it is still attached to the vehicle. - My vehicle stalled on a very busy road and I could have been struck from behind but luckily a deputy pulled up behind and activated his emergency lights until I got the car restarted. - The dealership is aware of at least forty similar problems. - I don't believe the vehicle/starter has been inspected by anyone other than the dealership. - No warning at all. First appeared on XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The Auto Idle Stop/Start feature has malfunctioned multiple times, leaving me stalled out at a green light in traffic. Sometimes the system hesitates to restart and shows a warning message on the dash that is too long to read for the split second that it shows, and other times it requires a full manual restart of the vehicle. The feature works to shut the engine off, but intermittently does not start back up when taking foot off the brake, and requires a few shut off instructions that are complicated to follow when sitting in a parked vehicle in moving traffic. This is highly unsafe. The hesitation warnings were visible on my maintenance report, but nothing was said about them at the service center, so I did not think they were an issue. I will be taking the vehicle back to Honda to address this auto start failure, but I am aware that there is currently not a recall for this Auto Idle Stop/Start feature, despite it being well documented by other Honda vehicle owners.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I stop and try to go car turns off and dosnt start
On two occasions, immediately after re-fueling the vehicle, the engine auto idle stop failed to restart the vehicle. Both times this happened at busy intersections. A series of messages appeared on the display. I was flustered because cars behind me were honking as I was blocking traffic so I don’t exactly remember the error messages. One message said to put the transmission in park. Another said to hold the brake and the engine start button. Eventually the engine did re-start by holding the start button down.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
This 2025 Honda Ridgeline has an auto high beam function. When the headlights are on, the auto high beam will cycle on and off for absolutely no reason. Often only 3-5 seconds apart. There will be no oncoming traffic and no road signs illuminated by the headlights that would possibly confuse the system that a vehicle is approaching. ALSO, the forward collision warning system is way too sensitive. It will often either flash a brake warning on the dash, or actually activate the braking system when it is not needed. This occurs often when on a two lane road, slight curve and traffic approaches in the opposite lane.
On several occasions, my 2025 Honda Ridgeline has falsely activated the collision mitigation system. Once on a two lane road curving to the right, an oncoming vehicle activated the system resulting in a startling shaking of the steering wheel and dash warning light. I would say about 80 percent of activation has been false alarms in one way or another. This is a safety issue when this collision mitigation system activates unexpectedly, startling the driver. I worry this system may apply the brakes when unnecessary, but this has not happened to me. I have heard it happened to other Ridgeline owners.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.
2025 Ridgeline. Brake pedal sinks when engine started. Brake pedal sinks below the footrest. When applying brake pedal in an emergency stop my left foot contacts footrest causing me to have to release then re-apply the brakes increasing stopping distance. And then Re-applying the mushy brakes causes me to push too hard resulting in erratic braking. Took it to Lynnwood Honda who inspected and bled the brakes but would not confirm any problem. There are no warning lights. The sinking mushy brakes have not caused an accident yet.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. Soft / Spongy Brakes. Brake pedal depresses 1/3 - 1/2 way to the floor before the brakes grab. I had one close call hard stop incident, and now I allow extra car lengths for safety. 2. In park, the truck rolls noticeably before the transmission lock engages. I'd estimate 3 degrees. Your foot drags noticeably if on ground. Purchased new the end of May 29, 2025 and noticed these issues immediately. Brought truck back to two different dealerships and was told it drives the same as other Ridgeline trucks twice on 6/13/25 and 7/11/25, and everything is okay once. Informed American Honda and we agreed to take it to the second dealership for a third brake / transmission check on 8/22/25. Dealer said everything is normal. Truck built on same unibody platform as the Honda Pilot, similar structure. Other: I have owned other truck brands and have not had these issues. There are no warning lamps, messages, etc. I have contacted / dealt with dealership management and American Honda, CA. Truck is available for inspection. I am told it drives like other Ridgeline trucks, I own two other Honda cars, and their brakes are responsive. I have no transmission roll with my other vehicles.
Transmission delays shifting. Shifts are delayed while driving, slamming into next gear. In addition, when starting vehicle and moving from park to drive gear (forward or reverse) there can be up to a 9 second delay for the transmission to shift into gear. This even allows for the gas peddle to be depressed without any response.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Automatic high beam headlights fail to work properly most of the time will not go back to low beams when a vehicle is in the opposite lane also will not go to high beams when no vehicles are in sight very frustrating and dangerous
Driving down the highway and the sunroof shattered for no reason. Was not hit by anything. Dealer says this is not a known problem. My safety would have been put at risk from flying glass if I had not had the sunroof cover closed
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.
Engine "Stop/Start" turned off when trying to make a turn. When it did the steering would not move. Also when "Stop/Start" turns off it was dangerous when turning. I email Honda and they called me back. They could have it disabled but it would cost $80 and I would have to buy the part and they would install it. This is a new truck bought last month.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought a new 2025 Honda Ridgeline truck from Hendrick Honda, Easley, SC and within the first 24 hours the instrument display showed an “auto idle stop error” and to get service at the dealer. I took it back to the dealer within two days, and they said they ran diagnostics and couldn’t find nothing wrong. The service advisor said “it will probably just go away as you drive it more.” Well, after a couple thousand miles now, it has not gone away but sporadically reappears while driving. I called the service advisor back and he said I could bring the truck back and they could try a diagnostic test again. I asked him to instead contact Honda automotive as this is a known issue with the Ridgeline then call me back to notify me of the solution. He never called back.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
While turning left on a snowcovered road, my passenger airbags deployed when I slid into the curb. The only damage was to my rear passenger wheel. The force to the vehicle should not have been hard enough for the airbags to deploy. No warning lights prior to the accident.
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
I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a 2-mile road test, stating the condition was corrected. However, the exact same grinding/growling noise and physical sensation remain after replacement. I reported this again to the dealer on 09/07/2026 and was told another appointment with a Honda inspector is required for further diagnosis. I am very concerned because this recurring steering-related condition remains unresolved in a nearly new vehicle, and the true root cause is unknown. I am concerned about possible loss of steering control or another safety consequence, especially with my family in the vehicle. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether this may represent a safety-related defect affecting other 2025 Ridgelines. I have repair orders and warranty documentation supporting these facts.
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 .