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 lighting2324.5%
- Electrical2021.3%
- Engine1920.2%
- Driver assistance1617.0%
- Brakes77.4%
- Visibility22.1%
- Body & structure22.1%
- Powertrain (other)22.1%
- Airbags11.1%
- Steering11.1%
- Fuel system11.1%
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
The high beam lights cycle on off constantly when on auto approximately every 5-10 seconds even when there is no oncoming traffic
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While sitting in traffic with my 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the engine stopped as the brake had been fully applied, when I released pressure off the brake, my vehicle would not restart as it normally would in this situation, thereby stranding me in a serious traffic situation. I notified the police and my vehicle was eventually towed to the nearest Honda dealer to try to determine what the issue was . Scary situation since my vehicle only has approximately 25K miles on it.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
While sitting in traffic with my 2025 Honda Ridgeline, with the engine stopped as the brake had been fully applied, when I released pressure off the brake, my vehicle would not restart as it normally would in this situation, thereby stranding me in a serious traffic situation. I notified the police and my vehicle was eventually towed to the nearest Honda dealer to try to determine what the issue was . Scary situation since my vehicle only has approximately 25K miles on it.
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 Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) repeatedly has applied breaks under both highway and non-highwaty road conditions when there was no vehicle or presence of other risk factors that should have caused the system to activate. This continues to occur even after the vehicle indicated a functional issue with the system "CMBS(TM) Problem - The Collision Mitigation Braking System(TM) has a problem. Restart your vehicle. If the indicator remains on, have your vehicle checked by a dealer." on January 2, 2026, that Honda repaired/replaced sensors under warranty work stating the radar failed. The result of this condition has led to a number of false mitigation breaking at highway speeds and on non-highway roads. It has resulted in three near accidents over a period of 5 months. This presents itself every time I do not turn off the system manually. The Forward Collision Warning system presents warning notices when there is oncoming traffic on a two lane road and when there are curves in the road. It has also presented itself on the highway with oncoming traffic on curves in the road and when there is a minimal highway division in the center.
The forward collision warning system consistently produces false errors resulting in flashing lights, shaking wheel, and audible alarms causing significant distraction from driver's focus. Daily frequency of alarms creates a false alarm risk as driver has to mentally adjust to ignore the alarm features in order to focus on driving. Primarily occurs on two lane roads where oncoming traffic is regularly misidentified by the system. Roughly 1-3 times per day on a 10 mile commute.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
since I purchased this truck brand new from the dealer, the brakes always had air in the lines. No matter how many times I bleed the brakes, there is still air in the line. From my understanding, previous years of this truck had master cylinder issues. I went to the dealer and they refused to fix the issue, because I already attempted to fix the problem. Also, the car doesn't start when shut off during hot weather and you want to start the car again. You have to wait and try again. The car is laboring to start again. This vehicle is also known for slow starts.I hope you take this matter seriously. This is the issue with every brand new ridgline. Take your pick. I paid over 50k for a new truck and have to deal with these issues.
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.
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 .