no report yet
Structure: frame and members
NewRisk. Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
2021 Honda RidgelineProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 103 owner complaints about the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, most often about the engine. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-064 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Honda Ridgeline has problems
103 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
30Engine
15Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
15Electrical system
14Exterior lighting
11Power train
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Structure
4Back over prevention
4Lane departure
2410 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 30 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 15 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 0 |
| Power train | 11 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 4 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 24 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2021 Honda Ridgeline recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
NewRisk. Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Show 3 more recalls
repaired · 2025 Q2
Foundation components: master cylinder
Risk. Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
Risk. Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Rear/other: retractor
Risk. An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Honda.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Ridgeline year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Ridgeline median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Honda Ridgeline safety ratings
2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, and the recalls they led to.
- No Restart After Auto Start/Stop EngagesOpen
- Rear-View Camera FailureLed to recall 24V-321
In owners' words
What Ridgeline owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
With no warning engine started making a loud ticking noise and within a couple of days it was a loud knocking noise. Flashing check engine light came on and engine lost power. Shut down and restarted engine, knocking noise still there but check engine light is not flashing. Knocking noise is loud…
Engine seized Honda dealership found a hole in block. Estimated repair almost $13k for a used motor. Contacted American Honda and after several weeks they refused assistance. I was barely able to exit freeway. I had to walk as area was remote without cell coverage. I understand there is a lawsuit…
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.
Own a 2021 Ridgeline?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.