Head-to-head reliability
Honda CR V vs Honda Ridgeline
How the Honda CR V and Honda Ridgeline compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda CR V vs Honda Ridgeline: The CR-V averages 580 complaints per year, with steering and forward collision issues, while the Ridgeline averages 135, with electrical and lighting problems. The Ridgeline has fewer reported issues, but both have safety-relevant quirks. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda CR V or Honda Ridgeline more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda CR V
The Honda CR-V, over the past decade, has accumulated a high volume of complaints, averaging over 580 per year, with steering and forward collision avoidance systems being the most frequent trouble spots. Owners report steering that becomes hard to turn or makes cracking noises, and the front radar module for Honda Sensing is a security and safety concern. Engine and fuel system issues also appear, including sudden power loss on hybrids. While not all complaints lead to crashes, the sheer number suggests a pattern of electronic and steering-related frustrations that could affect daily usability.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline, with about 135 complaints per year, shows a lower overall complaint rate but still has notable issues, particularly in the electrical system and engine. Owners describe cascading warning lights and power-limiting due to multiple DTCs, and the automatic engine stop/start system can stall unexpectedly. Exterior lighting problems, especially auto high beams that strobe or blind oncoming drivers, are a safety concern. These issues point to a vehicle that may be reliable in general but has specific electronic and lighting gremlins that can be annoying or hazardous.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda CR V | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,805 | 1,351 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 40 Better | 56 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 207 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 580.5 | 135.1 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 184 | 19 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Honda CR V
- 01STEERING1,299
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE1,165
- 03ENGINE907
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM760
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM741
Owners report the steering wheel making cracking noises when turning and becoming hard to turn at certain angles, which can be alarming and affect control. This is the most common complaint area, suggesting a systemic issue.
The front radar module is easily accessible, raising security concerns, and there are reports of false or erratic collision warnings. This can lead to unexpected braking or a lack of trust in safety systems.
Hybrid models have experienced sudden power loss on the highway, with warnings like 'Emissions system problem — power may be reduced.' This is a serious safety issue if it occurs in traffic.
The same power loss incidents are tied to the fuel/propulsion system, indicating a possible fuel delivery or hybrid system fault that can leave drivers stranded or unable to accelerate.
“While driving, car engine stutters and stops. The infotainment system went black while driving. The system is hard to steer often while turning. The trunk would not open when touching button for it to open. Took out the key fob and it also would not respond.…”
“After having my car for a month I noticed the steering wheel making a cracking noise when turning going down a parking garage. It made this sound when turning both left and right along with suddenly making it hard to turn the wheel in certain angles. The vehi…”
Honda Ridgeline
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM304
- 02ENGINE261
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER183
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING144
- 05POWER TRAIN130
The engine and powertrain management system repeatedly fails with multiple DTCs, triggering a cascade of safety-critical warnings and automatic power-limiting. This can make the truck undriveable or unsafe.
The automatic engine stop/start system can stop the engine just as the driver presses the accelerator, causing hesitation or stalling at intersections. This is a known safety hazard.
Auto high beams malfunction, constantly switching between high and low beams or flashing at oncoming traffic, blinding other drivers and increasing crash risk.
False error warnings from the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) occur when meeting oncoming vehicles, leading to unnecessary braking and driver distraction.
“The vehicle’s engine and powertrain management system repeatedly fails with multiple DTC's triggering a full-system cascade of safety-critical warnings and automatic power-limiting. The issue affects the engine, transmission, emissions, AWD, brake system, sta…”
“The automatic engine stop/start system is a safety hazard. On multiple occasions with two different drivers (husband and wife owners), the engine has stopped just as the accelerator is pressed after waiting for traffic to clear at a stop sign or while waiting…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Honda CR V — 40 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Acura Integra, Civic Type R, CR-V Hybrid, CR-V, HR-V, 2022-2025 Civic, Civic Hatchback, 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S, 2025 CR-V Fuel Cell EV, Civic Hybrid, and Civic Hatchback Hybrid vehicles. The steering gearbox assembly may have b…
The risk: Difficulty steering can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the worm gear spring and redistribute or add grease as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers f…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017, 2020, and 2022 CR-V vehicles. The certification label on the driver's side door states incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), and tire size information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with th…
The risk: An incorrectly sized tire may cause premature tread wear, or a tire blow out, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new corrected label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is CF7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV,…
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansi…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
Honda Ridgeline — 56 recalls
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
The defect: Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022…
The risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH,…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Buyer analysis
Honda CR V or Honda Ridgeline: which should you buy?
The Honda Ridgeline has fewer complaints per year (135 vs 580), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the CR-V's problems are more concentrated in steering and safety systems, which could be more critical. In practice, the Ridgeline may offer a more trouble-free ownership experience, but both have notable electronic gremlins.
Key differences
- CR-V has far more complaints overall, especially in steering and forward collision avoidance, while Ridgeline's top issues are electrical and lighting.
- CR-V owners report sudden power loss in hybrids, a serious safety concern, whereas Ridgeline's engine issues are more about stop/start stalling.
- Ridgeline's auto high beams are a unique and dangerous problem, blinding oncoming traffic, which CR-V does not have.
- CR-V's front radar module security concern is specific to its Honda Sensing system, not reported on Ridgeline.
- Test the steering at low speeds and listen for cracking noises or any resistance when turning.
- Check for any warning lights related to the emissions or hybrid system, and ask about the front radar module security.
- Test the auto high beams at night to see if they strobe or flash at oncoming cars.
- Try the stop/start system repeatedly to ensure the engine restarts promptly when you press the accelerator.
Before you buy
- Check NHTSA recall history for both models and ensure all recalls are performed.
- For CR-V, test drive at low speeds and in parking garages to evaluate steering feel and noise.
- For Ridgeline, test the auto high beams and stop/start system in real traffic conditions.
- Ask for service records, especially for any electrical or engine-related repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle's computer for stored DTCs and check for any aftermarket modifications.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Honda CR V | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 118 | 8 |
| 2025 | 234 | 73 |
| 2024 | 373 | 48 |
| 2023 | 500 | 124 |
| 2022 | 247 | 112 |
| 2021 | 314 | 97 |
| 2020 | 339 | 166 |
| 2019 | 1076 | 231 |
| 2018 | 2104 | 157 |
| 2017 | 500 | 335 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Honda CR V or Honda Ridgeline in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda CR V vs Honda Ridgeline
- Honda CR V total complaints
- 5,805
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,351
- Honda CR V total recalls
- 40
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- Honda CR V avg complaints/year
- 580.5
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 135.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda CR V top complaint area
- STEERING
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM