Head-to-head reliability
Honda Odyssey vs Honda Ridgeline
How the Honda Odyssey 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 Odyssey vs Honda Ridgeline: The Odyssey averaged 339.9 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Ridgeline averaged 141.4. The Odyssey also had 123 injuries and 3 deaths reported, versus 20 injuries and 0 deaths for the Ridgeline. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Odyssey or Honda Ridgeline more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan that has averaged about 340 owner complaints per year over the past decade, with 81 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system, forward collision avoidance, and engine, and owners describe issues like alarms that won't shut off, blank infotainment screens, and unexpected braking or acceleration problems. These reports suggest that living with an Odyssey can mean dealing with a range of electronic and safety-system quirks that may require repeated dealer visits.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup that has averaged about 141 owner complaints per year over the same period, with 56 recalls. The complaints cluster around the electrical system, engine, and exterior lighting, with many owners reporting that the auto idle stop feature fails to restart the engine and that automatic high beams behave erratically. These patterns point to a truck that may have fewer overall complaints but still has notable electronic and engine-related annoyances.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Odyssey | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,399 | 1,414 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 81 | 56 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 49 | 26 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 339.9 | 141.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 123 | 20 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 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 Odyssey
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,036
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE721
- 03ENGINE714
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER583
- 05LANE DEPARTURE461
Owners report the alarm randomly activating and refusing to turn off for hours, as well as infotainment screens going blank and backup cameras failing. These issues can leave you locked out or unable to see behind you, and they often require dealer diagnostics.
Complaints include the vehicle braking on its own, failing to accelerate when the pedal is pressed, and sudden sensor failures that trigger limp mode. Such behavior is unpredictable and could happen at highway speeds, making it a serious safety concern.
Owners describe engine failure requiring new ignition coils and spark plugs, followed by recurring acceleration issues, juddering, and check engine lights. Another report notes the power cutting out entirely while driving, which could leave you stranded or in a dangerous situation.
This category often duplicates engine and infotainment complaints, such as the same ignition coil failure and blank screen issues. It highlights that many problems don't fit neatly into one system, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is key.
“The contact owns a 2017 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the alarm activated, and the contact attempted to turn off the alarm; however, the alarm failed to deactivate. The alarm went off for several hours before stopping. The co…”
“The infotainment screen will go blank and will no longer show the backup camera at all. The FAKRA recall was performed at the Honda dealership when I first purchased the car new. I did not have any significant issues until around July of 2026. First, the spea…”
Honda Ridgeline
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM324
- 02ENGINE290
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER190
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING146
- 05POWER TRAIN136
Owners report a cascade of safety-critical warnings and automatic power-limiting, plus the auto idle stop failing to restart the engine at traffic lights. These glitches can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power, and they often require software or hardware fixes.
The auto idle stop system is a frequent complaint, with the engine shutting off and not restarting when the brake is released or the accelerator is pressed. This can happen at intersections and has left some owners unable to move, creating a safety hazard.
The automatic high beam system is described as inconsistent, flashing oncoming drivers or turning on and off unexpectedly. This can blind other motorists and is a nuisance that may require dealer recalibration.
Owners report false collision mitigation braking warnings when meeting oncoming vehicles, and the auto stop issue leaving them stranded. These problems can be distracting and erode trust in the vehicle's safety features.
“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…”
“I am reporting a recurring Auto Idle Stop no-restart and starting-system failure in a 2024 Honda Ridgeline. At approximately 35,072 miles, while stopped at a traffic light with Auto Idle Stop engaged, the engine shut off but failed to restart when the brake p…”
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 Odyssey — 81 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to…
The risk: If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket to the second row outboard floor strikers, free of charge. The recall began April 2, 2018. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.…
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 2018-2023 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Pilot, and 2019-2023 Passport vehicles. Due to a faulty Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) communication coaxial cable connector, the rearview camera image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the MOST cable harness and install a straightening cover over the vehicle cable connector, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-21…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Odyssey and 2024 Acura RDX vehicles. The steering gear box assembly may not have been tightened properly, allowing water to enter the assembly and cause corrosion and binding gears.
The risk: Corroded and binding steering gears can result in a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the electric power steering rack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are LHU and FHT.
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 Odyssey or Honda Ridgeline: which should you buy?
The Honda Ridgeline has far fewer complaints per year (about 141) than the Odyssey (about 340), and also fewer crash-related reports and injuries. In practice, that means Ridgeline owners may spend less time at the dealership for unexpected repairs, though both vehicles have their share of electronic and engine quirks.
Key differences
- The Odyssey has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Ridgeline, with electrical and forward collision avoidance issues being the most common.
- Ridgeline owners frequently complain about the auto idle stop failing to restart the engine, while Odyssey owners report alarms that won't shut off and blank infotainment screens.
- The Odyssey has 123 reported injuries and 3 deaths in the data, compared to 20 injuries and 0 deaths for the Ridgeline, though these figures don't prove cause and effect.
- Both vehicles have recalls for backup camera and fuel pump issues, but the Odyssey also has recalls for seats and steering, while the Ridgeline has recalls for air bag sensors and seat belts.
- Check the infotainment screen and backup camera for blanking or failure, as owners report these going out even after a recall fix.
- Test the alarm system and listen for any random activation, and ask if the forward collision avoidance system has ever braked unexpectedly or failed to accelerate.
- Test the auto idle stop feature by coming to a complete stop and seeing if the engine restarts smoothly when you release the brake.
- Check the automatic high beams at night or in low light to ensure they don't flash oncoming traffic or turn on and off erratically.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all open recalls have been performed, especially for the backup camera and fuel pump.
- During a test drive, deliberately engage the forward collision warning and auto idle stop systems to see if they behave normally.
- Have a mechanic inspect the electrical system, including the battery, alternator, and infotainment wiring, for any signs of corrosion or loose connections.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for ignition coils, spark plugs, and any transmission work.
- Check the operation of all lights, including automatic high beams, and test the backup camera and sensors in a parking lot.
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 Odyssey | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 38 | 8 |
| 2025 | 391 | 91 |
| 2024 | 109 | 60 |
| 2023 | 100 | 128 |
| 2022 | 136 | 117 |
| 2021 | 143 | 101 |
| 2020 | 474 | 169 |
| 2019 | 976 | 236 |
| 2018 | 993 | 162 |
| 2017 | 39 | 342 |
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 Odyssey or Honda Ridgeline in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Odyssey vs Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Odyssey total complaints
- 3,399
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,414
- Honda Odyssey total recalls
- 81
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- Honda Odyssey avg complaints/year
- 339.9
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 141.4
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Odyssey top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM