Head-to-head reliability
Honda Passport vs Honda Ridgeline
How the Honda Passport 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 Passport vs Honda Ridgeline: The Passport averages 85.9 complaints per year, while the Ridgeline averages 135.1. Both suffer from auto stop-start failures, but the Ridgeline also has problematic auto high beams. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Passport or Honda Ridgeline more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport, a midsize SUV, shows a reliability picture dominated by electrical and driver-assistance gremlins. Owners report the auto stop-start system failing to restart the engine, and the forward collision avoidance system triggering phantom braking. These issues are frequent enough to be a real annoyance, but the vehicle also has a moderate number of engine and brake complaints, suggesting a need for careful inspection.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline, a pickup truck, has a higher complaint rate, with electrical and engine issues leading the pack. Owners describe the auto stop-start system stalling the engine, and the exterior lighting (auto high beams) malfunctioning, causing a strobe effect and blinding oncoming drivers. The higher complaint volume and recall count suggest a more troublesome ownership experience.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Passport | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 859 Better | 1,351 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 Better | 56 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 43 | 25 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 85.9 Better | 135.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 | 19 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 Passport
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM172
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE168
- 03ENGINE118
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER117
- 05SERVICE BRAKES95
Owners report the auto idle stop system failing to restart the engine, sometimes causing the vehicle to shut off while accelerating. This can be a safety hazard in traffic, and the battery warning light often accompanies the issue.
The collision mitigation system triggers randomly, causing phantom braking and a 'BRAKE' warning with steering wheel shake, even with no obstacles. This can be startling and dangerous, especially on highways.
The engine struggles to restart smoothly after auto stop, with sluggish starter sounds and hesitation. This is directly tied to the auto stop-start system and can lead to unexpected stalls.
“For several months before the failure, the Auto Idle Stop (engine stop-start) system became progressively slower to restart the engine after stopping. Each restart sounded sluggish, as though the starter was dragging, and the vehicle would remain stopped for…”
“The contact owns a 2025 Honda Passport. The contact stated that on several occasions, the Auto START/STOP intermittently failed to operate and the vehicle shut off while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that a battery warning light was dis…”
Honda Ridgeline
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM304
- 02ENGINE261
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER183
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING144
- 05POWER TRAIN130
The engine and powertrain management system fails repeatedly, triggering a cascade of safety-critical warnings and power-limiting. This can affect engine, transmission, and AWD, making the vehicle undriveable.
The auto stop-start system is a hazard, as the engine stops just as the accelerator is pressed, causing a delay or stall. Owners also report engine issues that may be related to the electrical system.
The auto high beam feature malfunctions, constantly switching between high and low beams, creating a strobe effect that blinds oncoming drivers. This is a serious safety concern for night driving.
“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 Passport — 43 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Passport and 2023-2025 Pilot vehicles. The fuel filler neck tube and fuel filler pipe may separate, allowing fuel to leak.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the fuel filler neck tube and pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this r…
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 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, w…
The risk: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall ar…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles. The inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox assembly may loosen and detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.
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 Passport or Honda Ridgeline: which should you buy?
The Honda Passport has fewer complaints per year (85.9) compared to the Ridgeline (135.1), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, the Passport may offer a slightly more reliable ownership experience, but both vehicles share similar auto stop-start and driver-assistance problems.
Key differences
- The Passport has fewer complaints per year (85.9) than the Ridgeline (135.1), suggesting a lower rate of reported issues.
- The Ridgeline has more exterior lighting complaints (144) specifically about auto high beams malfunctioning, while the Passport's lighting issues are not as prominent.
- Both vehicles have significant auto stop-start problems, but the Ridgeline's electrical system failures are more severe, causing cascading warnings and power-limiting.
- The Passport's forward collision avoidance phantom braking is a standout issue, while the Ridgeline's lighting issues are more distinctive.
- Test the auto stop-start system repeatedly to ensure the engine restarts promptly and smoothly.
- Check for any history of phantom braking or forward collision warning alerts, as these are common complaints.
- Inspect the auto high beam function during a night test drive to see if it flickers or blinds oncoming traffic.
- Ask about any electrical system error codes or warning lights, as owners report cascading failures.
Before you buy
- Test drive both vehicles and specifically exercise the auto stop-start system in stop-and-go traffic.
- Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all outstanding recalls have been addressed.
- Ask for service records related to electrical system or engine complaints.
- For the Ridgeline, test the auto high beams on a dark road to see if they behave properly.
- For the Passport, test the forward collision avoidance system in a safe area to see if it triggers without obstacles.
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 Passport | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 49 | 8 |
| 2025 | 28 | 73 |
| 2024 | 15 | 48 |
| 2023 | 35 | 124 |
| 2022 | 56 | 112 |
| 2021 | 132 | 97 |
| 2020 | 92 | 166 |
| 2019 | 271 | 231 |
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 Passport or Honda Ridgeline in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Passport vs Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Passport total complaints
- 859
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,351
- Honda Passport total recalls
- 43
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- Honda Passport avg complaints/year
- 85.9
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 135.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Passport
- Honda Passport top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM