Head-to-head reliability
Honda Ridgeline vs FORD F 150
How the Honda Ridgeline and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Honda Ridgeline vs FORD F 150: The Ridgeline averages 137.9 complaints per year, far fewer than the F-150's 1131.1. However, Ridgeline owners report dangerous auto high beam and engine stop/start failures, while F-150 owners face transmission issues like hard shifts and power loss. Both have recalls, but the F-150 has 145 vs. 56. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Ridgeline or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline, as a used pickup, shows a reliability profile dominated by electrical and engine-related complaints, with owners frequently reporting issues with the automatic engine stop/start system and false warnings from safety systems like the collision mitigation braking and auto high beams. These problems often lead to unexpected power loss or dangerous lighting behavior, which can be unsettling for a first-time buyer. While the total complaint count is lower than the F-150's, the nature of the issues—such as engine failures and electrical cascades—suggests that careful inspection and a thorough service history are essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150, a full-size pickup, has a much higher volume of complaints, with powertrain issues—especially transmission problems—being the most prominent. Owners report hard shifts, jerking, and even sudden loss of power, which can be alarming and potentially hazardous. Electrical system complaints also feature prominently, including camera and pre-collision assist malfunctions. The sheer number of complaints and recalls indicates that the F-150 may have more frequent and varied issues, but the data also reflects its popularity and higher sales volume.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Ridgeline | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,379 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 137.9 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Ridgeline
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM315
- 02ENGINE275
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER185
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING144
- 05POWER TRAIN133
Owners report repeated failures in the engine and powertrain management system, triggering multiple warning lights and automatic power-limiting. The automatic engine stop/start system can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly when accelerating from a stop, which is a safety concern.
There are reports of serious engine failures, including a broken crankshaft counterweight and seized bearing, requiring engine replacement. The stop/start system is also cited as causing the engine to stop just as the driver presses the accelerator, leading to potential accidents.
The auto high beam system is frequently criticized for malfunctioning, often turning on high beams when oncoming vehicles are present, blinding other drivers. This can create dangerous situations, especially on two-lane roads.
Numerous false warnings from the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) are reported, occurring when meeting oncoming vehicles on straight or slightly curving roads. These false alerts can undermine driver trust and lead to unnecessary service visits.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
The most common issue is with the 10-speed automatic transmission, with owners experiencing hard and delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and even sudden loss of power. These problems can occur during normal driving and may pose safety risks.
Electrical complaints often involve the transmission control module or other electronic components, with some owners reporting loud bangs from the transmission and popping sounds from the rear suspension. Additionally, frequent warnings for front camera malfunction and pre-collision assist not available are common.
Headlight issues are reported, though the specific nature is not detailed in the sample. Given the high number of complaints, it's likely that problems range from premature bulb failure to more complex electrical issues affecting lighting.
Engine-related complaints are less frequent than powertrain but still notable. Owners may experience performance issues or warning lights, though the sample text does not provide specific engine failure details.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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 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 (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.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requiremen…
The risk: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
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…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
Honda Ridgeline or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
Based on the data, the Honda Ridgeline has significantly fewer complaints per year (137.9) compared to the Ford F-150 (1131.1), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, the Ridgeline's problems often involve safety-critical systems like engine stalling and lighting, which can be just as concerning. In practice, the F-150's higher complaint volume suggests a greater likelihood of encountering problems, but the Ridgeline's issues may be more severe in nature.
Key differences
- The Ridgeline has far fewer complaints per year (137.9) than the F-150 (1131.1), but its issues often involve safety systems like auto high beams and engine stop/start.
- The F-150's most common problems are transmission-related, with hard shifts and loss of power, while the Ridgeline's top issues are electrical and engine-related.
- The Ridgeline has 56 recalls over 10 years, while the F-150 has 145, indicating a higher recall rate for the F-150.
- Both vehicles have reports of false safety warnings, but the Ridgeline's CMBS and auto high beam issues are more prominent in the sample.
- Inspect the automatic engine stop/start system for any signs of stalling or hesitation when accelerating from a stop.
- Check the auto high beam and CMBS systems for proper operation, as false activations can be a safety hazard.
- Test drive the F-150 through various speeds to feel for hard shifts or jerking, especially between 4th-5th and 5th-6th gears.
- Look for any warning messages related to the front camera or pre-collision assist, as these are common electrical issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Test drive both vehicles in stop-and-go traffic to evaluate the stop/start system (Ridgeline) and transmission shifting (F-150).
- Ask for service records to see if any of the common issues have been addressed.
- Check the exterior lighting, especially the auto high beam function, for proper operation.
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 Ridgeline | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 24 |
| 2025 | 81 | 329 |
| 2024 | 54 | 617 |
| 2023 | 126 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 113 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 100 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 168 | 33 |
| 2019 | 232 | 36 |
| 2018 | 160 | 56 |
| 2017 | 337 | 43 |
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 Ridgeline or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Ridgeline vs FORD F 150
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,379
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 137.9
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN