Head-to-head reliability
Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Camry
How the Honda Ridgeline and Toyota Camry 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 Toyota Camry: The Ridgeline averages 138 complaints per year, while the Camry averages 214, but the Camry has more severe safety incidents, including 181 crashes and 1 death. The Ridgeline's top issues are electrical and lighting, while the Camry's are powertrain and brakes. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup that, in ownership terms, behaves more like a comfortable crossover than a traditional truck. Over the past decade, owners have filed 1,379 complaints, averaging about 138 per year, with the highest numbers in electrical and engine systems. The real-world pattern points to electronic gremlins—especially around the auto stop/start and driver-assist features—that can trigger cascading warnings and even power-limiting, making the truck feel less dependable than its rugged looks suggest.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan known for efficiency and value, but the complaint data reveals a more troubled ownership experience than its reputation might imply. With 2,143 complaints over ten years (about 214 per year), the top issues are in the powertrain, engine, and brakes, including reports of sudden acceleration and transmission failures. While the Camry still has fewer recalls than the Ridgeline, the higher complaint volume and more severe safety-related incidents (181 crashes, 1 death) are concerning for a family sedan.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Honda Ridgeline | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,379 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 56 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 25 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 137.9 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 19 Better | 163 |
| 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 the engine and powertrain management system repeatedly fails, triggering a cascade of safety-critical warnings and automatic power-limiting. The auto stop/start system can also stall the engine just as you press the accelerator, which is dangerous when pulling into traffic.
Some owners have experienced catastrophic engine failure, such as a broken crankshaft counterweight and seized bearing, requiring a full engine replacement. Others report the auto stop/start system stalling the engine at stop signs, which is a serious safety hazard.
The automatic high beam system is widely criticized for turning on high beams when oncoming traffic is near, blinding other drivers. This can cause dangerous situations, especially on two-lane roads, and is a common source of complaints.
Numerous false warnings from the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) occur when meeting oncoming vehicles, leading to unnecessary braking or alerts. This can erode driver trust and potentially cause rear-end collisions if the system activates unexpectedly.
“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…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration, with dealerships confirming transmission issues that often require replacement. Some also describe sudden unintended acceleration, which led to a crash in one case, making this a critical safety concern.
There are reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration, where the car rapidly accelerates on its own, leading to a total loss in one instance. Additionally, some owners see a maintenance light for a coolant valve bypass that isn't covered by recall for their VIN, leaving them with a potential safety issue.
Several owners describe a complete loss of brake response when descending steep hills, requiring multiple attempts to slow down. Others report that brakes fail to engage properly in low-speed parking lot situations, which can lead to collisions.
Recurring HVAC odors (vinegar/mildew) from the air vents are common, especially in warmer weather. While not a safety issue, it affects comfort and may indicate a design flaw in the AC system.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
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…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Honda Ridgeline has fewer complaints per year (about 138) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 214), but the Ridgeline's issues are more concentrated in electronics and lighting, which can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. The Camry's higher complaint volume includes more severe safety incidents like sudden acceleration and brake failure, making it a riskier choice despite its reputation. In practice, the Ridgeline may be more reliable in terms of raw numbers, but both have significant problems that buyers should investigate.
Key differences
- The Ridgeline has more electrical and lighting complaints (315 and 144) than the Camry (246 and not in top 5), with owners reporting auto high beams blinding oncoming traffic and false CMBS warnings.
- The Camry has more powertrain and brake complaints (395 and 290) than the Ridgeline (133 and not in top 5), including transmission failures and brake loss.
- The Camry has a higher number of crash-related complaints (181 vs 25) and injuries (163 vs 19), indicating more severe incidents.
- The Ridgeline has more recalls (56 vs 31), but the Camry's recalls include airbag sensor issues, which are safety-critical.
- Test the auto stop/start system repeatedly to ensure it doesn't stall the engine when you press the accelerator.
- Check the automatic high beams and CMBS for false activations by driving on a two-lane road with oncoming traffic.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and have a mechanic inspect it thoroughly.
- Test the brakes on a steep hill to ensure they respond consistently, and ask about any history of sudden acceleration.
Before you buy
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles using the VIN and NHTSA's website.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive the Ridgeline on a curvy road to evaluate the auto high beams and CMBS behavior.
- For the Camry, ask for service records related to transmission or brake complaints and test the brakes on a decline.
- Consider a used vehicle warranty to cover potential expensive repairs like engine or transmission replacement.
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 | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 119 |
| 2025 | 81 | 153 |
| 2024 | 54 | 48 |
| 2023 | 126 | 62 |
| 2022 | 113 | 59 |
| 2021 | 100 | 155 |
| 2020 | 168 | 270 |
| 2019 | 232 | 393 |
| 2018 | 160 | 736 |
| 2017 | 337 | 148 |
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 Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Honda Ridgeline vs Toyota Camry
- Honda Ridgeline total complaints
- 1,379
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Honda Ridgeline total recalls
- 56
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Honda Ridgeline avg complaints/year
- 137.9
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Honda Ridgeline
- Honda Ridgeline top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN