2009 Honda Ridgeline: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Honda Ridgeline? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 35 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Honda Ridgeline Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2009 Honda Ridgeline Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated14.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
14.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Honda Ridgeline has 35 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Ridgeline
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 35
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Honda Ridgeline Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Structural Problems
Tire Issues
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Structural Problems, Tire Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2009 Honda Ridgeline looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Honda Ridgeline
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially airbags.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially airbags.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Honda Ridgeline, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 35 NHTSA complaints for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, the data suggests a concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, which account for the majority of reports. Other components such as structural problems, tire issues, and fuel system concerns appear less frequently. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low confidence level indicates that these findings should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most frequently reported component issue.
- Structural problems, tire issues, and fuel/propulsion system complaints each have a small number of reports.
- No crash-related complaints were recorded for this model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Structural Problems
- Tire Issues
All 2009 Honda Ridgeline Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Corrosion formed on the rear frame and a recall was issued for Honda Ridgelines. The Checkered Flag Honda dealership tested our Ridgeline, and it failed the punch test regarding corrosion. The fuel tank, which is mounted to the rear frame, can become unsecured as the rear frame d…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall r…
After driving through Lake Alfred and getting on I-4 heading NE bound toward Orlando, I noticed a very loud noise. I drove to the next exit a few miles down the road (the car seemed to handle fine), Exit 55 at Davenport FL. On the exit ramp, I began to smell burning rubber. Af…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the equipment needed to repair the under carriage of the vehicle was unavailable and was not sent from the manufacturer to the local dealer. The con…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V041000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for th…
IT'S HARD TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT'S ONLY EASY TO TURN WHEN I'M HITTING THE GAS. WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BREAK IT'S HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I CANNOT PARALLEL PARK BECAUSE I HAVE TO PRESS THE BREAK. AT THE HOSPITAL I AM NOT ALLOWED TO GET VALET PARKING BECAUSE THEY SA…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA NOTIFICATION CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V001000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TI…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR TH…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE …
TAKATA RECALL- I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANY INFORMATION AS TO WHEN I CAN EXPECT A CORRECTION TO THIS PROBLEM. IN THE MEAN TIME I AM AFRAID TO ALLOW ANY OF MY FAMILY TO SET IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHAT SHOULD I DO? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN MAY OF 2016. THE NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR …
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AROUND WITH MY WIFE AND SMALL CHILDREN UNAWARE OF THE POSSIBLE HARM THAT COULD COME TO THEM FROM THE "EXPLODING" AIRBAGS. WE JUST RECEIVED OUR TRUCK BACK WITH THE FIXED DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG AFTER HAVING A RENTAL FOR 3 MONTHS SINCE H…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NO…
TAKATA RECALL PARTS ORDERED APRIL 14, 2016 STILL NOT ARRIVED A ABSOLUTELY NO RESPONSE WHEN ASKED STATUS, DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY WILL ARRIVE AND NO SENSE OF URGENCY WHAT IS TAKING SO LONG?
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUF…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. T…
MARCH 31, 2016 I CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP (DOVER HONDA- DOVER NH) TO HAVE MY AIRBAG RECALL SERVICED. DEALERSHIP IS UNRESPONSIVE, EVEN AFTER NUMEROUS CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE SERVICE WORK DONE OR RENTAL VEHICLE PROVIDED UNTIL REPAIRS CAN BE MADE. DEALERSHIP IS NOT COOPERA…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline.
2009 Honda Ridgeline Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Honda Ridgeline Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Ridgeline reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 35 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Honda Ridgeline looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda Ridgeline?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (21 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (3 complaints). #3: Tire Issues (3 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Honda Ridgeline?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Honda Ridgeline?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 35 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Ridgeline have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Honda Ridgeline. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Honda Ridgeline?▾
The 2009 Honda Ridgeline looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Ridgeline reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Honda Ridgeline based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.