2021 Honda Ridgeline: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Honda Ridgeline? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 92 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% 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 2021 Honda Ridgeline has 92 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Ridgeline
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 92
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Honda Ridgeline Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Headlight/Taillight Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
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 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine performance and check for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine performance and check for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, lighting, and electrical components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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
Complaints for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline are concentrated in engine problems, headlight/taillight failures, and electrical faults. The data suggests potential issues with these systems, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among the 2021 model year.
- Headlight/taillight failures and electrical faults each have a notable number of complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain and forward collision avoidance issues also appear in the data.
- Engine Problems
- Headlight/Taillight Failures
- Electrical Faults
All 2021 Honda Ridgeline Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | 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 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I CURRENTLY OWN A 2021 HONDA RIDGELINE SPORT AND IT WAS BROUGHT IN TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT HAD DIAGNOSED A STEERING RACK FAILURE. THE QUOTED PRICE OF REPAIR WAS $4,000. AFTER DOING EXTENSIVE READING ON THIS ISSUE I LEARNED THAT SIMILAR ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED IN LATER YEAR MODE…
Forward brake assist, collision mitigation, auto headlight dash lights came on sporadically. As of today the lights are now on constant and unable to clear. Advised that the forward facing camera most likely died and a replacement due to recalibration would be 1500-2000..
The check engine light came on Dec 26 which I took to have checked and was told that it should go to the shop. The code was not being stored. I took it to the Honda dealership and they did a complete check and said the engine had gone back. The connecting rods and barrings cause …
Driving home from work on a Friday about 1am and my engine started t knock and sputter and the engine light started flashing. Luckily I made it home. I let it sit for a minute and started it back up and it ran fine. I let it sit over the weekend I made an appointment the the deal…
Vehicle started making a clunking noise that could be felt at 45,000 miles when steering left and right. An independent auto business found loose subframe bolts and lower control arm as well as checked sway bar links and found loose core support braces. The clunking stopped after…
The contact's husband owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of th…
I began to hear a knocking noise at 2500 to 3500 rpms and I immediately took my vehicle to the dealer who confirmed rod bearing damage.
The Multipurpose Camera had an Internal Electronic Failure. Indications we all of the warning lights were illuminated on my dash. Initially it began when I had about 43, 400 miles on my truck. The warning lights would all remail lighted on starting the vehicle. I could restart th…
2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E. Part number 36160-T6Z-A62-M1 failure, hard code U3000-49. Results in total loss of Honda Sense Safety system. Including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traff…
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that there was moisture inside driver's side headlight housing. The contact took the headlight assembly apart and blew out the moisture. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The v…
The forward collision system frequently goes off from a vehicle simply driving in their lane normally. The truck alarms, shakes the wheel, and sometimes brakes automatically. This is alarming for my kids riding in the car and the braking is dangerous for cars behind me. This coul…
Auto High Beam. Very sensitive. Sometimes they don't go on when they should and sometimes, they stay on blinding oncoming traffic. I have researched this problem and also have been told this is a known problem with this particular model and year - not just my vehicle.
Engine began knocking from the bottom end at 53k miles. It was determined that a connecting rod bearing had failed and Honda is replacing my engine under warranty. No cost was incurred to me but I am adding my complaint because my VIN is not included in the recall for this exact …
While making a right turn from a yield sign into oncoming traffic and doing about 15 mph, I depressed the accelerator to speed up and the truck stalled for about 2 seconds. The RPM's drop and you literally lunge forward until power resumes. No warning lights come on and no code…
Truck was waiting at a stop light in drive mode and foot on brake pedal. When the light changed to green. I tried to accelerate to go and the whole vehicle shook/lunges forward and shut off. Vehicle went into neutral and wouldn't allow me to go into drive mode. I had to restart t…
My 2021 Honda Ridgeline engine failed in heavy traffic on the freeway. The car malfunctioned and I lost complete power and started coasting and barely made it through 4 lanes of heavy traffic before the car coasted to a stop. Very dangerous and very lucky not to get hit changing …
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the Auto START/STOP feature malfunctioned, and after releasing the brake pedal, the engine failed to automatically restart as designed. After shifting back to park(P), the vehicle restarted and…
This has something to do with circuit board for the seat sensor that activates air bag? I can’t get dealer to take care of recall. They keep saying we don’t have the parts. This is going on since at least September of last year. Why have recall if they aren’t going to do anythin…
2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport with 60,000 miles and no other issues. Engine failed to restart after the "auto stop/start" kicked in, all the lights on the dashboard went off and then turned off. After 1 minute, I was able to get the car started again, this happened on 3 different oc…
Vehicle has an open recall, but dealer still don't have the parts available to repair for almost a year.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. 5 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.
2021 Honda Ridgeline Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 92 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2021 Honda Ridgeline?▾
#1: Engine Problems (28 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (14 complaints). #3: Headlight/Taillight Failures (14 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 92 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR. 5 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 2021 Honda Ridgeline?▾
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 Engine Problems 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 2021 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.