The Honda Ridgeline stands out as a vehicle that dares to challenge the established norms. While it may not match its peers regarding off-road capabilities and towing prowess, the Ridgeline compensates admirably by blending the finest attributes of midsize trucks and crossovers. It excels in on-road handling, boasts an interior reminiscent of an SUV, and offers a refined driving experience.
Notably, the discussion of the Ridgeline would be complete with highlighting its distinctive cargo box, featuring a short yet wide bed and an innovative underfloor trunk. The Honda Ridgeline unquestionably warrants your attention if you seek an outstanding midsize pickup truck that delivers a driving experience akin to an SUV or sedan.
In the realm of used purchases, one often ponders which year of the Honda Ridgeline proves most dependable.
Thus, in this presentation, we embark on a journey through all Honda Ridgeline generations, pinpointing the years that shine with reliability for prospective buyers and steering clear of those best avoided. Let’s delve straight into this exploration.
The Era of 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline
Within the lineage of the Honda Ridgeline, one encounters a single generation. The inaugural generation of Ridgeline enjoys a cherished reputation, earning high owner satisfaction ratings across all model years.
Steer Clear: 2006 Honda Ridgeline
The 2006 Honda Ridgeline is a robust and dependable midsize pickup truck, a commendable feat for a debut model. Regrettably, this year confronts numerous issues and ranks among the model years plagued by extensive user complaints. As per the records of CarComplaints.com, the 2006 Ridgeline claims the dubious title of the worst model year, racking up over 360 complaints and bearing the burden of 14 recalls.
A predominant grievance revolves around the troublesome cylinder #4, notorious for its propensity to fail. The most common resolution entails the costly replacement of the entire engine. Furthermore, the cluster display also suffers from frequent malfunctions, manifesting as freezing or complete non-functionality.
Steer Clear: 2007-2008 Honda Ridgeline
Once again, the 2007-2008 Honda Ridgeline echoes the narrative of the 2006 iteration. Both of these midsize trucks exhibit commendable reliability and impressive durability. However, they harbor significant engine-related issues. For instance, the 2007 Honda Ridgeline witnesses reports of engine failure around the 90,000-mile mark. Additionally, premature rusting has been observed in the 2007 model.
Conversely, the 2008 model year encounters less severe problems, though they can prove annoying. For instance, a prevalent complaint revolves around the faulty A/C unit for this particular year. It accumulates over 180 complaints and contends with ten recalls.
Opt For: 2009-2012 Honda Ridgeline
The model years spanning 2009 to 2012 within the Honda Ridgeline spectrum merit strong recommendations due to their unwavering reliability and solid performance. Consumer Reports said these years garnered exceptional customer satisfaction ratings and reliability verdict scores. The 2009 Ridgeline garners only a handful of complaints and registers nine recalls. Two prominent issues manifest as cracked windshields and rusted rotors.
Similarly, the 2010 Ridgeline generated minimal complaints, with reported issues centered around soft pedals and minor interior water leaks, both classified as minor concerns. However, given the Ridgeline’s propensity to maintain its value, one should anticipate slightly higher price tags for used models from this lineup.
Opt For: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
The year 2013 emerged as the pinnacle of reliability for the Honda Ridgeline. This iteration boasts a smooth, sedan-like performance, convenient cargo features, and top-notch reliability scores. Consumer Reports awards the 2013 Honda Ridgeline an impeccable 5.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating alongside owner satisfaction.
While it may not excel in cargo or towing capacity, the 2013 Ridgeline shines as a comfortable daily driver, epitomizing one of the most dependable midsize trucks in the market.
The Era of 2017-Present Honda Ridgeline
After a brief hiatus following the 2014 model year, Honda reintroduced the Ridgeline in 2017.
Steer Clear: 2017 Honda Ridgeline
Much like its Ridgeline predecessors, the 2017 model year possesses commendable reliability, surpassing many alternatives in the market. Regrettably, it carries its fair share of complaints and reported issues, leading us to advise potential buyers to exercise caution.
Among the prominent concerns are faulty fuel injectors with a higher failure rate and reported leaky pumps and water seepage in this variant of Honda’s pickup truck. Nevertheless, a used 2017 Ridgeline may still warrant consideration if one finds an appealing price.
Opt For: 2018-2019 Honda Ridgeline
As we previously highlighted, the 2018 and 2019 Honda Ridgeline model years are some of the market’s most reliable midsize pickup trucks. If you seek the Honda Ridgeline’s most dependable year, these two models deserve a spot on your shortlist.
In the case of the 2018 Ridgeline, it garners a mere 150+ complaints and contends with five recalls, as per CarComplaints. While a few transmission-related issues emerge, they remain relatively rare to warrant significant concern. However, a cluster of reports revolves around the faulty backup camera.
On the other hand, the 2019 Ridgeline demonstrates that Honda has addressed many of the flaws in the newer Ridgeline iterations. Notably, it offers class-leading fuel efficiency at 22 mpg combined.
Consumer Reports bestows the 2019 Ridgeline with a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating and a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 for owner satisfaction. Notably, the 2019 model year leads the second-generation Ridgeline regarding recalls, accumulating eight instances.
Is the Honda Ridgeline a Paragon of Reliability?
If your quest revolves around securing a dependable, pre-owned midsize truck, the Honda Ridgeline emerges as a fitting choice. It ranks among the more reliable pickup trucks available in the used market. Furthermore, iSeeCars has recognized the Honda Ridgeline as one of the enduring vehicles capable of achieving the coveted 200,000-mile mark, standing tall alongside the likes of the Toyota Sequoia and Chevrolet Suburban.
Although certain Ridgeline models contend with substantial issues, the majority of Honda Ridgeline’s most reliable year models exhibit robust reliability and high levels of customer satisfaction. It is worth noting, however, that even older Ridgeline models tend to command higher price tags when compared to their counterparts.