2006 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Good

Ranks 9th of 17 Ridgeline years we score.

Owner complaints: 242; 51 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 25.0; 76,353 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.76×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 72; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 12
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

2007 Ridgeline →

Should You Buy the 2006 Honda Ridgeline?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline is 70 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 9th of the 17 Ridgeline years we score.

The most reported problem is the blower motor, mostly stopped working (18 of 242 complaints). Owners also complain about frontal airbags and the frame and body structure. 72 of the 242 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 12 recalls. For comparison, the 2007 scores 77.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 70
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Blower motor: stopped working18 complaints
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash16 complaints
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion15 complaints

How the 2006 Ridgeline Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems72 complaints · average car: about 97	0.75×	−15
Everyday problems119 complaints · average car: about 151	0.79×	−6
Problems in the last two years1 complaint · average car: about 1.4	Not counted	–
Recalls12 recalls · average car: about 3.2	2.6×	−9
Score		70

The last two years are not counted for the 2006 Ridgeline. Honda made 76,353 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 2.5 complaints of any kind in two years. We need at least 5 to compare, so we leave this part out. Its 30% goes to serious and everyday problems instead, so they make up 80% of the score rather than 50%.

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 242 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Blower motor: stopped working
18 complaints (7%)
A feature that stopped working, overheating and a fire. 2 of these 18 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 96,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
16 complaints (7%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. 3 of these 16 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
15 complaints (6%)
Rust or corrosion, parts breaking or coming apart and damage. 2 of these 15 complaints describe a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 200,000 miles.
Brakes: loss of braking
10 complaints (4%)
Loss of braking, early wear and damage. 2 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: works on and off
10 complaints (4%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 10 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 40,000 miles.
Fire (cause not stated)
9 complaints (4%)
A fire. 7 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a fire. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Cooling system: damage
7 complaints (3%)
Damage, a leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 1 of these 7 complaints describes a serious outcome: a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 114,000 miles.
Transmission fluid leak
7 complaints (3%)
A leak. 2 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 118,000 miles.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
6 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 38,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
6 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking and not closing or latching. Median mileage when it started: about 130,000 miles.
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
6 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage. In 3 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 43,000 miles.
Steering failure
6 complaints (2%)
A failure, loss of steering control and damage. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 44,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
6 complaints (2%)
Failure or loss of drive and overheating. Median mileage when it started: about 129,000 miles.
Transmission cooler: a leak
5 complaints (2%)
A leak and parts breaking or coming apart. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 150,000 miles.
Climate controls: works on and off
4 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 76,000 miles.

Show 26 more problems

Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
4 complaints (2%)
Rust or corrosion and damage.
Side or curtain airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 85,000 miles.
Struts or shocks: a leak
4 complaints (2%)
A leak and early wear. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: stopped working
4 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, damage and the system acting on its own. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
3 complaints (1%)
Warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 125,000 miles.
Engine failure: stalling
3 complaints (1%)
Stalling, the car not starting and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 87,000 miles.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
Hesitation and rough running or misfires. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 0 miles.
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
3 complaints (1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 86,000 miles.
Seat belts: the system not working when needed
3 complaints (1%)
The system not working when needed and a feature that stopped working. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 150,000 miles.
Sway bar links: unusual noises
3 complaints (1%)
Unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. Median mileage when it started: about 56,000 miles.
Windshield wipers: stopped working
3 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome.
12V battery: the car not starting
2 complaints (under 1%)
The car not starting and a feature that stopped working. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
ABS: the system acting on its own
2 complaints (under 1%)
The system acting on its own and a feature that stopped working.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (under 1%)
No deployment in a crash.
Check engine light (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Warning lights.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: a fire
2 complaints (under 1%)
A fire and a stored fault code. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Fuel pump failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and stalling.
Headlights: smoke or a burning smell
2 complaints (under 1%)
Smoke or a burning smell.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
A/C lines: a leak
2 complaints (under 1%)
A leak.
Piston rings: damage
2 complaints (under 1%)
Damage.
Side window glass: shattering or cracking
2 complaints (under 1%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Stalling.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (under 1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Vibration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (under 1%)
Vibration or shudder.

Reported Once (36)

Show the 36 problems reported once

A/C condenser failure
AWD or rear differential: stopped working
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): fault code
Control module (unspecified) failure
Cylinder head gasket failure
Several warning lights at once
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Exterior lights: stopped working
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Fuel system: a bad smell
Fuel leak
Fumes in cabin (cause not stated)
In-bed trunk: not opening or unlocking
Screen and audio: works on and off
Key fob: stopped working
Noise (cause not stated)
A/C condenser fan: parts breaking or coming apart
Accelerator pedal: sticking or stiffness
Cylinder head failure
Electrical system (part not stated): a fire
Fuel tank straps: rust or corrosion
Impact sensor: fault code
Interior lights: stopped working
Suspension (part not stated): rust or corrosion
Vehicle alarm: the system acting on its own
Phone and navigation
Door lock actuators: works on and off
Power windows or regulator: stopped working
Starter: the car not starting
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Tailgate: not releasing
Valve train
Wheel rim: shattering or cracking
Windows or locks or sunroof (operate by themselves): the system acting on its own
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2006 Honda Ridgeline Compares With Other Years

The other Ridgeline years of the 1st generation, 2006 to 2014.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2014	Good	79	0.44×	15.8	6	Paint and rust: damage
2013	Excellent	82	0.33×	8.3	7	Airbags: no deployment in a crash
2012	Excellent	84	0.26×	8.9	11	Taillights or brake lights: parts breaking or coming apart
2011	Excellent	81	0.33×	11.9	10	Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2010	Good	77	0.49×	19.0	9	Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2009	Excellent	82	0.32×	11.8	8	Frame or structure: parts breaking or coming apart
2008	Good	75	0.56×	20.0	8	Blower motor: stopped working
2007	Good	77	0.49×	18.4	8	Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
2006 This year	Good	70	0.76×	25.0	12	Blower motor: stopped working

See every Ridgeline year

2006 Honda Ridgeline Recalls

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline has 12 recalls. The most recent was issued in June 2022: “Frame Corrosion May Cause Fuel Leak.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Frame Corrosion May Cause Fuel Leak
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
NHTSA 22V430000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 16, 2022. By the second quarter of 2024, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V499000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 22% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, March 2019
An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V182000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 6, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V029000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, May 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V344000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 6 more recalls

Driver's Frontal Air Bag May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 15V320000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 28, 2015. By the fourth quarter of 2017, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V700000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Nov 4, 2014. By the first quarter of 2016, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 14V353000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 20, 2014. By the fourth quarter of 2015, 70% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Blower Motor Heating Ventilation AC
A wiring harness connector for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (hvac) blower motor located under the passenger's side of the instrument panel may be accessible to kicking by the front seat passenger's feet. If this occurs, the connector terminal may overheat, and this may cause the wire insulation to melt or the wiring connector to melt. Should the wiring insulation melt and the exposed wires make contact with each other (short circuit), a fire may occur.
NHTSA 10V001000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 4, 2010.
Fuel Pump Relay
If the fuel pump loses power while driving, the engine could stall without warning, and a crash could occur.
NHTSA 07V097000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 14, 2007.
Owner's Manual Hotline Information Incorrect
The language in the owner's manuals is not in accordance with the current mandatory requirements.
NHTSA 06V270000Issued Jul 26, 2006.

2006 Honda Ridgeline Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has five customer support programs for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline, separate from its recalls. All five are for problems with the airbags. Two have ended. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Customer support programHonda 18-053 and 20-015
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-053: Covered until January 31, 2027.
20-015: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Another program for the same problem, Honda 18-050, has ended.
Bulletin 18-053 (PDF)Bulletin 20-015 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-010
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Another program for the same problem, Honda 18-047, has ended.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2006 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened four investigations that cover the 2006 Honda Ridgeline. Two are still open and two led to a recall.

Instrument panel fires and smoke in 2006 Ridgelines
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in February 2009, covered instrument panel fires in 2006 Ridgelines. It counted six fire reports and nine smoke reports from failed HVAC fan motor wiring. Honda made changes to address connector damage, and all complaint cars predate them. NHTSA found no defect trend and closed the case in June 2009. Its record links recall 10V-001.
NHTSA PE09008 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 12, 2009 to Jun 16, 2009
Takata air bag inflators rupturing, mostly in humid areas
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation began in June 2014 after six Takata air bag inflator ruptures. It covered Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. All 10 makers started regional recalls within about two weeks. NHTSA asked them to widen the recalls. It closed in March 2015 and moved to engineering analysis EA15-001.
NHTSA PE14016 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Jun 11, 2014 to Mar 2, 2015
Takata air bag inflator ruptures across all makers
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in February 2015, covers Takata air bag inflators that can rupture. It includes Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2007, among others. NHTSA is studying the root cause, the affected vehicles and whether repairs are adequate. The record links 194 recall campaigns to it. It is still open.
NHTSA EA15001 Opening report (PDF)Open since Feb 24, 2015
Rupture risk in Takata inflators with a desiccant
Still open
NHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in September 2021, asks whether Takata inflators with a moisture-trapping desiccant could degrade and rupture over time. They are not yet recalled. It covers Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Odyssey and Pilot models from 2001 to 2015, among others. No field ruptures have been reported in them. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA21002 Opening report (PDF)Open since Sep 17, 2021

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2006 Ridgeline no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2006 Ridgeline ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2006 Ridgeline, from its 12 recalls and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Frame Corrosion May Cause Fuel Leak NHTSA 22V430000
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2019 NHTSA 19V499000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V501000
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, March 2019 NHTSA 19V182000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2017 NHTSA 17V029000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 12 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Confirm every airbag recall on this VIN has been repaired before you buy.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Blower motor
Frontal airbags
Frame and body structure
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Ridgeline Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.