2014 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
Ranks 5th of 17 Ridgeline years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 34
- 12 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 15.8
- 13,955 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 0.44×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 6
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 6
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
- no overall rating
Should You Buy the 2014 Honda Ridgeline?
Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2014 Honda Ridgeline is 79 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 5th of the 17 Ridgeline years we score.
The most reported problem is paint and rust, mostly damage (3 of 34 complaints). Owners also complain about the frame and body structure and the problem not described. 6 of the 34 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 6 recalls. For comparison, the 2013 scores 82.
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 79
- About half the problems of the average car its age
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
Cons
- Paint and rust: damage3 complaints
- Frame or structure: rust or corrosion2 complaints
- Problem not described failure2 complaints
How the 2014 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
| Item | Vs average | Points lost |
|---|---|---|
| Starting score | 100 | |
| Serious problems6 complaints · average car: about 19 | 0.37× | −9 |
| Everyday problems16 complaints · average car: about 28 | 0.60× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years0 complaints · average car: about 3.0 | Not counted | – |
| Recalls6 recalls · average car: about 5.8 | 1.0× | −6 |
| Score | 79 |
The last two years are not counted for the 2014 Ridgeline. Honda made 13,955 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 5.0 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 34 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.
Paint and rust: damage
3 complaints (9%)
Damage.
Frame or structure: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (6%)
Rust or corrosion.
Problem not described failure
2 complaints (6%)
A failure. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (6%)
Hesitation.
Reported Once (12)
Show the 12 problems reported once
- ABS: loss of braking
- Airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Brakes failure
- Cabin odor or mold: damage
- Door latches: not opening or unlocking
- Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
- Parking brake: smoke or a burning smell
- Door lock actuators: stopped working
- Rearview camera: stopped working
- Steering: a leak
- Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
How the 2014 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 This year | 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 | Good | 70 | 0.76× | 25.0 | 12 | Blower motor: stopped working |
2014 Honda Ridgeline Recalls
Six recalls cover the 2014 Honda Ridgeline. 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 22V430000Recall 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 19V500000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger 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 19V501000Recall 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 19V182000Recall 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 Explode, September 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V662000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 83% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator 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 16V061000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2014 Honda Ridgeline Warranty Extensions and Programs
Honda has four customer support programs for the 2014 Honda Ridgeline, separate from its recalls. All four are for problems with the airbags. One has ended. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.
- Customer support programHonda 20-011
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 18-048, has ended.
Honda's bulletin (PDF) - Customer support programHonda 20-015 and 19-002
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:
- 20-015: Covered until January 31, 2030.
- 19-002: Covered until September 30, 2028.
2014 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2014 Honda Ridgeline. It led to a recall.
Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recallNHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Fits and Ridgelines from 2012 to 2017. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2014 Ridgeline ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Pickup crew cab 4WD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2014 Ridgeline, from its six 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 19V500000
- Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2019 NHTSA 19V501000
- Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, March 2019 NHTSA 19V182000
- Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, September 2018 NHTSA 18V662000
- Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 6 recalls and which are still open.
On the Test Drive
- Check the paint and the underbody for rust or peeling clear coat.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Paint and rust
- Frame and body structure
- Problem not described
- 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
