2023 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
Ranks 10th of 17 Ridgeline years we score.
- Owner complaints
- 128
- 8 are recall notices
- Per 10,000 cars
- 17.4
- 68,926 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- 1.4×
- same age, 1× is average
- Serious outcomes
- 33
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 5
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
Only after careful checks. Our reliability score for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline is 67 out of 100, which rates Caution. Owners reported about 1.4 times as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 10th of the 17 Ridgeline years we score.
The most reported problem is the headlights, mostly works on and off (41 of 128 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine and the steering. 33 of the 128 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has 5 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the engine. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2022 scores 65 and the 2024 scores 62.
Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 23-010 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
- 1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs
Cons
- About 1.4 times the problems of the average car its age
- Headlights: works on and off41 complaints
- Engine: reduced power or limp mode6 complaints
- Steering: early wear6 complaints
How the 2023 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 problems33 complaints · average car: about 32 | 1.0× | −11 |
| Everyday problems87 complaints · average car: about 40 | 2.1× | −6 |
| Problems in the last two years25 complaints · average car: about 27 | 0.93× | −9 |
| Recalls5 recalls · average car: about 3.1 | 1.4× | −7 |
| Score | 67 |
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 128 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 128.
Headlights: works on and off
41 complaints (32%)
Problems that come and go, a feature that stopped working and water leaking in. 2 of these 41 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of visibility. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 3 it came back after a repair.
Engine: reduced power or limp mode
6 complaints (5%)
Reduced power or limp mode, unusual noises and a loss of power. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 24,000 miles.
Steering: early wear
6 complaints (5%)
Early wear, loss of steering control and damage. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
6 complaints (5%)
Failure or loss of drive, harsh or delayed shifts and vibration or shudder. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (4%)
Not opening or unlocking and sticking or stiffness.
Auto idle stop system: the car not starting
5 complaints (4%)
The car not starting, warning lights and hesitation. 3 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Wireless phone charger: stopped working
5 complaints (4%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Automatic emergency braking: hard braking with nothing ahead
4 complaints (3%)
Hard braking with nothing ahead. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden braking.
Forward collision warning: the system acting on its own
4 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own.
Brakes: locking up
3 complaints (2%)
Locking up, loss of braking and a hard pedal or less assist. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
Engine failure: stalling
3 complaints (2%)
Stalling, unusual noises and parts breaking or coming apart. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Phone and navigation: stopped working
3 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Rearview camera: stopped working
3 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working, problems that come and go and wrong readings.
Engine air intake: water leaking in
2 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Fuel diluting the engine oil
2 complaints (2%)
The oil level rising or a gasoline smell. Both describe a serious outcome.
Show 5 more problems
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and damage.
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
2 complaints (2%)
Rust or corrosion.
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
2 complaints (2%)
Shattering or cracking. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
2 complaints (2%)
Sudden acceleration. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: sudden acceleration or braking.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (2%)
Damage and problems that come and go. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
Reported Once (28)
Show the 28 problems reported once
- AWD or rear differential: stopped working
- Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
- Airbags: no deployment in a crash
- Ball joints and control arms: parts breaking or coming apart
- Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
- Exterior lights: works on and off
- Screen and audio: stopped working
- Lane keeping assist: pulling or wandering
- Loss of power (cause not stated)
- Mirrors: the system acting on its own
- Driver-assist camera and radar failure
- Noise (cause not stated)
- Passenger airbag sensor: wrong readings
- PCV vent hose: a bad smell
- Air compressor (cause not stated)
- Capless fuel filler: not closing or latching
- Electrical system (part not stated): stopped working
- Fire (cause not stated)
- Garage door opener: the system acting on its own
- Problem not described (cause not stated)
- Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
- Road departure mitigation: the system not working when needed
- Side or curtain airbags: deployment with no crash
- Sway bar links: parts breaking or coming apart
- Stall (cause not stated)
- Tires failure
- Transmission computer failure
- Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
How the 2023 Honda Ridgeline Compares With Other Years
The other Ridgeline years of the 2nd generation, 2017 to 2026.
| Year | Rating | Score | Vs average | Per 10k cars | Recalls | Most reported problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Too new | – | – | 3.4 | 0 | Headlights: works on and off |
| 2025 | Provisional 54 | – | – | 18.8 | 2 | Auto idle stop system: the car not starting |
| 2024 | Caution | 62 | 2.2× | 17.9 | 1 | Headlights: works on and off |
| 2023 This year | Caution | 67 | 1.4× | 17.4 | 5 | Headlights: works on and off |
| 2022 | Caution | 65 | 1.7× | 28.0 | 3 | Headlights: works on and off |
| 2021 | Caution | 63 | 1.8× | 34.0 | 7 | Headlights: works on and off |
| 2020 | Caution | 61 | 2.0× | 45.4 | 8 | Rearview camera: stopped working |
| 2019 | Caution | 64 | 1.4× | 33.3 | 11 | Rearview camera: stopped working |
| 2018 | Caution | 61 | 2.2× | 68.7 | 7 | Rearview camera: stopped working |
| 2017 | Avoid | 58 | 2.2× | 66.7 | 8 | Rearview camera: stopped working |
2023 Honda Ridgeline Recalls
Five recalls cover the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The most recent was issued in June 2026: “Rear Suspension Components May Fail.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.
Rear Suspension Components May Fail
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 26V365000Recall report (PDF)Issued Jun 4, 2026.
Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
NHTSA 26V332000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 21, 2026.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V321000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 9, 2024. By the second quarter of 2026, 79% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Secured Ball Joint in Steering Gearbox
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 24V184000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Mar 7, 2024. By the first quarter of 2026, 96% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 23V458000Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 29, 2023. By the second quarter of 2025, 84% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
2023 Honda Ridgeline Warranty Extensions and Programs
Honda has one warranty extension and one service campaign for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, separate from its recalls. Both are for problems with the engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.
- Warranty extensionHonda 23-010
Engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valve adjustment)
- The problem:
- After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The cause is too much cylinder pressure or low cranking torque.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer adjusts the engine valves for free.
- Who qualifies:
- The earlier software update 23-008 must be done first if it applies. A technician must confirm the symptom before the repair. Coverage passes to later owners. The VIN must show as eligible.
- Coverage:
- 10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit for this repair.
- Service campaignHonda 23-008
Auto idle stop software update
- The problem:
- After the car stops with auto idle stop on, the engine may not restart by itself. The driver must select Park and push the engine start/stop button.
- The fix:
- A Honda dealer installs an engine control software update.
- Who qualifies:
- The car's VIN must show the update as open. Honda dealers must update affected new or used cars before selling them.
- Coverage:
- No time or mileage limit is given. Ask a Honda dealer whether this applies to the car's VIN.
2023 Honda Ridgeline NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA has opened two investigations that cover the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. One is still open and one led to a recall.
Rear-view camera wiring breaking in 2020-2023 Ridgelines
Led to a recallNHTSA's preliminary evaluation, opened in February 2024, covered 2020-2023 Ridgelines. It had 50 complaints of the rear-view camera image not displaying. Honda found the harness material lets in water and salt, so freeze-thaw cycles and tailgate use can break the wiring. Honda filed recall 24V-321 in May 2024 for all 2020-2024 Ridgelines. NHTSA closed the case in August 2024.
NHTSA PE24004Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Feb 13, 2024 to Aug 5, 2024
Engines failing to restart after automatic idle stop
Still openNHTSA's engineering analysis, opened in March 2025, looks at engines that fail to restart after automatic idle stop shuts them off at a light. It lists 2016-2025 Pilots and 2018-2025 Odysseys, plus Passports and Ridgelines. Honda issued service bulletins and a 10-year warranty on some parts. Owners still report failures after the fixes. The case is still open.
NHTSA EA25004Opening report (PDF)Open since Mar 26, 2025
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2023 Ridgeline ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Pickup crew cab AWD and pickup crew cab FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2023 Ridgeline, from its five recalls, a Honda warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.
Confirm the Recalls Were Done
Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.
- Rear Suspension Components May Fail NHTSA 26V365000
- Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA 26V332000
- Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA 24V321000
- Improperly Secured Ball Joint in Steering Gearbox NHTSA 24V184000
- Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly NHTSA 23V458000
Ask a Honda Dealer
Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.
- 23-010: engine not restarting after auto idle stop (valve adjustment)
On the Test Drive
- Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
- Accelerate gently from a stop and again at 20 to 40 mph. Shudder, slipping or harsh shifts are warning signs. Ask for the transmission fluid records.
- Lock and unlock every door with the key fob, the switch and the key.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Headlights
- Engine
- Steering
- 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