2026 Honda Ridgeline Reliability Report
NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026
scored
Too new for a score. Here is what owners and NHTSA have reported so far.
- Owner complaints
- 10
- Per 10,000 cars
- 3.4
- 29,704 made for the U.S.
- Vs the average car
- –
- Serious outcomes
- 4
- crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
- Recalls
- 0
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5★
- overall, out of 5
Should You Buy the 2026 Honda Ridgeline?
It is too new to judge. The 2026 Honda Ridgeline has 10 owner complaints and 0 recalls so far. We expect a first provisional score around July 2027.
The 2024 Ridgeline, from the same generation, scored 62 and rated Caution.
The most reported problem is the headlights, mostly works on and off (5 of 10 complaints). Owners also complain about the cabin odor or mold. 4 of the 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.
It has no recalls. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests.
Before you buy, get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.
Pros
- No recalls
- 5-star NHTSA overall crash rating
Cons
- Headlights: works on and off5 complaints
- Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell2 complaints
Why There Is No Final Score Yet
Too new to score. First provisional score expected around July 2027.
So far there are 10 owner complaints, 4 with a serious outcome, and 0 recalls. Early counts are not enough to judge a model year. The automaker's production report for it is not complete yet.
It is the same generation as the 2024 Ridgeline, which scored 62 and rated Caution.
What Owners Report
We read all 10 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2026 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 10.
Headlights: works on and off
5 complaints (50%)
Problems that come and go.
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
2 complaints (20%)
A bad smell. Both describe a serious outcome, most often an injury.
Reported Once (5)
Show the 5 problems reported once
- Adaptive cruise control: hard braking with nothing ahead
- Brakes: loss of braking
- Lane keeping assist: loss of steering control
- Automated Emergency Steering (AES): the system acting on its own
- Transmission: failure or loss of drive
How the 2026 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 This year | 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 | 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 |
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2026 Ridgeline ratings on NHTSA.gov.
Pickup crew cab AWD and pickup crew cab FWD
Check Before You Buy
A checklist for the 2026 Ridgeline, from the problems owners report most.
Ask the Seller
Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.
- Headlights
- Cabin odor or mold
- 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