2018 Honda Ridgeline: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, fuel system, and backup camera. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 153
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Honda Ridgeline: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Ridgeline is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 21–22 mpg |
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Ridgeline that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Tailgate camera harness failure
26,000–50,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical491 crash
The backup camera goes black or works only intermittently because the wiring harness to the tailgate cracks, frays, and snaps where it bends with the two-way tailgate. Reports run from 7,000 miles to 50,000 miles, and one camera failure is tied to a crash. A separate pattern involves a faulty keyless access unit or body control module: the alarm sounds at random, dash lights and headlights flash, the engine may not shut off, and the battery drains. One report describes a passenger air bag deploying with no impact.
Fuel system30No crashes
Refueling becomes impossible in freezing weather because water collects between the two flaps of the capless filler neck and turns to ice. Rain and car washes let water in, the drain holes can freeze shut, and one flap broke under nozzle pressure. Some owners say Honda declined repairs despite a service bulletin. Other complaints describe stalling or brief power loss at highway speed, linked to a fuel pump recall where replacement parts sat on back order for months. One filing reports a persistent gasoline smell after injector service.
Nearly every report here is a recall delay rather than a failure. Owners received notice of fuel pump recall 23V858000 but waited many months, in some cases over a year, because dealers had no replacement pumps. A few describe the failure itself: the engine stalls at highway speed, power steering stiffens, and the truck must coast to the shoulder, with one stall at 102,000 miles. A separate complaint involves a fuel nozzle stuck in the capless filler.
Backup camera22No crashes
A black screen in reverse is the core complaint, caused by tailgate harness wires shearing near the left-side hinge from normal opening and closing. The camera often turns intermittent before failing for good, and some people find it works again after cycling the tailgate. Failures cluster between roughly 26,000 and 50,000 miles. Several filings describe recall 22V867000 with replacement parts unavailable, leaving trucks without a working camera. A few people spliced the broken wires themselves to restore the image.
Engine16No crashes
Connecting rod bearing failure dominates these reports. A knocking or clacking noise at startup grows worse over days, then the check engine light flashes and the engine loses all power, often at highway speed. Several engines threw a rod through the block, leaving drivers stranded on freeways and interstates. Dealers found metal shavings in the oil pan and replaced engines, sometimes at the owner's cost after warranty ended. Owners point out that recall 23V-751 covers the 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline but not this year.
Body and structure81 crash
The hood flutters or bounces at highway speeds, roughly 30 to 70 mph. In one case the glue holding the composite skin to the metal frame let go, and in another the latched hood rose about two inches at 55 mph with only 1,165 miles on the truck. Other complaints describe radar sensor warnings that persist after recalibration, following a rock strike tied to one crash report. Water leaking from the moonroof or windshield can short the blind spot sensors and trigger a warning.
Transmission6No crashes
Transmission complaints include the engine flaring to 3000 rpm between fourth and fifth gear, torque converter judder, and hard shifts from second to third. One report traces judder at 39,000 miles that worsened into overheating and a lockup fault code by 61,000 miles. Others describe vibration between 23 and 37 mph, a flashing gear indicator, and a transmission problem warning. One filing reports power loss on the highway with white smoke and transmission fluid pouring out.
Wipers and visibility3No crashes
Two of three complaints describe the same backup camera fault seen elsewhere: a black screen in reverse after the wiring harness is severed at the left tailgate hinge from normal tailgate use. The damage is visible on inspection. The remaining report covers the driver's side mirror glass sliding down and no longer adjusting, which the owner attributes to failed adhesive on the back of the mirror.
Brakes21 crash
Only two complaints. One describes a crash at 30 mph in which the brake pedal and the automatic emergency braking system both failed to stop the truck a few days after a minor low-speed bump; the air bags deployed and no injuries were reported. The other reports the brake pedal sinking an alarming amount at startup after the truck sat for 30 days, with two dealer visits producing no explanation.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Ridgeline owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Back up camera failed due to wiring harness to tailgate being cracked, splintered and pinched. Protective covering is split, exposing electrical wires that supply power to backup camera and other crucial electrical components in rear of vehicle. Harness is pinched at a compromising position at tailgate and cracked exposed wiring. Mileage on Vehicle 50,000 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
Wiring harness is failing in tailgate. Protective covering is split, exposing electrical wires that supply power to backup camera and other crucial electrical components in rear of vehicle. Harness does not seem secure when opening the tailgate and has excessive motion. Mileage on Vehicle 25,944 miles.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2022
Honda recall on fuel pump from February 2024 has not been corrected due to Honda failing to supply part to local dealer for repair. I have concerns of the fuel pump failing while driving and have made multiple calls to Honda asking for the repair. Honda reply is that when the part is available they will notify. Six months is a long time to wait on a defect that could have serious consequence.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
After a recent Fuel Injector service last week, there is a strong smell of gasoline both in and out of my vehicle. Honda Service technicians report they cannot find the issue and there are no Codes reported upon diagnostic check. However the smell remains and fuel gage needle falls closer to E when the vehicle is parked a few days.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
The back up camera finally stopped working. For a few weeks it would work intermittently, usually the guide lines would be orientated upwards instead of to the rear of the image OR the guide lines would be there but there was no camera image. Now, there is simply a black screen. The wiring harness at the left front of the tailgate has broken. There are exposed wires and a broken plastic spiral wiring loom.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2022
Rear camera is not working due to frayed and/or disconnected wires. It is a terrible design that that normal tailgate use pinches the wires and eventually they become damaged, severing the connection and disabling the rear camera. It is well known and documented problem by dealers and consumers, that has yet to be recalled. It is a safety issue that needs to be recognized and resolved by Honda.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2021
While driving the vehicle to the dealership to have them inspect the vehicle for a knocking noise coming from the engine at startup, the engine stalled. The engine locked up and had to be towed approximately 10 miles to the dealership. Upon inspection by the dealership after pulling the oil pan and inspecting for evidence of rod bearing failure, it was confirmed by the shop manager that there was indeed evidence of this in the oil pan.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
After performing regular maintenance to Honda Ridgeline 2018 by replacing the spark plugs, spark plug number 4 was contaminated with oil. All other 5 spark plugs had not sign of oil. This was discovered during the 100K miles tune up. A leaking component (e.g. a tube seal) in the well or an engine-related issue that's causing oil to enter the combustion chamber can cause a critical engine failure.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2025
How the 2018 compares with other Ridgeline years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks third for owner complaints among 9 Ridgeline years, about 1.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical4915
- Fuel system308
- Backup camera224
- Engine1611
- Body and structure83
- Transmission610
Where the 2018 fits in the Ridgeline's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the second model year of the Ridgeline's second generation (2017–2023).
Honda updated the Ridgeline for 2021, so a 2018 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2018)
- Updated front fascia
- Improved technology features
- New trim levels
Recalls to confirm (6)
Recall repairs are free at any Honda dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V858000Fuel systemDec 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
22V867000Backup cameraNov 2022
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline vehicles. Opening and closing the tailgate may break the rearview camera wiring harness, causing the rearview camera to fail.
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6RW.
21V932000Body and structureNov 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.
20E068000EquipmentSep 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle. If this occurs, the hinges between the center and rear panel may deform, possibly allowing the rear panel to separate from the vehicle.
Risk: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user's information manual will be provided. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is F8M.
19V053000Fuel systemJan 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
Risk: A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.
18V221000SeatsApr 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.
Also looking at these instead of a Ridgeline?
Cars shoppers compare with the Honda Ridgeline, with their own 2018 checklists.
2018 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2018 Honda Ridgeline153
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