2019 Honda Ridgeline: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 222 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the fuel system, transmission, and electrical. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 222
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 8
- 7 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Honda Ridgeline: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
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 2019 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.
Torque converter judder
40,000–60,000 miles
Fuel injector failure
59,960–75,000 miles
Sudden engine failure
64,000–70,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Fuel system59No crashes
Most of these filings are about waiting, not breaking. Owners received fuel pump recall 23V858000, then heard from dealers that the repair part was unavailable, in some cases for most of a year. Most of them had no failure yet. Where problems did occur, the truck stalls, sputters at low speed, hesitates when accelerating to pass, or is hard to restart, sometimes with the check engine light on. Some dealers traced the trouble to fuel injectors. Others found a P0087 fuel pump code.
Two problems overlap here: failing fuel injectors and the long wait for fuel pump recall parts. Injector faults bring on the check engine or emissions warning light, hesitation, and replacement quotes near $2,000, with failures reported around 59,960 and 75,000 miles. Owners waiting on the pump recall describe surging and stumbling at 20 to 40 mph and weak power when merging or climbing, while dealers had no parts for months. Less common reports include fuel odor from a leak at the high-pressure pump, chirping, and popping from the vapor system.
Transmission352 crashes
Torque converter judder is the dominant problem. The transmission shudders, slips, or bucks, often uphill or between first and second gear, and code P0741 often appears, mostly around 40,000 to 60,000 miles. Dealer fluid flushes help only for a while. Service Bulletin 23-078 extends coverage, but many owners find their VIN excluded. Some trucks refuse to upshift or lose power in traffic. Two crash reports describe the truck accelerating or failing to slow despite brake input. Separately, AWD rear differential pump failures are reported.
Electrical28No crashes
Rear camera failure is the most common complaint. The wiring harness running between the tailgate and the body frays or is cut through as the tailgate opens, leaving a black or cloudy screen. Some dealers inspected the harness under recall 22V867 and declined to replace it. A faulty keyless entry/TPMS control unit sets off the alarm at random and drains the battery. Owners cite TSB 21-055 for it, but some still paid for the repair. Isolated reports describe a wrong speedometer reading and the ignition turning on by itself.
Engine23No crashes
Connecting rod bearing failure drives these complaints. The engine knocks, the check engine and battery lights come on, and the truck can shut off within seconds, including at highway speed. Several engines needed replacement. Many owners say their VIN falls outside recall 23V751 even though the failure matches. Some knocking shows up on cold starts first, and one owner found copper particles in the oil. Camshaft damage and a holed piston are also reported, both under 70,000 miles. One filing describes an engine compartment fire at about 17,500 miles.
Body and structure20No crashes
The hood flutters, bounces, or lifts at highway speeds, especially in gusty wind or when semis pass, and owners report it from 55 to 75 mph. Recall 21V932000 added a striker plate, and TSB 17-083 applied adhesive. Many owners say neither stopped the movement. Some hoods are now bent or have loose latches, and one report describes the hood opening while driving. Other complaints cover a swinging tailgate that slams shut unless the truck sits on level ground, plus bubbling and chipped black paint.
Brakes102 crashes
Soft, sinking brake pedals dominate these reports. The pedal goes to the floor at stops or on inclines and has to be pumped back up. Some owners report the problem from the first few hundred or few thousand miles. Dealers replaced master cylinders, boosters, and vacuum pumps, and several owners say the problem continued. One owner says the pedal turns mushy above 70 degrees. Two crashes with injuries are reported, one where the truck sped up while the brake was pressed and one where it would not stop.
Backup camera9No crashes
The rear camera goes black, flickers, or freezes in a fish-eye view because its wires break at the tailgate hinge. It often works intermittently first, depending on how the tailgate is opened, then fails completely. Owners find exposed or severed copper wires in the harness, and failures appear from about 21,000 miles. The rest of the filings concern recall 22V867000, where parts were unavailable or the dealer would only repair trucks that had already failed.
Acceleration and cruise control21 crash
There are only two reports, but one involves a crash with injury. The driver says Honda Sensing braked the truck to a stop while it was pulling into a parking spot. A light touch on the gas then sent it surging forward into a wall, and the airbag deployed. The second owner says cruise control sometimes climbs 3 to 4 mph on its own after it is set. The dealer called this normal.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Ridgeline owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Truck started clacking going down the freeway after religiously maintaining it for the last 5 years. Took it into the dealer at 153,000 miles and was told my engine needs replacing due to rod bearing knock. A little premature on a Honda that has been religiously maintained! Called Honda customer service and was told my vin is not included in the rod bearing safety recall for my exact vehicle, year, make, and model!
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
Transmission hesitates during acceleration. Truck was purchase new and the problem began within 10k miles. Dealer suggested changing transmission oil every 30k miles but the problem would happen soon after every change. Transmission failed on highway with 99k miles. Dealer charged 10k to replace transmission with admitting they are seeing this issue on other 6 speed transmission.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
With normal use of the dual action tailgate, the wiring harness for the backup camera becomes pinched repeatedly causing the jackets around the wires, the wires and the wire protection to break, resulting in the backup camera being inoperable. This seems to happen just outside of the warranty and requires that the wires are cut and new wire soldered in or complete replacement of the wiring harness from the tailgate to the cab.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
Unknown component - on two occasions, the truck's windows were all rolled down and the sunroof was opened - all on their own while the vehicle was parked. Safety issue - should this reoccur during a rainstorm, it will flood the truck. Issue has not been confirmed by dealer or others. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer or others. No symptoms prior to the initial event.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
The 2019 Honda Ridgeline truck was driving at 70MPH for one hour at 25F temperature. After exiting the ramp, the Check Engine Light started flashing, lost power and the engine was running very rough and cannot drive more than 35MPH. Stopped on the side of the road, turned the engine off and then back on and the truck was driveable again. Had this truck for 4 years now and had this problem once or twice every winter.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2023
Vehicle is currently at Curry Honda in Yorktown NY awaiting an engine repair. The vehicle developed a rod knock consistent with NHSTA campaign number 23V751000, engine damage from connecting rod bearing wear. Metal shavings were in both the engine oil and oil filter as confirmed by technicians at Curry Honda. Vehicle was driven to the dealership and all mechanical issues were verified by dealership employees.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
How the 2019 compares with other Ridgeline years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 9 Ridgeline years we cover, about 2.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Fuel system594
- Transmission356
- Electrical2818
- Engine2310
- Body and structure202
- Brakes103
Where the 2019 fits in the Ridgeline's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the third model year of the Ridgeline's second generation (2017–2023).
Honda updated the Ridgeline for 2021, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2019)
- Updated front fascia
- Improved technology features
- New trim levels
Recalls to confirm (10)
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.
23V751000EngineNov 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Acura TLX, 2016-2020 Acura MDX, 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot, 2017 and 2019 Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 Odyssey vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the connecting rod bearing in the engine may wear and seize, damaging the engine.
Risk: A damaged engine may run improperly or stall while driving, increasing the risk of a fire, crash, or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 28, 2024. 2016-2017 Acura MDX owner letters were mailed November 1, 2024. 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed in mid-December 2024. Honda began mailing owner notification letters as of March 18, 2024. 2015-2016 Acura owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-December 2024, 2018 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed the end of March/early April 2024, 2019 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-May 2024, 2020 Acura TLX owner letters are expected to be mailed mid-June 2024, and 2016-2020 Acura MDX owner letters are expected to be mailed January 27, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XG1 and GG0.
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.
21V215000Fuel systemMar 2021
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2018-2019 CR-V vehicles. The low-pressure 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: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
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.
19V298000EngineApr 2019
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Acura MDX and Honda Pilot vehicles and 2019 Acura RLX, RLX Sport Hybrid, TLX and Honda Odyssey and Ridgeline vehicles. The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt.
Risk: Teeth separation from the timing belt may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace any affected timing belt free of charge. Vehicles receiving a replacement timing belt will also have the engine inspected and any damaged components will be replaced for free. The recall began June 7, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is L4M. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is Z4L.
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.
18V848000Body and structureNov 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Ridgeline and Pilot vehicles. The mounting holes for the clip that secures the right center pillar trim panel may be larger than intended. In the event of a crash necessitating right side curtain air bag deployment, the clip may not hold the center pillar trim panel in position and it may potentially interfere with the curtain air bag deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket on the right center pillar that will securely hold the center pillar trim clip, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is D3D.
18V664000Seat beltsSep 2018
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Honda Insight, Odyssey, and Ridgeline vehicles. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) control unit may have a manufacturing error, possibly resulting in the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the air bags or seatbelt pretensioners do not function as intended, there would be an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SRS unit, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B2R, C2P, and Z2Q.
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