2018 Honda Ridgeline Safety Report

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover, its complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 154 total complaints, a significant portion points to issues with the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34 complaints) and ENGINE (17 complaints). Notably, several engine complaints describe catastrophic failures like seized engines, spun bearings, and rod snaps, often occurring without prior warning and at relatively low mileages (e.g., 40,500 miles). This suggests a potential severe reliability flaw despite the strong crash ratings. The vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, addressing critical safety concerns. These include two separate recalls related to the FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, one for potential fuel pump failure leading to engine stall and another for cracking fuel pump feed ports increasing fire risk. The BACK OVER PREVENTION system also has a recall for rearview camera failure due to wiring harness issues. Other recalls cover potential hood separation, tonneau cover detachment, and front seat detachment in a crash. The presence of multiple recalls for fundamental components like the fuel system, engine, and structural integrity indicates areas where initial design or manufacturing may have been deficient. Common complaint patterns extend beyond the recall-related issues. Beyond the engine failures, owners report problems with the infotainment system (black screen), hard/rough shifting in the transmission, and failures of the keyless access control unit. The high number of electrical system complaints (34) suggests a broader vulnerability in the vehicle's electronic components. While the crash test performance is reassuring, the recurring mechanical and electrical failures, some with severe consequences like engine stalls or fire risk, highlight significant reliability concerns that potential buyers should consider.

Our recommendation: While offering strong crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline's significant reported issues with engine reliability and electrical systems; verify all 6 recalls have been addressed before purchase.