2020 Honda Ridgeline Safety Report
2020 HONDA RIDGELINE SAFETY REPORT
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Honda Ridgeline. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (158) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with 91 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Honda Ridgeline before buying across this generation. |
Honda Ridgeline Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Honda Ridgeline years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Ridgeline | 91 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Honda Ridgeline | 225 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Honda Ridgeline | 107 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Honda Ridgeline | 154 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Honda Ridgeline | 110 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Honda Ridgeline | 321 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Honda Ridgeline Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
27 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Honda onlyElectrical System
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Honda onlyEngine
21 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Honda onlyExterior Lighting
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Honda onlyBack Over Prevention
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Honda onlyVisibility/Wiper
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Honda onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability Score
The 2020 Honda Ridgeline receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back Over Prevention System Honda is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles due to a sensing system issue with the rearview camera. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Start-Stop System Owners have reported issues with the start-stop system failing to restart the vehicle, leading to potential safety concerns. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rearview Camera The rearview camera has been known to fail, affecting visibility. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Issues There have been reports of connecting rod/bearing failure and engine stalling issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Honda Ridgeline:
Issues with the start-stop system have been reported by a significant percentage of owners.
Problems with the rearview camera have been reported, affecting visibility.
Engine issues, including connecting rod/bearing failure, have been reported.
Recall issues with the back over prevention system have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline by NHTSA:
Summary: Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Consequence: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Remedy: 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. H...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Honda Ridgeline with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
Connecting rod/bearing failure.
After parking on the roadside with engine off for about 10 minutes, the truck would not start. I tried to start twice; the dash lights came on, I could hear the starter try to engage, felt a slight forward lurch from the vehicle, then nothing. The starter seemed to disengage' the dash lights stayed on, and the electric system went into ACC mode. I tried twice with same result. I attempted to pu...
Stranded in traffic unable to start almost got rearend because the start-stop died and to cycle to park to get it started. This has happen on more than one time.
Spun Rod Bearing at 70,000 miles. Truck will need a new Short Block. Truck has been at the dealer for all recommended service and oil changes.
Dealership has not completed NHTSA Recall Number24V-064 Honda dealer is saying they do not have parts to perform this recall.
Auto stop start does not work properly in this vehicle after repeated fixes by Honda and dealership. Vehicle sometimes does not restart after stop start engaged at stop causing a stall like event. Auto stop start tries to start vehicle after stop but vehicle either stalls/fails to restart or is extremely slow to restart. Vehicle has been repaired, new starter, new battery, new relays less than ...
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked or while driving, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that three rod bearings and that cylinders #3, #5, and #6 had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed ...
The rod bearings had failed on cylinders 3,5, and 6 at 140 thousand miles with proper mantice being done to it. This has been confirmed by the dealer Honda Maryslviie in Maryslive, Ohio. The vehicle has just been looked at by the dealer. No warning lamps but just started to hear knocking in the engine.
1. Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior. Driver mirror fell off. 2. Windshield multipurpose camera unit, u3000-49, burned out. Requiring replacement within 4 years of purchase. 3. The auto idle stop stalls the car.
While stopped at a traffic light on a state highway the idle stop did shut off the engine. When the light turned green, I released the brake, but the engine did not crank or start. After placing transmission into Park, I attempted to start normally. There was no response to the start button being pushed, other than all the typical pre-start warning lights check on the panel. Tried to start with tr...
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer wa...
Truck stalls repeatedly at intersections due to failure of ignition to restart after stop signs or stoplights. Warning lights come on and complete restart is required. Other motorists become agitated.
My 2020 Honda Ridgeline has an Auto Idle/Start system. The truck engine turns off when it stops, then automatically turns on when brake is released or gas pedal pressed. There was a Honda notice issued that the system may not automatically restart. A fix (software update) from Honda was implemented on my truck on 03/29/23. This "fix" did not work. On 09/05/25 at 1:25 pm I pulled up to an in...
Auto start stop fails to work.
Multi purpose camera behind front mirror failed. Most safety systems will not work. Various warnings regarding system failure were noted on dash. Supposedly a bad battery installed and warranted by dealer caused this problem? Dealer covered the battery but charged $2100.00 to replace the camera!
Auto Idle Stop system is not working correctly. Usual it happens at a traffic light, the truck Auto Idle Stop system sometimes will not start the engine and requires me to put it in park and restart with the primary starter. Took the truck to Honda dealer and they told me the best remedy was to turn off the Auto Idle Stop system every time I use the truck. This does not seem like a reasonable fix...
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, a large sheep ran out of a yard and crashed into her vehicle with its head and horns on the driver's side front end near the bumper. The contact stated that the impact moved the vehicle to the right side of the road. The contact stated that she was lifted out of the seat and forward by the impac...
AIS system not working properly . Vehicle stalls when brake is applied when car is stopped and at idle. Does not restart when brake is released as designed . This creates a safety hazard when in traffic . This has occurred frequently . Automatic Idle Stop/Start (AIS) System
On several occasions (>5) the engine had delayed starting after the auto engine stop feature engaged (when idling). After the engine didn’t start… we attempted to start by pressing start/stop button with no immediate response. Typical time to restart the engine is approximately 5-10 seconds. On one occasion it took 5 minutes. Apologize for lack of very specific information but when this occurs it ...
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced...
Showing 20 of 158 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Back Over Prevention
Opened 2024-02-13 · Closed 2024-08-05
On February 13, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24004 to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera (RVC) in 2020-2023 Model Year (MY) Honda Ridgeline vehicles. At this time, ODI has received a total of 50 complaints with allegations of the RVC image failing to display when the vehicle was in reverse. The RVC wire harness is routed near the hinge in the tailgate, in a location where frequent opening and closing of the tailgate causes bending s...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
Opened 2025-03-26
On June 3, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE22005 after the agency received VOQs and several field reports concerning the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) feature on 2016-2019MY Honda Pilot vehicles. The complaints allege that the engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at a traffic light or road intersection with the AIS function engaged. The subject vehicles are equipped with a 3.5L engine with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On January 6, 2023, ...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Has the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE have?
The 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE has 158 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
The 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE involve unknown or other (27 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints), engine (21 complaints). Other affected components include exterior lighting, back over prevention, visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE have?
There are no fire reports for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE is acceptable with caveats. It has 158 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24 complaints), 3. ENGINE (21 complaints), 4. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (10 complaints), 5. BACK OVER PREVENTION (6 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 27 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
Be aware of potential issues with the start-stop system and rearview camera. Ensure these systems are functioning properly before driving. The 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE has 158 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
The 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 158 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Back Over Prevention System and Start-Stop System.
What are the known issues with the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE?
Known issues with the 2020 HONDA RIDGELINE include: Back Over Prevention System, Start-Stop System, Rearview Camera, Engine Issues. These are based on patterns found across 158 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline?
Yes, there are recalls for the back over prevention system and start-stop system.
What are the common issues with the start-stop system?
Owners have reported the start-stop system failing to restart the vehicle, leading to potential safety concerns.
Are there any issues with the rearview camera?
Yes, the rearview camera has been known to fail, affecting visibility.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential issues with the start-stop system and rearview camera. Ensure these systems are functioning properly before driving.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Honda Ridgeline
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The data includes 158 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Honda Ridgeline an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16