2022 Honda Ridgeline Safety Report

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline presents a generally strong safety profile, evidenced by its excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, achieving 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars for rollover. However, a closer look at the 107 consumer complaints reveals several concerning patterns. The most frequently reported issues revolve around EXTERIOR LIGHTING (29 complaints), with specific mentions of malfunctioning auto high beams and condensation within headlight assemblies. ENGINE-related complaints (13 total) are also notable, including instances of engine seizing at low mileage (e.g., 74,859 miles), loss of power at highway speeds, and issues with the auto start/stop feature failing to restart the vehicle. The FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system also garners 8 complaints, primarily due to frequent false positives, which can startle drivers and potentially increase accident risk. Recall history for the 2022 Ridgeline includes two significant safety recalls. One addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' issue, where the rearview camera tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, preventing the camera image from displaying and increasing crash risk. The second recall pertains to 'SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER', where a tie rod fastener connecting the brake master cylinder may separate, leading to a loss of brake function and increased crash risk. While the vehicle has a low number of reported injuries (1) and no reported crashes or deaths in the complaint data, these recalls highlight critical safety vulnerabilities that Honda has identified and is addressing. Despite the high crash test scores, the recurring complaints about critical systems like exterior lighting, engine performance (especially the auto start/stop and power loss), and forward collision avoidance suggest potential real-world safety concerns that may not be fully captured by controlled crash tests. The recalls further underscore the importance of ensuring these specific issues are resolved. Overall, while the Ridgeline performs well in crash scenarios, prospective buyers should be aware of the documented functional issues and ensure all recall repairs have been completed.

Our recommendation: While the 2022 Honda Ridgeline boasts strong crash test scores, thoroughly investigate its service history for completed recall repairs and be aware of common complaints regarding lighting, engine auto start/stop, and driver-assist systems before purchasing.