2023 Honda Ridgeline Safety Report

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline presents a strong overall safety profile, earning a perfect 5-star NHTSA Overall Safety Rating, with 5 stars in Frontal and Side crash tests, and a 4-star Rollover rating. However, despite these excellent crash test results, the vehicle has accumulated 110 complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. A significant portion of these complaints, 36 out of 110, are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING, specifically issues with headlight condensation, water intrusion, and erratic automatic high beam functionality. This suggests a potential design or manufacturing flaw in the lighting system that, while not directly causing crashes, can impair visibility and driver experience. Beyond lighting, other notable complaint areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints), and ENGINE (7 complaints). The engine complaints include serious issues like complete loss of power, loud knocking noises, and gasoline infiltration into the oil, which could lead to engine malfunction or seizure. The vehicle also has three recalls, addressing critical safety concerns. One recall targets the rearview camera (BACK OVER PREVENTION), where a fatigued wire harness can prevent the camera image from displaying, increasing crash risk. Another recall addresses a potential loss of steering control due to a loosening inner ball joint housing in the steering gearbox. The third recall involves a risk of brake master cylinder separation, leading to a loss of brake function. Common complaint patterns reveal issues with the forward collision avoidance system, which some drivers report as overly sensitive, activating brakes unnecessarily when turning or approaching oncoming traffic, creating a rear-end collision risk. The rearview camera recall is particularly relevant as several complaints indicate the camera continues to fail even after the recall repair. While the Ridgeline's structural integrity and crash protection are top-tier, the recurring issues with exterior lighting, engine performance, and the forward collision avoidance system, coupled with critical recalls, highlight areas where real-world safety and reliability may deviate from its excellent crash test scores.

Our recommendation: While the 2023 Honda Ridgeline boasts excellent crash safety, potential buyers should be aware of recurring issues with exterior lighting, engine problems, and an overly sensitive collision avoidance system, along with three safety recalls. Thoroughly check for recall completion and inspect the lighting and engine for any signs of reported problems before purchase.