2024 Honda Ridgeline Safety Report

2024 Honda Ridgeline: Strong Crash Ratings, but Active Safety System Malfunctions and Recall Raise Concerns

43Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
2Injuries
Most reported components: Exterior Lighting (11)Electrical System (3)Back Over Prevention (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Engine (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Power Train (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Power Train,Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a respectable 4-star rollover rating, there are notable concerns regarding its advanced safety features and other components based on 43 total complaints. A significant pattern emerges around the 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' system, specifically the automatic high beams, which account for 11 complaints. Owners report these systems frequently malfunction, blinding oncoming drivers or failing to illuminate when needed, creating potential hazards. Furthermore, issues with the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (3 complaints) and 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (3 complaints) are also prominent, with the latter being the subject of a recall. The recall addresses a rearview camera wire harness fatigue that can lead to a non-functional camera, increasing crash risk. Other complaints highlight problems with the 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, engine stalling, and even spontaneous sunroof explosions, indicating potential quality control or design flaws beyond the recall scope. Despite strong crash ratings, the prevalence of complaints regarding critical active safety systems and other components suggests that while the vehicle performs well in a crash, its preventative safety features and overall reliability may be compromised.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Honda Ridgeline receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Automatic High Beam Malfunction
The automatic high beam system frequently fails to dim for oncoming traffic, blinds other drivers, or cycles on/off erratically, creating dangerous driving conditions. This is the most reported issue.
High Common new-unknown miles
Rearview Camera Failure (Recall)
The rearview camera tailgate wire harness can fatigue and break, preventing the camera image from displaying, which increases the risk of a crash. This is subject to a recall for 2020-2024 models.
High Common new-unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Auto Start/Stop Malfunction
The engine may stall after being stopped at a red light or the auto start/stop system can cause the vehicle to completely shut down, losing all power and electronics.
High Occasional new-unknown miles
Collision Mitigation Braking System (Cmbs) False Warnings
The CMBS system issues false warnings, shakes the steering wheel, and illuminates brake warnings without an actual collision risk, sometimes leading to automatic braking.
Medium Occasional new-unknown miles
Sunroof Explosion
Reports of the sunroof spontaneously exploding upward and outward while driving, causing loud noises and showering occupants with glass.
High Rare new-unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline:

Exterior Lighting 25% of complaints

Predominantly issues with the automatic high beam system failing to operate correctly, leading to blinding oncoming traffic or erratic behavior.

Electrical System 6% of complaints

Problems include general electrical malfunctions, auto start/stop system failures leading to complete vehicle shutdown, and issues with lighted running board lights.

Back Over Prevention 6% of complaints

Concerns primarily related to the rearview camera not displaying an image, which is also covered by a recall.

Forward Collision Avoidance 4% of complaints

False warnings and unintended braking from the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).

Engine 4% of complaints

Reports of engine stalling at idle, lower-end engine knock, and gasoline fumes entering the cabin.

Power Train 4% of complaints

Issues related to the vehicle failing to accelerate as intended and general powertrain management system failures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Honda Ridgeline

Is the 2024 Honda Ridgeline safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side, 4-star rollover). However, 43 complaints highlight significant issues with active safety features like automatic high beams and the Collision Mitigation Braking System, as well as a recall for the rearview camera, suggesting potential safety compromises in real-world driving despite strong crash performance.

What are common problems with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?

The most reported issues are malfunctions with the EXTERIOR LIGHTING (11 complaints), specifically the automatic high beams, which often blind other drivers. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM failures (3 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION issues (3 complaints, including a recall for the rearview camera), and false warnings from the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (2 complaints).

Has the 2024 Honda Ridgeline been recalled?

Yes, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline has had 1 recall. This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 24V-200) addresses a rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness that may fatigue and break, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying and increasing the risk of a crash.

Are there issues with the automatic high beams on the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?

Yes, there are numerous complaints (11 out of 43 total) regarding the automatic high beam system. Owners report that the system frequently fails to dim for oncoming traffic, flashes erratically, or turns off when it should be on, creating a dangerous situation for both the Ridgeline driver and other road users.

Are there any engine or transmission issues with the 2024 Honda Ridgeline?

While less frequent than lighting issues, there are reports of engine problems including stalling at red lights, complete vehicle shutdown due to auto start/stop malfunction, and an engine knock between 1,000-1,400 rpm. There are also complaints related to the POWER TRAIN, where the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of numerous reported issues with active safety features, particularly the automatic high beams, and the rearview camera recall. Thoroughly test all safety systems during a test drive and inquire about recall completion and software updates for reported issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Honda Ridgeline

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Honda Ridgeline. The data includes 43 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 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.