Honda Ridgeline Problems: 11 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2006-2023 model years · 1,249+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,249+ owner reports, the 2006-2023 Honda Ridgeline has 11 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires ($81-$8,000 repair), Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) ($0-$1,200 repair), Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure ($300-$6,000 repair), Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458) ($0-$1,500 repair), 10-Speed Transmission - Rough Shifting and Programming Defect ($200-$6,000 repair), Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking ($0-$600 repair) and Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage ($150-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires with 200 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 11 Known Issues

Filter:

When Issues Typically Appear

10-Speed Transmission - Rough Shifting and Programming Defect

24K-36K

Rear Differential Noise and Shuddering (AWD Models)

30K-50K

Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage

48K-72K

Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure

80K-120K

038K75K113K150K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,249+ owner reports, the 2006-2023 Honda Ridgeline has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires, Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858), Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2006-2023 Honda Ridgeline has 11 known issues documented across 1,249+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires and Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) and Radiator Cross-Contamination (SMOD) - Catastrophic Transmission Failure and Brake Master Cylinder Separation Recall (NHTSA 23V-458) and 10-Speed Transmission - Rough Shifting and Programming Defect and Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking and Spark Plugs Backing Out - Coil Pack Melting and Engine Damage. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Ridgeline issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, VCM System - Excessive Oil Consumption and Misfires, typically costs $81-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Honda Ridgeline is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Honda Ridgeline. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2006-2023 Honda Ridgeline with 11 documented issues from 1,249+ owner reports.