2020 Honda Ridgeline Problems & Complaints

Most common 2020 Honda Ridgeline problems

• Electrical system~18,000 miles
  4929%
• Other / not specified
  4225%
• Engine & cooling~118,000 miles
  3822%
• Driver assistance~45,000 miles
  3118%
• Lights~2,000 miles
  127%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~39,000 miles
  106%
• Air bags~65,000 miles
  106%
• Transmission & drivetrain~2,000 miles
  95%
• Fuel & propulsion system~5,000 miles
  85%
• Brakes~38,000 miles
  53%
• Body & structure
  42%
• Suspension~34,000 miles
  21%
• Speed control & acceleration
  11%
• Locks & latches~0 miles
  11%
• Wheels & tires
  11%
• Seat belts~65,000 miles
  11%

Share of the 169 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Honda Ridgeline complaints by model year

Best Ridgeline years: 2012, 2014, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2019, 2025, 2023, 2020. Compare all years →

2020 Honda Ridgeline recalls (8)

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2020 Honda Ridgeline:

What 2020 Honda Ridgeline owners say

Electrical system all 49 →

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while stopped, the automatic STOP/START feature intermittently failed to operate as needed after the vehicle had shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently shift to neutral(N) during the failure. The contact called the dealer and was asked to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. The VIN was not available.

When operating the vehicle in reverse, the dashboard screen was black/blank instead of displaying the view from the rear backup camera. The issue began to occur intermittently at ~40,000 miles and the camera was completely non-operational at 42,163k miles (10/21/2023). Upon investigating and diagnosing the root cause of failure, the dealer determined that the rear backup camera wiring harness failed. The failure point was a flexible section at the rear tailgate hinge that permits opening and closing the rear tailgate. Because the dealer's total replacement cost was too expensive (>$500), the original wiring harness was repaired by the owner. At 50,185 miles, the failure is intermittently occurring again with the repaired harness. …

Engine & cooling all 38 →

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal knocking sound was heard, and smoke emerged from under the hood. No warning lights illuminated, and the engine failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not inspected. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The dealer informed the contact that a piston went through the engine and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer offered to replace the engine with a salvaged engine and cover the repair under warranty; however, the contact declined the repair and requested a new engine, which was denied. …

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and, upon inspection, the contact determined that one of the ignition coils had failed. The contact purchased a new ignition coil, replaced the part, and resumed driving; however, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed due to a loosened connecting rod and needed to be replaced. The contact ordered a new engine. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Driver assistance all 31 →

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the rearview camera became operable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention), and 24V064000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V321000 (Back Over Prevention); unless the rearview camera image was blank and inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. …

The contact owns a 2020 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, he became aware that the rearview camera was not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V867000 (Back Over Prevention) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

2020 Honda Ridgeline engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.