Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, and it carries 12 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system | 35 | 15% |
| Power train | 26 | 11% |
| Engine | 23 | 10% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 8% |
| Structure | 15 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 11 | 5% |
| Back over prevention | 10 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 9 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number Associated: 22V430000 (Honda Codes AOU/AOT) My 2019 Honda Ridgeline is registered in Maine (a designated salt-belt state) and has a completely rusted-through rear subframe. The local authoriz
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended. The chec
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
I have an engine failure at 99k miles. The car is in pristine condition inside out. Oil changes are done every 5k miles. Without any warning, check engine light or any indication from the car's computer, the engine just
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that there was a knocking so
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking spot, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pushed the vehicle into the parking spot. The con
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
My wife and I had decided to empty our storage unit, so on Memorial Day we began moving everything into the garage. After five or six trips Honda, I pulled the car up beside the RV and close to the house for what turned
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
While operating my 2019 Honda Ridgeline at normal driving speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure without warning. Immediately prior to failure, a loud metallic knocking/hammering noise de
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable, and a black screen or a flashing screen was displayed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V867000 (BACK O
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buc
Risk: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning lab
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.
Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer servic
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid, RDX, TLX, Honda Accord, Civic Hatchback, Insight, 2019 Acura ILX, Honda Accord Hybrid, Civic Coupe, Civic Coupe Si, Civic Sedan, Civic Sedan Si, Civic Type R, Fit, HR-V, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot and Ridgelin
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note:
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
Risk: A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer serv
| Reliability raw | 58 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 78 | good |
| Depreciation | 77 | good |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 39 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and fuel system is the most reported area with 35 of them (15%). There are 12 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 58/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.