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2021 Honda Ridgeline VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 90 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (14), Engine (13), Electrical System (12).

Ridgeline reliability snapshot

75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
5.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Honda Ridgeline before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2021 Honda Ridgeline issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Exterior Lighting14
  • Engine13
  • Electrical System12
  • Power Train11
  • Unknown Or Other9
  • Forward Collision Avoidance5

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test engine for knocking noises and check for flashing check engine light
  • Inspect multipurpose camera and verify all safety features are operational
  • Test auto stop/start function for reliable engine restart
  • Check backup camera for consistent operation
  • Verify forward collision avoidance system does not engage unexpectedly
  • Inspect side view mirrors for distortion after recall replacement

2021 Ridgeline recalls (5)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Ridgeline. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V321000May 9, 2024

    Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.

  2. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V064000Feb 1, 2024

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

    Consequence: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

  3. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 23V458000Jun 29, 2023

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.

    Consequence: Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.

  4. VISIBILITYNHTSA 23V174000Mar 16, 2023

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.

  5. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V900000Nov 18, 2021

    Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Used-market value

2021 Honda Ridgeline resale snapshot

85.8%estimated value retained after 3 years
50listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2021 Honda Ridgeline on the road

41,355 2021 Honda Ridgeline units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Honda Ridgeline stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline posts an above-average reliability score versus its segment, pointing to generally solid dependability and a lower-than-typical buyer risk profile. As a facelift/refresh year, it still lands comfortably ahead of the segment baseline in the available index data.

Complaint patterns look broadly distributed rather than dominated by a single system. Exterior lighting leads, but engine, electrical, and powertrain concerns follow closely, suggesting multiple areas contribute to reported problems instead of one standout weakness. The recall count is elevated, indicating more factory-corrected items than a limited-recall year, even if the complaint mix remains spread out.

Overall, the data supports an above-average reliability outlook with moderate overall risk.

What you get in a 2021 Honda Ridgeline report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 Honda Ridgeline — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline posts an above-average reliability score versus its segment, pointing to generally solid dependability and a lower-than-typical buyer risk profile. As a facelift/refresh year, it still lands comfortably ahead of the segment baseline in the available index data.

How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?

5 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Honda Ridgeline problems?

The most-reported 2021 Honda Ridgeline problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (14), Engine (13), Electrical System (12).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Honda Ridgeline?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Honda Ridgeline, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.