Years to avoid
Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2020, 2018, 2021 model years stand out as the weakest in this Honda Ridgeline dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 77/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 222
- Recalls, weakest year
- 10
65/100 reliability
21-point range
8 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Honda Ridgeline ranks last
The 2019 scores 65/100, rated good, versus a model average of 77/100. NHTSA data contains 222 owner complaints and 10 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Fuel System, Gasoline (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (28), Engine (23). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Honda Ridgeline record →Evidence by year
The weakest Honda Ridgeline model years compared
2019 Honda Ridgeline
- Complaints
- 222
- Recalls
- 10
- Crash reports
- 8
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Fuel System, Gasoline (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (28)
View 2019 details →2020 Honda Ridgeline
- Complaints
- 158
- Recalls
- 7
- Crash reports
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (42), Unknown Or Other (33), Engine (21)
View 2020 details →2018 Honda Ridgeline
- Complaints
- 153
- Recalls
- 6
- Crash reports
- 3
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Electrical System (49), Back Over Prevention (22), Fuel Propulsion System (17)
View 2018 details →2021 Honda Ridgeline
- Complaints
- 90
- Recalls
- 5
- Crash reports
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Exterior Lighting (14), Engine (13), Electrical System (12)
View 2021 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Honda Ridgeline years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Honda Ridgeline data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Honda Ridgeline research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Honda Ridgeline research FAQ
Which Honda Ridgeline years should I avoid?
2019, 2020, 2018, 2021 score materially below the strongest Honda Ridgeline years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 65/100, with 222 owner complaints and 10 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Honda Ridgeline year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Honda Ridgeline year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (86/100), 2024 (85/100), 2025 (85/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Honda Ridgeline you are considering.