MODEL
Honda Ridgeline
NHTSA safety across every Honda Ridgeline model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Honda Ridgeline we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 75. 37 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda Ridgeline is a unibody pickup truck aimed at buyers who want everyday practicality without the rough edges of a traditional body-on-frame hauler. Positioned squarely in the midsize truck segment, it targets commuters, families, and light-duty adventurers who value a car-like ride alongside genuine truck utility. From model years 2019 through 2025, it carries Honda's reputation for thoughtful engineering into a competitive and growing class.
The Honda Ridgeline puts together a genuinely competitive safety record across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover. Its best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 95 out of 100 in the 2024 model year, a score that lands in the Exceptional band and represents the high-water mark for this generation. Crash-test performance at its strongest shows a 5-out-of-5 rating in both the frontal and side disciplines, though rollover protection comes in at a more modest 4 out of 5 stars, a reminder that all trucks carry elevated rollover risk by their very nature. The safety picture is not without concern, however. Across the covered model years, the Ridgeline has accumulated 37 recalls, a figure that is notably high and warrants careful attention from any shopper. Owner complaints total 824, with 18 alleged crashes, 8 alleged fires, and 16 alleged injuries reported in that pool. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed findings, but the fire figure in particular deserves scrutiny before purchase. The overall safety band history ranges from Exceptional down to Average depending on the model year, which means year-specific research is essential. Buyers should prioritize the 2024 model year if peak safety performance is the priority, and anyone considering an older example should check the NHTSA recall database for open campaigns before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Ridgeline for its refined, car-like driving character and clever storage solutions, including its in-bed trunk. Most see it as the right choice for buyers who want truck versatility without sacrificing daily comfort. Critics sometimes note it feels less capable than body-on-frame rivals for serious towing or off-road use, positioning it as a lifestyle truck rather than a workhorse.
- The 2024 Ridgeline earned the highest NHTSA Safety Index in this generation at 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. If maximizing crash-test performance is your priority, that model year is the clear standout.
- Thirty-seven recalls across the 2019 to 2025 span is a high total for any model. Before purchasing any specific example, shoppers should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm all open campaigns have been addressed by a dealer.
- Owner-reported complaints include 8 alleged fires across the covered years. While these are unverified allegations and not confirmed defects, the pattern is worth monitoring. Check whether any related recall or technical service bulletin exists for the specific model year you are considering.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars is solid but not perfect, and it reflects the physics of any truck body style. Buyers who frequently carry passengers or drive on winding roads should factor this in and ensure their chosen model year has Honda Sensing driver-assistance features fully equipped.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda Ridgeline with 11 recalls.