NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Ridgeline
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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 2021 Honda Ridgeline earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15910
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26V365000
Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in thi
Reported 2026-06-04
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers
Reported 2026-05-21
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V321000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-05-09
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-02-01
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER23V458000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-06-29
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR23V174000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-03-16
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR21V900000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-11-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
94 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.