NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Honda Ridgeline Safety Ratings
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 94 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline demonstrates excellent crash-test performance in most categories. Its standard crash-avoidance technology also proves a clear asset. Seven active recall campaigns represent the primary safety concern for this model year. Overall, the Ridgeline earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline ranks 49 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 94 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 49 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2021 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Ridgeline in safety scoring. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 83/100 in the 2020 model year to 87/100 here, a four-point gain within the same Strong band. That movement is driven by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The defect record sub-score of 11 out of 20 is the drag on an otherwise strong profile, and it is directly traceable to the seven recall campaigns now attached to this model year. Two of those campaigns involve the front-passenger occupant classification sensor, a safety-critical system that determines whether the passenger airbag deploys correctly. A third addresses the structural frame across a wide Honda and Acura range. The rearview camera harness recall and the brake master cylinder recall round out a recall picture that is broader and more serious than the strong crash-test numbers alone would suggest. The 94 owner-reported complaints, with 12 specifically alleging forward collision avoidance issues, are worth monitoring alongside the recall remedies.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Honda Ridgeline perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in both frontal and side crash tests was perfect, achieving 5 out of 5 stars in each. The rollover assessment represents a relative weakness, scoring 4 out of 5 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip-test concluded with a No Tip result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover the 2021 Ridgeline. Components affected include the structural frame and members, two separate front-passenger occupant classification sensor campaigns, the rearview camera tailgate wire harness, and the hydraulic brake master cylinder. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data provided, but buyers must verify remedy status for all seven campaigns by VIN before purchase.
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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888
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 were mailed July 7, 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 (VINs) involve
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. 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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
Owners have filed 94 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the engine (25 reports), exterior lighting (14), unknown or other issues (14), the electrical system (13), forward collision avoidance (12), and the powertrain (11). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
94 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
Seven open recall campaigns underscore the critical importance of verifying completed remedies for any 2021 Ridgeline. Prospective owners must confirm through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all necessary dealership repairs have been performed. This is the single most important safety measure for the 2021 Ridgeline.
- The 2021 Ridgeline carries seven recall campaigns, including two separate occupant classification sensor recalls affecting the front-passenger airbag system, making VIN-specific remedy verification essential.
- The Safety Index rose four points from the 2020 model year (83) to 87 in 2021, a gain driven by strong crash-protection and a perfect avoidance-technology sub-score, offset by a defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent rollover risk is the only NHTSA crash-test category where the 2021 Ridgeline falls short of a perfect score; the dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
- Owners have filed 12 unverified complaints specifically about the forward collision avoidance system, a notable concentration given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Honda Ridgeline places
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Honda Ridgeline safety questions
Was the 2021 Honda Ridgeline crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Honda Ridgeline, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Honda Ridgeline crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Honda Ridgeline earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Honda Ridgeline?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 94 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ridgeline years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15910), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Ridgeline 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 49 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.