NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Honda Ridgeline Safety Ratings
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline scores 88 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 121 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline secures a NHTSA Safety Index of 88/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong safety band. This assessment is largely supported by its crash-test performance. However, prospective buyers should note the presence of five active recall campaigns. Additionally, the 2023 model exhibits a one-point decrease in its Safety Index compared to the 2022 iteration.
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline received a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 out of 100 and an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline ranks 56 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 | 88 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 121 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 56 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
The 2023 model year Ridgeline arrives with a Safety Index of 88 out of 100, a one-point retreat from the 2022 edition's 89. That narrow decline traces directly to the defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20, the only component of the index that fell short of its ceiling, and it reflects the weight of five recall campaigns active against this specific model year. The crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, which includes standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, demonstrate that the underlying platform performed well in federal testing. The steering rack recall is particularly notable because it targets 2023 Ridgeline vehicles specifically, not a broad multi-year sweep, making it a year-defining safety event. The rearview camera harness fatigue issue and the brake master cylinder campaign add further breadth to the defect record. Taken together, the 2023 Ridgeline presents strong crash-test credentials offset by a recall portfolio that prospective buyers should address before considering the vehicle fully remediated.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Honda Ridgeline perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its performance in frontal and side impact crash tests was exceptional, earning 5-star scores in both categories. The Ridgeline's rollover resistance, however, presented a comparative weakness, rated at 4 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent. The dynamic tip-test indicated "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17230
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Honda Ridgeline have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the structural frame and members, a front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, the rearview camera tailgate wire harness, the steering rack inner ball joint housing, and the brake master cylinder. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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
STEERING:RACK AND PINION24V184000
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is LHY.
Reported 2024-03-07
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
Owners have filed 121 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Exterior Lighting with 39 reports, followed by Engine at 17, Electrical System at 16, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 11. Two alleged crashes and two alleged fires appear among the filings, though none are established facts.
121 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
Steering component concerns for the 2023 model year warrant close attention from any prospective owner. This specific recall forms part of at least five separate campaigns recorded by NHTSA. Remedy completion for these recalls varies by individual unit. Shoppers should use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool to check specific vehicle recall status before purchase.
- The 2023 Ridgeline's Safety Index dropped one point to 88 from the 2022 model's 89, driven by a defect record sub-score of 12 out of 20 tied to five active recall campaigns.
- A steering rack and pinion recall targets 2023 Passport and Ridgeline vehicles specifically, citing a defect in the inner ball joint housing of the steering gear, making it a year-specific safety issue rather than a carry-over campaign.
- NHTSA's crash tests returned 5 out of 5 stars for both frontal and side protection, with rollover the sole lower-rated category at 4 out of 5 stars and a 17 percent rollover risk figure on record.
- Owners have submitted 121 unverified complaints to NHTSA, with Exterior Lighting accounting for 39 of them, the single largest alleged problem category for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Honda Ridgeline places
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Honda Ridgeline safety questions
Was the 2023 Honda Ridgeline crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Honda Ridgeline, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 88 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 2023 Honda Ridgeline crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Honda Ridgeline have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 121 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Honda Ridgeline. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Ridgeline years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17230), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Honda Ridgeline 2023.
- 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 56 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.