
2018 Honda RIDGELINE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Honda RIDGELINE has 194 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.4x the segment average of 134. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 honda ridgeline. the contact stated that the safety system feature that detects surrounding vehicles did not function. in addition, the contact stated that the brakes did not activate in order to avoid a crash when the vehicle was too close to the vehicle in front. the co. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
194
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
1.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
48 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAFETY SYSTEM FEATURE THAT DETECTS SURROUNDING VEHICLES DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CO
- • ON SUNDAY JANUARY 20TH I WAS HEADING TO MONTREAL FROM TORONTO DURING A SNOW STORM. ABOUT 2 HRS INTO THE TRIP, SOMEONE CUT IN FRONT OF ME , AND I ATTEMPTED TO SOUND THE HORN, HOWEVER IT APPEARED IT HAD FROZEN UP, AND BARELY WORKED. ALONG WITH A HORRIBLE EXHAUST VIBRATION DURING THE LAST 3 HOURS OF MY
- • TWO WAY TAILGATE BACK UP CAMERA WIRING BROKE AFTER ONLY 7000 MILES DUE TO POOR DESIGN, PER LIA HONDA REPRESENTATIVE.THIS WIRE HARNESS SUPPLIES BACK UP CAMERA VIEWING. AFTER 7000 MILES I WAS UNABLE TO SEE WHAT WAS BEHIND VEHICLE WHEN BACKING UP. WIRES BROKE DUE TO UNDER ENGINEERED HARNESS MATERIAL.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAFETY SYSTEM FEATURE THAT DETECTS SURROUNDING VEHICLES DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CO”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Honda RIDGELINE
Based on 60 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 24K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (8)
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.
Risk: A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Honda RIDGELINE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Honda RIDGELINE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Honda RIDGELINE Service Intervals
Maintenance Minder shows exact intervals based on your driving. CVT-equipped models (Civic, HR-V, Accord Hybrid) need CVT fluid service, not conventional ATF.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Honda New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2018 RIDGELINE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Honda dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 194 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAFETY SYSTEM FEATURE THAT DETECTS SURROUNDING VEHICLES DID NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT ACTIVATE IN ORDER TO AVOID A CRASH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE CO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: THE TAILGATE WIRING HARNESS IS DAMAGED BY ROUTINE OPENING OF THE TAILGATE. THIS CAUSES THE WIRES TO BE SEVERED, CAUSING FAILURE OF THE BACKUP CAMERA AND OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN THE TAILGATE. THE WIRING HARNESS BY DESIGN IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE TAILGATE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: WATER COLLECTS BEHIND CAPLESS FUEL FILLER FLAPPER AND IN COLD TEMPERATURES, AN ICE PLUG FORMS BEHIND FLAPPER. ICE PLUG PREVENTS OPENING FLAPPER TO INSERT GAS NOZZLE AND AND INABILITY TO REFUEL VEHICLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: My 2018 Honda Ridgeline began to make a loud knocking noise from the lower motor. I bought this vehicle last June with 47k miles on it. The vehicle has prompted me twice to change the oil. Both times I changes the oil myself within two days of the car warning stating I had 15% life of the oil. At th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Honda RIDGELINE — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 194
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 134
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Honda RIDGELINE