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Honda

2019 Honda RIDGELINE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2019 Honda RIDGELINE has 291 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.2x the segment average of 134. The most common issue is fuel system problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: strong fuel odor coming from the engine compartment which is drawn in through the hvac vents while stopped. it also makes my garage smell like gasoline for hours after the vehicle is shut off. the dealer said they couldn't find a fuel leak. it doesn't do it every time, but most of the time. it's not. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.

4 fire reports 9 crash reports 12 injuries

291

Total Complaints

12

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

FUEL SYSTEM

72 complaints
25%
  • STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH IS DRAWN IN THROUGH THE HVAC VENTS WHILE STOPPED. IT ALSO MAKES MY GARAGE SMELL LIKE GASOLINE FOR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND A FUEL LEAK. IT DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME, BUT MOST OF THE TIME. IT'S NOT
  • WHEN TURN ON THE ENGINE HAS A RARE SOUND LIKE A COMBUSTION. MEET THE TECHNITIAN IN HONDA AND HE SAY THAT IS NOT NORMAL BUT HAPPENS IN SOME RIDGELINES
  • SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN AT ENGINE STARTUP. DISSIPATES WITHIN ABOUT 30 SECONDS.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH IS DRAWN IN THROUGH THE HVAC VENTS WHILE STOPPED. IT ALSO MAKES MY GARAGE SMELL LIKE GASOLINE FOR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND A FUEL LEAK. IT DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME, BUT MOST OF THE TIME. IT'S NOT

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Honda RIDGELINE

Based on 84 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 19K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
49
30-60K
15
60-100K
16
100-150K
3
150-200K
1
200K+
0

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 46K mi · 15 reports
0-30K
7
30-60K
1
60-100K
4
100-150K
2
150-200K
1
200K+
0

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 4K mi · 11 reports
0-30K
9
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 9 reports
0-30K
8
30-60K
1
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
2
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
5
30-60K
1
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 33K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

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 (12)

EQUIPMENT17/09/2020

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle. If this occurs, the hinges between the center and rear panel may deform, possibly allowing the rear panel to separate from the vehicle.

Risk: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.

Fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user's information manual will be provided. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is F8M.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Honda RIDGELINE

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,286
Per month
$191
Per mile
19.1¢
MPG
21
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,667/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,920/yr

Based 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 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Honda RIDGELINE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,699
Full coverage / month
$142
Liability only / year
$609
vs US avg
+1%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (truck-fullsize)1.08x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.94x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1699

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Honda RIDGELINE Service Intervals

Oil change
8K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
8K mi
Brake fluid
36 months
Transmission fluid
30K mi
Engine coolant
60K mi
Spark plugs
100K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
30K mi

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

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Honda. If you're buying a used 2019 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

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 291 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • FUEL SYSTEM: STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH IS DRAWN IN THROUGH THE HVAC VENTS WHILE STOPPED. IT ALSO MAKES MY GARAGE SMELL LIKE GASOLINE FOR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND A FUEL LEAK. IT DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME, BUT MOST OF THE TIME. IT'S NOT

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ENGINE: SMELL OF FUEL OR BURNT OIL EMANATING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ENTERING CABIN THROUGH HVAC SYSTEM WHEN IDLING. WARM ENGINE ALSO EMANATES FUEL/BURNT OIL SMELL AFTER IT IS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. WHEN PARKED IN AN ENCLOSED GARAGE THE SMELL CAN BE OVERWHELMING. TOOK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION BUT T

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: HARD SHIFTING BETWEEN LOWER AND UPPER GEARS WHILE DRIVING. HAPPENED MOSTLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SOMETIMES ON A TURN.OTHERWISE FUNCTIONED OK. DEALER REPLACED THE SECONDARY VALVE BODY AND REMEDIED THE SITUATION. ALL UNDER WARRANTY

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: ON 8/24/20 I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS OR PARKING. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL SEEING THAT MANY HONDAS HAVE THIS ISSUE. THE ISSUE SEEMED LINED TO THE CLOCK SPRING. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT JOE MORGAN HONDA IN MONROE, OH ON 8/29/20 FOR 8/31/20. JOE MOR

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
291
Recalls
12
Fire reports
4
Crash reports
9
Injury reports
12
Segment avg
134

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2019 Honda RIDGELINE