
2019 Honda RIDGELINE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
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.
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- • 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.
“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.
FUEL SYSTEM
BODY/STRUCTURE
BRAKES
ELECTRICAL
OTHER
TRANSMISSION
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)
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 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 2019 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 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
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)
Honda RIDGELINE — Year Comparison
How does 2019 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
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