Is the 2020 Honda RIDGELINE reliable?

The 2020 Honda RIDGELINE has 220 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Honda RIDGELINE?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (46 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (41 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (34 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Honda RIDGELINE?

Yes, there are 9 recall(s): EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. Contact any Honda dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Honda RIDGELINE?

The 2020 Honda RIDGELINE gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Honda RIDGELINE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Honda RIDGELINE is approximately $1,699/year (truck-fullsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Honda RIDGELINE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Honda RIDGELINE has 220 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 134. The most common issue is electrical problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: beginning about 3 months ago the automatic idle stop (ais) would randomly not function at start-up during the length of a drive though there was no indication of any issue on the dash. shutting off and restarting would allow usually allow it to function normally. about 6 weeks ago the ais stopped th. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report 1 injury

220

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

46 complaints

21%

• Beginning about 3 months ago the Automatic Idle Stop (AIS) would randomly not function at start-up during the length of a drive though there was no indication of any issue on the dash. Shutting off and restarting would allow usually allow it to function normally. About 6 weeks ago the AIS stopped th
• STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT ON 10/4 & 09/27 ENGINE SHUT DOWN AND WOULDN'T START. pEOPLE BEHIND ME HONKING THEIR HORNS FOR ME TO GO. ENGINEWOULDN'T START AND HAD GONE FROMDR TO PARK. DASH SAID SOMETHINGLIKE PRESS BRAKE AND START BUTTON.THE WHOLE TIME THE LIGHT WAS GREEN,IR WOULDN'T START. THE 1ST TIME
• Several times over the past two months, I started having issues with the auto engine idle stop. I'm at about 25,000 miles and my vehicle has completely stalled out 4 times in two months. This is due to a failure of the auto engine idle stop system to restart the engine after I take my foot off the b

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Beginning about 3 months ago the Automatic Idle Stop (AIS) would randomly not function at start-up during the length of a drive though there was no indication of any issue on the dash. Shutting off and restarting would allow usually allow it to function normally. About 6 weeks ago the AIS stopped th”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Honda RIDGELINE

Based on 25 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 15K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (9)

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 2020 Honda RIDGELINE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/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

Show:

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 2020 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

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 2020 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 220 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: Beginning about 3 months ago the Automatic Idle Stop (AIS) would randomly not function at start-up during the length of a drive though there was no indication of any issue on the dash. Shutting off and restarting would allow usually allow it to function normally. About 6 weeks ago the AIS stopped th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE REAR WINDOW SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION ON DEMAND WHEN ACTIVATING TO OPEN THE BACK WINDOW IN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. IT DOES FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECTED AND NOT AT THE WILL OF THE OPERATOR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: ON 12 OR MORE OCCASIONS THE TRUCK BRAKED FOR NO REASON. NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME. IT'S BEEN TO THE SHOP 3 TIMES FOR THIS. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT HONDA HAS SEVERAL LAW SUITES ON THEIR CMBS SYSTEM GOING BACK TO 2015. SO WHY HAVE THEY BEEN ALOUD TO KEEP THIS SYSTEM IN CARS AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I understand my vehicle has a start and stop function. It does not work as it’s intended per Honda dealership and page 400s of the owners manual. My car is been shutting off randomly as I’m giving it gas moving forward ( 1 time) and we’ll over 10 times as I’m backing up into my driveway. When I am b
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)