Is the 2021 Honda RIDGELINE reliable?

The 2021 Honda RIDGELINE has 134 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Honda RIDGELINE?

Top problems: ENGINE (28 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (22 complaints, avg repair $500); LIGHTING (14 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Honda RIDGELINE?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER, 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 2021 Honda RIDGELINE?

The 2021 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 2021 Honda RIDGELINE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Honda RIDGELINE is approximately $1,784/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.

2021 Honda RIDGELINE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Honda RIDGELINE has 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 134. The most common issue is engine problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: when the vehicle is in drive, stopped on a steep hill, and allowed to slip backward the software puts the transmission in neutral and shuts of the engine off. this leaves the vehicle coasting backwards with very little steering or brakes. this happened to me and i coasted backward across a street b. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

134

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

28 complaints

21%

• When the vehicle is in drive, stopped on a steep hill, and allowed to slip backward the software puts the transmission in neutral and shuts of the engine off. This leaves the vehicle coasting backwards with very little steering or brakes. This happened to me and I coasted backward across a street b
• When vehicle is in drive, stopped on a steep hill, and allowed to slip backward the software puts the transmission in neutral and shuts of the engine off. This leaves the vehicle coasting backwards with very little steering or brakes. This happened to me and I coasted backward across a street. If a
• Drove the pickup 3 hours in 10 degree weather at 60-70 mph. Exited the freeway, stopped at light, went through the intersection and truck began to bog down. Engine light started flashing and truck wouldn’t go over 35 mph. Pulled off road, shut down the engine for 5 minutes, started truck up and drov

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

“When the vehicle is in drive, stopped on a steep hill, and allowed to slip backward the software puts the transmission in neutral and shuts of the engine off. This leaves the vehicle coasting backwards with very little steering or brakes. This happened to me and I coasted backward across a street b”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Honda RIDGELINE

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 21K 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+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 50K mi · 5 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 (7)

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR18/11/2021

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 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)

$2,667/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 2021 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

$1,784

Full coverage / month

$149

Liability only / year

$609

vs US avg

+7%

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 age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1784

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 2021 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

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 134 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: When the vehicle is in drive, stopped on a steep hill, and allowed to slip backward the software puts the transmission in neutral and shuts of the engine off. This leaves the vehicle coasting backwards with very little steering or brakes. This happened to me and I coasted backward across a street b
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I have a 2021 Honda Ridgeline Sport equipped with CMBS an automatic braking system that is supposed to be a safety feature, but actually makes the car more dangerous. The problem with the Ridgeline Sport collision mitigation braking system is that it attempts to mitigate crashes when the system th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
LIGHTING: WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT EVEN WITH NO TRAFFIC AHEAD, THE AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAMS RARELY TURN ON. WHEN THEY DO, THEY TURN OFF ALMOST IMMEDIATELY DUE TO REFLECTIONS FROM ROAD SIGNS AND EVEN SMALL ROAD MARKERS. OCCASIONALLY, THEY'LL FAIL TO DIM IN A TIMELY FASHION OR WILL FLASH CAUSING OTHER DRIVERS TO THIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: General Complaint - The infotainment system is terribly designed and requires way too much interaction from the driver to function properly. I just traded in my 2015 F150 for a 2021 Honda Ridgeline. EVERYTIME I choose to NOT connect my iPhone to the system through a USB to Apple Lightning cable,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Honda dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)