Problems · by component

2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical system problems

50 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Honda Ridgeline cite electrical system, 31% of all 162 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
50
31% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“From researching this, my Honda 2018 Ridgeline is having a problem with the Keyless Access/TPMS Control Unit, causing the vehicle security alarm to go off when the vehicle is idol which could result in a dead battery if not attended. Honda referenced this manufacturing defect in its Service Bulletin 21-055 dated XXX. I have attached a copy of the Service Bulletin. Since this problem is affecting a number of different Honda models, my question is if this admitted manufacting problem is under consideration for a recall by NHTSA. Honda dealers are changing upwards of $800-$1,000 to replace and program the unit. Thank you. [XXX], [XXX] or [XXX].”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11760566
“I had the backup camera harness recall performed on my 2018 Honda Ridgeline on 09/06/2023 by Honda of Escondido , CA. (See attached invoice of recall work performed.) On 01/27/2026, the backup camera failed to appear on the dash screen when the vehicle was in reverse. I restarted the vehicle and the camera view was still not visible on the screen. I drove home and parked the vehicle in my garage. I turned the ignition off and then on again and put the car in reverse with the brake applied. This time the camera view was displayed on the dash screen. Appears to be an intermittent problem. (See attached two pictures of rear camera view not projected to the dash screen and one picture of my vehicle"s mileage, 50,518 miles.)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 28, 2026Electrical systemODI 11713888
“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake system warning light was illuminated after the parking brake was released. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,850.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 20, 2025Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11700587
“KEYLESS ACCESS CONTROL UNIT PART NUMBER: 38320-T6Z-A31 The vehicle headlights came on and dash lights flashed on and off. The alarm would also go off and on. This causes the battery to drain as well. Also I know of several other Honda Ridgeline owners who have had the same part failure”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2025Electrical systemODI 11666066
“Initially the car would not turn on. We were able to start it but then the engine would not turn off. Shop indicated that the Body Control Module is faulty. Honda of Olathe has the component that malfunctioned as of today 11/1/2024. My understanding is that this system controls door locks, windows, lights, turn signal, horn, etc. Malfunction of some of these systems may put my safety or the safety of others at risk. There was a warning message indicating "Keyless Start System Problem".”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2024Electrical systemODI 11623097
“1. Vehicle when locked arms the car alarm. When armed the car alarm is randomly and intermittently going off, and dash lights light up exactly like the system is ready to start. Vehicle is available for inspection. 2. has potential to run battery down if alarm is not silenced in a timely manner leaving the vehicle operator stranded. 3. problem on this specific vehicle has not yet been reproduced by the dealer but HONDA issued a service bulletin relating to the problem. Honda Service Bulletin 21-055 4. vehicle not yet inspected by others 5. No early indication failure would occur. First indication of problem occurred week of 6/16/2024.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2024Electrical systemODI 11595856

Showing 6 of 50 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2018 Ridgeline problem areas