Problems · NHTSA complaints
2023 Honda Ridgeline problems
Owners filed 133 complaints about the 2023 Honda Ridgeline with NHTSA between Oct 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is exterior lighting (39).
Complaints
133
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Exterior lighting39
- Engine22
- Electrical system19
- Power train13
- Forward collision avoidance11
- Steering9
- Back over prevention8
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Service brakes4
- Structure4
- Suspension3
- Lane departure3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Engine and engine cooling2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
29
48
21
32
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 48 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 32 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Exterior lighting
39 reports
“The auto-dimmer function does not work. On high-beam there is no automatic dimming; on low-beam the high beam automatically and randomly flashes on for a couple seconds, then off. In the latter instance, oncoming traffic gets hit with a sudden blinding flash - creating a hazard. My understanding is that this has been a problem for several years even before we bought the vehicle new and the company misled us into believing the function was available on the vehicle. The company also simply ignoring and not trying to fix it. Given the false advertisement of the functionality in the vehicle and hazard to oncoming traffic when it is on, one might reasonably expect a recall to be issued.”
Engine
22 reports1 fire
“Auto shut off and restart will shut the engine off at a red light or intersection but then it tries to restart but the stalls the engine. I have to shift it quickly into park and restart the engine with several cars behind me. This is a safety hazard. This has happened multiple times. Honda says that this isn’t covered under the 10 year extended warranty unlimited miles for this problem with the 2023. Ridgeline.”
Electrical system
19 reports1 fire
“My 2023 Honda Ridgeline (about 28,400 miles) repeatedly loses power while driving. The instrument cluster lights up with every warning light at once, the truck stops accelerating, and I cannot maintain speed. It has happened on the freeway above about 60 mph, which is extremely dangerous with surrounding traffic moving at highway speed. Disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes temporarily clears the warning lights and lets the truck move again, but the problem keeps returning. I have taken the vehicle to a Honda dealer three times for this same problem: July 2026, late August 2026, and October 2026. At the August visit, the dealer scanned the vehicle and found multiple lost-communication codes and DTC U0401 (invalid data received from PCM). The powertrain control module (PCM) was replaced under warranty and relearn procedures were performed. The problem returned after the replacement, and the truck is again at the dealer for diagnosis. I have video recordings of the failures and repair records for all three visits. I am concerned this is a defect in the powertrain control or vehicle communication system that can cause a sudden loss of power at highway…”
Power train
13 reports
“I have taken my 2023 Honda Ridgeline into dealer service 4 times for an engine knocking noise. Dealer techs have said noise is abnormal but Honda tech says it is ok and safe to drive. The engine noise is getting louder. I hope it’s not the rod bearings.”
Forward collision avoidance
11 reports
“A car turning left on a one lane both way street. The the auto breaking system hit the breaks I was about 6’ away from car going 10 miles per hour. Car behind me almost hit the back of my truck. It took second before breaks let off. System was in normal mode.”
Steering
9 reports1 crash1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2023 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was loose, and the vehicle became difficult to control. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched and was made aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.