Problems · NHTSA complaints

2025 Honda Ridgeline problems

Owners filed 107 complaints about the 2025 Honda Ridgeline with NHTSA between May 2024 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (31).

Complaints
107
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system31
  2. Engine28
  3. Exterior lighting28
  4. Forward collision avoidance17
  5. Service brakes8
  6. Lane departure5
  7. Vehicle speed control4
  8. Power train3
  9. Steering2
  10. Structure2
  11. Visibility/wiper2
  12. Suspension1
  13. Fuel/propulsion system1
  14. Air bags1

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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20246
202530
202671

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.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

31 reports
“On XXX, while driving my HondaTrue Certified 2025 Honda Ridgeline RTL AWD, I stopped at a traffic light and the Auto Idle Stop system automatically shut off the engine. When the traffic light turned green and I released the brake pedal, the vehicle attempted to restart but failed. The starter sounded weak, as though the battery did not have sufficient power to crank the engine properly. The transmission automatically shifted into Neutral, and a battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard. I was unable to accelerate or move the vehicle under its own power. I had to shift the transmission into Park, press the ignition button to shut off the vehicle, and then manually restart the engine. The engine restarted normally, and the battery warning disappeared. I contacted an authorized Honda dealership, Lia Honda of [XXX], on XXX. After checking my vehicle's VIN, the service advisor informed me that a Honda service bulletin issued XXX, applies to my vehicle. According to the advisor, Honda currently recommends disabling Auto Idle Stop until a permanent repair is available. This malfunction occurred in active traffic and created a safety concern because the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11775109

Engine

28 reports1 crash1 fire
“Since the beginning of ownership of my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, the Auto Idle Stop system has malfunctioned. The dashboard remains illuminated and displays an error message related to the system. I am concerned about the reliability of the system and the possibility that the engine may not restart as expected. This issue has existed since I first got the vehicle. I am reporting it so that NHTSA can review the problem and determine whether it presents a safety concern.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026EngineODI 11773999

Exterior lighting

28 reports
“I purchased this Honda Ridgeline xxx. My first time driving at night I noticed the auto-dimming headlights were dimming for roadsigns and not dimming far enough in advance for oncoming vehicles. On XXX while driving at night I took my first video of the auto-dimming headlight operation - the Ridgeline had 635 total mileage at this time. Several videos have been taken since. The vehicle will also issue "Brake" warnings while going around right hand curves with oncoming traffic in the other lane. Frustrating to say the least. Today is XXX and I am at the [XXX] Honda dealership trying to get this fixed, again. Now the want to change a radar module, but I brought the vehicle here today to get the auto-dimming headlights fixed. This fix, I believe is more like a Hail-mary attempt by Honda to fix their auto-dimming headlight system - the Service tech told me: there is no software fix for the auto dimming headlight issue and this radar module could potentially fix the auto-dimming issue About two weeks prior to this I had my Ridgeline to this same dealership when they tried fixing the auto-dimming headlight system. That attempt did not work. Hence I'm here for the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026Exterior lighting, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11774649

Forward collision avoidance

17 reports1 crash
“I own a 2025 Honda Ridgeline that has experienced recurring problems with both the braking system warnings and the automatic high-beam headlight system. The vehicle displays brake-related warnings and has provided what appear to be false brake system indications. At times, the steering wheel also exhibits a shimmy or vibration when there is no apparent road condition or braking event that should cause it. These issues occur intermittently and are difficult to predict, creating concern that the vehicle's safety systems may not be operating properly. I experience this every time I drive the vehicle. I drive 2.5 hours per day back and forth work related and on average BRAKE BRAKE will come on 2 times. Always on non-highway roads. Does not occur on Hi-way The auto high-beam feature does not function reliably. The system fails to activate the high beams on dark roads, even in conditions where the feature should engage. At other times, the high beams will flicker on and off repeatedly or disengage unexpectedly. The operation is erratic and inconsistent, reducing visibility during nighttime driving and creating a safety concern. The vehicle was brought to a Honda…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Exterior lighting, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11771603

Service brakes

8 reports
“I am reporting an urgent potential safety defect involving my 2025 Honda Ridgeline Sport, in Puerto Rico. Since the first oil/filter service, the vehicle has repeatedly developed a grinding/growling/knocking-type noise and physical sensation through the steering wheel and cabin, especially on rough, porous or uneven pavement and during minor road irregularities or braking/load changes. The condition has been reported to Honda-authorized service multiple times (about four visits over nearly a year), but the cause was initially not identified. On 08/20/2026 Flagship Honda advisor informed me it was rack and pinion broken. On 08/24/2026, Flagship Honda (Kennedy Ave., San Juan, PR 00920), RO #XXXXXX, at 12,556 miles, documented a steering-system inspection and found a “golpe” (knock) in the steering column. The written diagnosis states the steering column had internal wear in the motor and “cruje al moverse” (creaks/cracks when moving), requiring replacement. Honda authorized the repair. On 09/01/2026, under warranty, Honda replaced the steering column assembly (Part #XXXXXX) under RO #XXXXXX, at 12,870 miles. The dealer documented replacement, alignment, and a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2026Steering, Suspension, Service brakesODI 11762634

Lane departure

5 reports
“1) Brakes spongy hard to stop have to pump like old truck to get good pedal. Dangerous almost rear ended vehicle ahead. Family uses caution to drive. Took to Honda world 8-8-25. Tec and sec mgr said nothing wrong w rakes. Ridgeline has 4181 miles on it Cyst num107536 inv # hocs468892 2)blind spot warning light appears in black background near dash. Had to highlight area around it so easier to find. Should b on mirror. Being blind in l eye it is a distraction to observe light. Also warning light is not very bright. If bright sunlight shines thru opposite or vehicle on the light you cannot see it at all Near collision on that”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 15, 2026Service brakes, Lane departureODI 11711191
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.