2021 Honda Ridgeline UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The Multipurpose Camera had an Internal Electronic Failure. Indications we all of the warning lights were illuminated on my dash. Initially it began when I had about 43, 400 miles on my truck. The warning lights would all remail lighted on starting the vehicle. I could restart the vehicle and eventually get the lights to go off. Then the slowly began to stay on permanently. I eventually made an appointment and took my truck into a Honda dealership and it was diagnosed a the failure of the Multipurpose Camera at 44,000 miles. The Honda Service Tech told me that none of my safety features were working at this time which really scared me. The Honda Dealership witnessed the dashboard warning lights and ran a diagnostic indicating the problem. The dealership ordered a replacement camera and replaced it. Parts and Labor were $2118.78. The first indication was when the warning lights began staying lit on my dash.
What happened? While driving in the right lane on a two lane highway, I slowed slightly when approaching a vehicle ahead of me. I then started to move into the left lane to pass when the engine stopped (as confirmed by the tachometer quickly dropping to 0 (zero) rpms). In response, I started feathering the throttle and moved back into the right lane where the engine restarted on its own. I then continued my trip without further incident. This happened with approximately 60,000 miles on the truck which was purchased new by me. I did have a similar incident when the truck was much newer but didn't pay much attention as I was still learning Honda's ADAS and wasn't sure if 'pilot error' came into play. And to clarify, the only safety that was in use this time was Lane Keeping Assist but it wasn't active as I was actively signaling my lane change. Questions under your General Guidelines: While the engine stopped unexpectedly, I don't believe it was an engine fault simply due to the number of miles I've driven the truck with no similar problem. While my wife and I weren't at risk since traffic was light at the time with no one behind us, I can see a safety issue in heavier traffic, especially if the engine doesn't restart as soon as it did. The truck has not been inspected by Honda. I did file a complaint with American Honda (case #14787271) and they simply suggested a visit to my local Honda service department. But due to the very limited occurrence of this issue, I can't see how their service department can be of any help. During the incident occurrence, there were no warning lights, messages or otherwise hints of an impending problem.
Rear view camera failed. Only shows a black screen, same symptoms of the 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline recall. Contacted Honda and was told it wasn’t covered and to pay to get it fixed. 2021 Ridgeline with 47,000 miles. I’m aware NHTSA has received 27 other complaints as well based upon a recent report.
The backup camera is not working consistently. An Internet search reveals that this is a common problem and previous model years were subject to a recall. I understand that there is a NHTSA investigation on going regarding this issue.
While driving down highway moonroof exploded. Did not appear to be damaged by debris.
While traveling at highway speed, the glass panel of the sunroof/moonroof suddenly exploded outward without being struck by anything (i.e. rock, debris). There was no warning prior to the explosion. Glass fragments rained down into the interior of the cabin and flew off the roof of the vehicle as well. Though startling to experience, there were no injuries to me or other drivers. Other Honda owners have reported this same experience with randomly exploding sunroof glass. The vehicle was taken to a Honda dealer who refused to cover the cost of replacing the glass, falsely stating that only an impact could cause such damage. A subsequent claim has been submitted to my insurance company.
Auto Engine Idle shut off engages when the vehicle comes to a stop. Upon releasing my foot from the brake pedal, the truck shifts into park as the engine restarts. This happens about 75% of the time when engaged. If I turn this feature off, I experience no issue. This is a government mandated feature that appears to be a problem. I need support in making sure that Honda takes responsibility for this issue.
The automatic high beam assist does not function properly. The high beams go on and off constantly. They pick up their own reflections even on dark roads with no on coming traffic. They will stay on when other cars are approaching. They come on when in traffic. They flash on and off at cars approaching. I have requested two dealerships to look into this and they did not even put it in the work order to check the issue. I have complained to Honda customer service with no satisfaction. I am afraid the lights will affect on coming cars or aggravate cars in front of me. The system is absolutely useless and should not be offered as a safety option.
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, the system displays a warning that there is no device connected and will not show any other information until several specific buttons are pushed. Other scenarios where too many buttons needed to change settings. Too much interaction for a driver to do while safely operating the vehicle. I would replace the head unit but too many settings for the vehicle would be lost. Honda failed miserably in the radio design. Technology should help drivers, not hinder.
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Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has 9 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.