Honda makes its entry into the pickup truck segment with the Honda Ridgeline. As a half-ton workhorse, the Honda Ridgeline makes a strong case for a versatile pickup truck. The Ridgeline continues the trend for Honda as a reliable vehicle. However, the truck faces issues ranging from driver aid malfunctions to powertrain defects. The Honda aftersales shows a prompt response to address the customer concerns. The 2020 Honda Ridgeline records 2 recalls and 19 complaints with a 5-star safety rating. The mid-size pickup truck competes with the Ford Ranger, the Nissan Frontier, and the Toyota Tacoma. The truck earns the 1st spot on the CarHp list of top 10 midsize pickup trucks of 2020.
User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Problems
- Brakes - Users report fluctuations in brake pedal pressure. This offset can result in inefficient braking. Inadequate braking increases the chances of a crash.
- Powertrain - Powertrain issues are common with the Honda Ridgeline. The issue results in gearbox malfunction which prevents engaging the neutral gear. This can increase the chances of crashing.
- Engine - Loss of engine power is a known issue with the truck. Users report a sharp loss of drive power which leads to engine stalling. Few complaints report the truck driving in a ‘limp mode’ due to loss of power. An abrupt loss of drive power increases the chances of crashing.
Electrical Problems
- Exterior lighting - Users report diminished headlight illumination under driving conditions. The auto high beam headlights do not function as intended. A diminished high beam compromises driver visibility while driving. The issue can increase the risk of crashing.
- Driver aids - Forward collision avoidance malfunction is a common driver aid defect with the truck. This leads to false triggering of the collision avoidance without a tangible threat. The malfunction triggers auto emergency braking. Abrupt braking increases the chances of rear-ended collisions.
Structural Problems
- Windshield - Shattering or cracking of the windshield is a common issue with the Honda Ridgeline. Honda claims the environmental temperature changes to be the cause of the issue.
- Sunroof/moonroof - Explosion of the Sunroof/moonroof is common with the Honda Ridgeline. This can result in injury to the operators. Users report the shattering of the sunroof followed by a loud noise. This can distract the driver and increase the chances of a crash.
- Hood - The defective hood latch is prone to failure. This failure can result in the opening of the hood under driving conditions. The issue can compromise driver visibility and increase the chances of a crash.
Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
November 29, 2021 |
21V932000 |
The hood may open while driving. |
A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver’s view and increase the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV. |
|
2 |
September 17, 2020 |
20E068000 |
The tonneau panel cover may detach from the vehicle. |
A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. |
Honda is recalling all Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Covers, part number 08Z07-T6Z-100F, sold for installation on 2017-2020 Ridgeline trucks. If the tonneau cover is not properly secured in the open or closed position, wind resistance may cause the cover to flip and buckle. If this occurs, the hinges between the center and rear panel may deform, possibly allowing the rear panel to separate from the vehicle. |
Should you buy the 2020 Honda Ridgeline?
The Honda Ridgeline makes its mark as a practical and reliable work truck. The truck offers adequate cabin space and utility which suits the daily city commute. However, the driver aids raise reliability concerns for touring. The Honda ridgeline problems range from powertrain issues to driver aid defects. A good sign for the potential buyers is the prompt response the Honda aftersales offers. As per NHTSA records, the 2020 Honda Ridgeline registers 19 complaints and 2 recalls. NHTSA further issues a 5-star safety rating to the pickup truck. The Honda Ridgeline gets the CarHp go-ahead.
