Wrench.Pro

2006 Honda Ridgeline Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2006 Honda Ridgeline has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear frame and subframe corrosion under fuel tank recall.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2006 Honda Ridgeline.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear frame and subframe corrosion under fuel tank recall

STRUCTURE

23 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2025-11

“The contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rear subframe was extremely corroded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who had repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681896
“When my dealership inspected my rear frame for corrosion related to warranty 22V-430, they noted that the rear frame corrosion was so severe that the rear passenger wheel was no longer secured to the rear frame, resulting in a severe safety risk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11501543
“The contact owns a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that he noticed corrosion on the rear subframe of the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11500003

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission cooler line corrosion in radiator

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2012-09 → 2022-10

“THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE WASHER USED AT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID JUNCTIONS IN THE RADIATOR. THE FITTINGS AND WASHER ARE MADE OF DISSIMILAR METALS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10495308
“THE COOLING LINE FOR THE TRANSMISSION WHERE IT ENTERS THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR FAILED DUE TO GALVANIC CORROSION. THIS CAUSE A LARGE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10496001
“2006 HONDA RIDGELINE WITH 140,000 MILES. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. DRIVING HOME ON 9/18/13 ON HIGHWAY, CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 65 MPH, CAR BEGAN TO LURCH FORWARD A FEW TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10544516

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

38 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2018-01

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11019136
“WAS NOTIFIED BY HONDA OF THE AIRBAG RECALL ON JULY 6,2016. THAT NOTIFICATION INCLUDED WORDING TO REFRAIN FROM HAVING A FRONT PASSENGER UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I CALL THE DEALER, APPLE TREE HONDA IN ASHEVILLE,NC AND WAS TOLD THE PART WAS BEING ORDERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905127
“NHTSA RECALL 14V-351, SAFETY RECALL LETTER DATED APRIL 2015. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP (BRANNON HONDA - BIRMINGHAM AL) MANY TIMES SINCE APRIL 2015 AND EVERY TIME THEY CLAIM THAT HONDA HAS NOT SENT THEM THE PARTS TO FIX THESE DEATH DEALING AIR BAGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10735543

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front or side air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2019-09

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 HONDA RIDGELINE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED; HOWEVER, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11254753
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A T-BONE TYPE OF CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10339326
“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. AFTERWARDS THE SEAT BELT WAS IN A LOCK POSITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10762735

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HVAC blower motor wiring harness fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

20 NHTSA complaints · 2008-10 → 2022-03

“BLOWER MOTOR ON MY 2006 HONDA RIDGELINE MELTED CREATED SMOKE SO IM SURE THERE WAS A FLAME BUT VERY BAD SMELL AND LOTS OF SMOKE . I DO HAVE OLD PART BUT I HAVE NOT REPLACE IT YET JUST DON'T USE AC ANYMORE BUT WE REALLY NEED IT SINCE I LIVE IN TEXAS AND ITS END OF JULY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10278581
“DURING VEHICLE START UP A HEAVY SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC WAS NOTED. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT A FIRE OCCURRED ALONG THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, MELTING THE POWERSTEERING ASSEMBLY, WIRE HARNESSES AND POWER STEERING HOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10286832
“2006 HONDA RIDGELINE BLOWER MOTOR, AC WIRE HARNESS FIRE ELECTRICAL FIRE I HAVE A 2006 HONDA RIDGELINE RTL, FULLY LOADED W/ FACTORY ACCESSORIES ONLY. WELL DRIVING WITH THE A/C ON , I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THE A/C FAN WENT OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10275290

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

50 crashes 1990–2024

How the 50 occupant deaths break down

38

driver deaths

12

passenger deaths

50

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

21

complaints mentioning a crash

15

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2006 Honda Ridgeline reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →