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2008 Honda Ridgeline Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Honda Ridgeline has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Spontaneous rear window glass shattering.” 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.

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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 2008 Honda Ridgeline.

Reported to NHTSA

Spontaneous rear window glass shattering

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2009-09 → 2016-01

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT ~ 60 MPH WITH THE CENTER BACK WINDOW OPEN ABOUT HALF WAY. THE CENTER BACK WINDOW SHATTERED AND BLEW SMALL SHARP PIECES OF GLASS ALL OVER THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10822876
“WENT TO GET INTO TRUCK, IT WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVER NIGHT. OPENDED THE BACK DOOR AND FOUND GLASS SITTING ON THE BACK SEAT MOSTLY, VERY SMALL PARTS IN THE BED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10330774
“WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WITH MY REAR SLIDE WINDOW PARTIALLY OPEN ON MY 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE THE WINDOW SUDDENLY IMPLODED INTO THE REAR AREA OF THE TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10283825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission line rupture at radiator fitting

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-09 → 2019-01

“JUST DRIVING ALONG @ 20MPH THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO HESITATE THEN START SLIPPING. LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIMP HOME 1 MILE AWAY FROM WHERE IT STARTED. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS POURING OUT OF THE RADIATOR OVERFLOW CONTAINER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11045999
“FITTING FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION LINE CONNECTION AT RADIATOR, CAUSING DAMAGE TO COOLING SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE IS RENDERED INOPERABLE. SUSPECTED CAUSE IS POORLY DESIGNED RADIATOR FITTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097206
“ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 08,2018 @ 550PM I PULLED INTO PARKING SPOT AT SUPERMARKET AND LEFT MY 2008 RIDGELINE RUNNING WHILE I WENT INTO SUPERMARKET ABOUT 15 MINUTES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11165849

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear frame corrosion and fuel tank detachment

STRUCTURE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2026-09

“I am filing this complaint regarding our 2008 Honda Ridgeline, VIN [XXX], approximately 129,000 miles, concerning NHTSA Recall 22V-430 / Honda Campaign LCD. The vehicle has spent its life in [XXX], and Honda's VIN lookup showed this recall OPEN/INCOMPLETE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11759092
“Hello, I own a 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The vehicle’s rear frame is corrode after exposure to road salt. The fuel tank might detach from the truck and cause a fire. I checked open recalls and nothing is currently open. I’m afraid of driving the vehicle due to this issue. Thank you”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536731
“The contact owns a 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife was able to drive to her residence”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488898

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

60 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2022-09

“TAKATA RECALL AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. (AHMC) IS ONLY PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION IN THE LIMITED FORM OF A RENTAL CAR. MY AFFECTED VEHICLE IS A TRUCK WITH WHICH I TOW A BOAT. I WAS INFORMED BY AHMC THAT REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE RECALL WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852741
“TAKATA RECALL - HONDA SENT ME A RECALL LETTER ADVISING ME THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND WOULD PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THE 1-888-234-2138 HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862834
“The contact owns a 2008 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved a failure code for resistance in front passenger’s side air bag inflator”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11486929

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical wiring harness melting and dash fires

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2018-08

“2008 HONDA RIDGELINE FAN BLOWER MOTOR FAILED CAUSING WIRING HARNESS AND RESISTOR TO FAIL. WIRING HARNESS MELTED BUT FUSE DID NOT BLOW. THIS IS A DEFINITE FIRE AND SMOKE HAZARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10334229
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10543920
“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED A FIRE STARTED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378008

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering pump failure

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2010-11 → 2015-11

“7 YEAR OLD VEHICLE I PURCHASED IN 09 WHILE STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY . POWER STEERING PUMP IS BEGINNING TO FAIL AS INTERMINTATLY WHEEL FEELS VERY STIFF IN 2 OR 3 INCH INCREMENTS OF TURNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789020
“2008 HONDA RIDGELINE - POWER STEERING FAILURE.. CREAKS AND GROANS IN POWER STEERING, TOUGH TO TURN AT LOW SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10365193
“POWER STEERING IS VERY NOISY, AND STEERING VEHICLE IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT AT LOWER SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10438546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive brake pedal travel and brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2011-05

“ON AUGUST 22,2009 WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON THE HUTCHINSON RIVER PARKWAY IN THE BRONX, WITH MODERATE CONGESTION, I APPLIED NORMAL PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL OF MY 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE TO HEAR A POP AND SNAP AND LOSS OF ALL BRAKE PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10339291
“2008 RIDGELINE...I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ON 2 OCCASIONS REPORTING THE I CAN PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10370343
“BRAKES. 2008 HONDA RIDGELINE. SPONGY PEDAL, EXCESSIVE PEDAL TRAVEL. DEALER SAYS IT'S NORMAL & DECLINES TO REMEDY UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10361717

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)

18 crashes 1990–2024

How the 18 occupant deaths break down

13

driver deaths

5

passenger deaths

18

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 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.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

6

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 2008 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.

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