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2009 Honda Ridgeline Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Tire dry rot and cracking.” 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 2009 Honda Ridgeline.

Reported to NHTSA

Tire dry rot and cracking

TIRES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2012-04 → 2014-03

“TIRES ON HONDA RIDGELINE MICHELIN LTX M/S 245 60/18 (N/A) HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED AS DRY ROTTING. I'VE READ COMPLAINT 10456126 OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THIS IS MORE COMMON THAN ANTICIPATED AFTER A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALED MORE PEOPLE WITH THE ISSUE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10568915
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S R245 65/R17 (N/A) TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE CRACKED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTING. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10456126

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering effort and directional pull

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-11 → 2019-04

“IT'S HARD TO TURN MY STEERING WHEEL. IT'S ONLY EASY TO TURN WHEN I'M HITTING THE GAS. WHEN MY FOOT IS ON THE BREAK IT'S HARD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I CANNOT PARALLEL PARK BECAUSE I HAVE TO PRESS THE BREAK. AT THE HOSPITAL I AM NOT ALLOWED TO GET VALET PARKING BECAUSE THEY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196616
“2009 HONDA RIDGELINE RL CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 6 MONTHS AND HAD IT IN FOR ALIGNMENT THREE TIMES. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10292739

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts delay

AIR BAGS

18 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 → 2021-08

“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V041000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429411
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA NOTIFICATION CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V001000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10958924
“TAKATA RECALL YESTERDAY 2/05/16 I CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR INC AND WAS GIVEN A CLAIM NUMBER 04437864 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING A RENTAL TO USE UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. A VIN SEARCH INCLUDED MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME AND WAS VERIFIED. I WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824610

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear frame corrosion recall parts delay

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2025-04

“Corrosion formed on the rear frame and a recall was issued for Honda Ridgelines. The Checkered Flag Honda dealership tested our Ridgeline, and it failed the punch test regarding corrosion. The fuel tank, which is mounted to the rear frame, can become unsecured as the rear frame”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653997
“The contact owns a 2009 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550449
“After driving through Lake Alfred and getting on I-4 heading NE bound toward Orlando, I noticed a very loud noise. I drove to the next exit a few miles down the road (the car seemed to handle fine), Exit 55 at Davenport FL. On the exit ramp, I began to smell burning rubber”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549448

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and deployment malfunctions

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2015-06 → 2016-08

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE AND AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO PERFORMED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896668
“STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG WENT OFF ON A FENDER BENDER ON THE LIE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824793
“AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON, GARAGE SAY'S MY DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DEFLATER IS BAD, UNIT HAS TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731166

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission overheating and stalling

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2016-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS HESITATING AND THE ENGINE REVVED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL AS AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853756
“TRAVELING IN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 70-75 MPH FOR 60 MINUTES THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL, LET THE VEHICLE IDLE TILL THE OVERHEATING LIGHT WENT OUT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10308596

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)

11 crashes 1990–2024

How the 11 occupant deaths break down

6

driver deaths

3

passenger deaths

2

not recorded by seat

11

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 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.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2009 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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