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2018 Honda Ridgeline Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Honda Ridgeline carries 8 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump and seats. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Backup camera wiring harness failure at tailgate.” 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.

8 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #19V053000 · Jan 24, 2019

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline trucks. Exposure to acids, such as from car wash soaps, can result in the fuel pump feed port cracking.

Risk: A crack in the fuel pump feed port can allow pressurized fuel to leak out, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, if necessary, and install a fuel pump cover, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. The recall number for this recall is Q3V.

SEATS

Campaign #18V221000 · May 4, 2018

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018 Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles and 2018 Acura MDX vehicles. The front driver and passenger powered seats in the Honda vehicles and the driver powered seats in the Acura vehicles may have been assembled with improperly manufactured rivets. In the event of a crash, the rivets can break causing the seats not to be secured to the floor. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat does not remain secured to the floor, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat frame assembly in Acura MDX vehicles, and replace the driver and front passenger seat slide rail frames in Honda Pilot and Ridgeline vehicles, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is D0S, and T0T.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #20E068000 · Sep 17, 2020

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) 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.

Risk: A separated panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of crash or injury.

Fix: Honda will notify all registered owners of 2017-2020 Honda Ridgelines, and dealers will install tethers onto any Honda Genuine Accessory Tonneau Cover to prevent panel separation and apply warning labels, free of charge. In addition, an updated accessory user's information manual will be provided. The recall began October 26, 2020. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is F8M.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Campaign #21V932000 · Nov 29, 2021

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 Passport, 2016-2019 Pilot, and 2017-2020 Ridgeline vehicles. The hood latch striker may become damaged and separate from the hood, which can result in the hood opening while driving.

Risk: A hood that opens while driving can obstruct the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will either repair the hood latch striker, or replace the hood if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is PBV.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #22V867000 · Nov 23, 2022

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ridgeline vehicles. Opening and closing the tailgate may break the rearview camera wiring harness, causing the rearview camera to fail.

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6RW.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V858000 · Dec 18, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #26V365000 · Apr 6, 2026

Issue: American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.

Risk: Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Honda Ridgeline.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

  • Rear-View Camera Failure

    Action #EA25003 · opened Feb 11, 2025

    On June 26, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ24011) to assess the long-term suitability of the remedy for recall 22V-867, which was filed on November 23, 2022 by American Honda Motor Co. (Honda). Recall 22V-867 addressed concerns of a loss of…

    View on NHTSA →

  • Engine failure

    Action #PE25008 · opened Aug 20, 2025

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 414 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the 3.5L V6 engine used in the following vehicles: Model Years (MY) 2018-2020 Acura TLX, MY2016-2020 Acura MDX, MY2016-2020 Honda Pilot, MY2018-2020 Honda Odyssey, and MY2017-…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Backup camera wiring harness failure at tailgate

BACK OVER PREVENTION

61 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-01

“The problem revolves around the rear-view camera failing through the normal use of the vehicle. The issue affects 2017-2018 Ridelines, a number of whose owners complain that the screen goes black when they try to reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11491748
“Failure of backup camera wire harness at tail gate hinge area. 2018 Ridgeline at approx 26,000 miles, light duty use. Backup camera became intermittent, then failed. Dealership service said harness has failed, no kidding”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459517
“The wiring harness that supports the backup camera on my 2018 Honda Ridgeline has cracked and I suspect broken wires in that harness is the reason that the backup camera does not work any longer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417394

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Connecting rod bearing failure causing engine seizure

ENGINE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2022-04 → 2026-05

“Truck only has 40,500 miles. Was driving down road and made a clunk noise and engine seized up and wouldn't start. There were no warning signs. I had it towed to Honda dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722952
“On Approximately February 10, 2022 I hit a deer and sent my truck out for repair, I encountered a serious issue with my vehicle's engine, which was later diagnosed by Honda as a rod bearing failure which was not related to the accident which meant insurance wouldnt cover”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566865
“In July of 2023, on my way home from a 3 hour. trip, the engine light started flashing on and off and the engine would not exceed 30 mph. Just after my 2018 Honda Ridgeline's warranty expired, it had a catastrophic engine failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634662

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Recall repair parts backordered for fuel pump and camera

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

17 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2025-01

“The referenced Recall for my Honda Ridgeline indicates that the fuel pump is suspect for an inadequate impeller and a possible safety problem. I have been awaiting this replacement part at least 8 months and the original recall has a date of December 18, 2023”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639708
“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that the rear-view camera screen displayed a black image when the vehicle was shifted into reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512857
“The fuel pump recall was issued in December 2023 and it still hasn't been repaired. It is almost a year later and when I have tried to contact the dealer and the company about the status of the recall, I don't get a response”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622887

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Capless fuel filler neck ice and water intrusion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2025-02

“WATER ENTERS BETWEEN THE TWO FLAPS ON THE CAPLESS FUEL FILLER. IF TEMPERATURES ARE BELOW FREEZING THE OUTER FLAP WILL FREEZE. HAPPENS WHEN IT IS RAINING OR GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH. YOU CAN SIT THERE AND PUSH IN THE OUTER FLAP AND SEE WATER STREAMING OUT OF IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11088970
“WATER COLLECTS BEHIND CAPLESS FUEL FILLER FLAPPER AND IN COLD TEMPERATURES, AN ICE PLUG FORMS BEHIND FLAPPER. ICE PLUG PREVENTS OPENING FLAPPER TO INSERT GAS NOZZLE AND AND INABILITY TO REFUEL VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057271
“I went to fill my vehicle with gasoline on 02/06/2025. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline has a capless fuel system to enter fuel into the vehicle and there are two flaps that the gasoline nozzle is required to open”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642815

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Automatic transmission judder and rough shifting

POWER TRAIN

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2026-05

“The truck has a hard/rough shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear in an automatic transmission. No dash light indicating anything wrong with the engine or the transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678753
“The power train vibrates at certain speeds (Between 23mph to 37mph) as if it doesn't know which gear it should be in. It seems like it's in a higher gear when it's at a low speed. Additionally, sometimes when at highway speed I'll get a "transmission problem" warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11610181
“I HAD A TRANS LITE ON THE DASH AND OVERHEATING ISSUES IN THE (6 SPEED) TRANSMISSION AT ABOUT 61000 MILES. THE ISSUE STARTED WITH A JUDDERING VIBRATION THAT WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER AT 39000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11322043

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Keyless access control unit and alarm malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2025-06

“KEYLESS ACCESS CONTROL UNIT PART NUMBER: 38320-T6Z-A31 The vehicle headlights came on and dash lights flashed on and off. The alarm would also go off and on. This causes the battery to drain as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666066
“1. Vehicle when locked arms the car alarm. When armed the car alarm is randomly and intermittently going off, and dash lights light up exactly like the system is ready to start. Vehicle is available for inspection”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595856
“The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was not being driven, the vehicle remained running, causing the battery to drain. The contact had the vehicle jumpstarted; however, the battery failure recurred”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588724

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood flutter and lift at highway speed

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2023-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HONDA RIDGELINE. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HOOD RAISED APPROXIMATELY TWO INCHES. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE HOOD TO ASSURE IT WAS LATCHED PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11075831
“The hood flops in the wind, like a 2 foot long piece of aluminum foil. It's because the glue holding the composite skin to the metal frame has come loose. I'm sure over time, the stress from the wind will cause the composite material to break completely from the hood”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561011
“Excessive hood vibration/fluttering at varying speeds (30-70 MPH)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445184

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

5 crashes 2010–2024

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

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

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2018 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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