PROBLEM GUIDE

2006–2014 Honda Ridgeline Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated August 2026

160

complaints filed

2006–2014

Model years affected

$4,000 – $7,500+

Typical repair cost, by problem

Extensive rust affecting structural integrity, particularly the rear subframe and frame rails, is the dominant problem for this generation — one owner reports being told a shop "can't be put on lift to rotate tires" because the frame is too rusted. Coolant also contaminates the transmission fluid due to dissimilar-metal corrosion at the transmission cooler fittings. The same defect is reported on trucks and SUVs from other manufacturers.

Quick Scan: 14 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Frame / subframe rust — recall remedy reported inadequate

Rear subframe and frame rails rusted through, so severe a shop refused to lift the vehicle

Check engine light: Off

Extensive rust affecting structural integrity, particularly the rear subframe and frame rails, severe enough that one owner reports a shop refused to put the truck on a lift to rotate tires. Covered under Recall Campaign 22V430000, but complaints describe this remedy as proving inadequate for severely affected vehicles. Similar frame rust is also reported on the Honda Pilot — suggesting a shared Honda-platform corrosion vulnerability, not just an isolated Pilot issue.

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Transmission/radiator coolant contamination

Coolant mixes with transmission fluid, transmission destruction around 125,000-210,000 mi

Check engine light: On

Coolant mixes with transmission fluid inside the radiator due to dissimilar-metal corrosion at the transmission cooler fittings, destroying transmissions and requiring $4,000+ repairs. The same failure is reported on the Nissan Pathfinder, Xterra, Frontier, and Titan, and on the Ford F-150, so it is not specific to one automaker.

$4,000+ for full transmission replacement (some cases $2,000-$2,300 for the cooler-fitting repair itself)125,000 – 210,000 mi

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Fuel tank strap corrosion

Rusted brackets fail, tank detaches or strikes the driveshaft

Check engine light: Off

Rusted fuel tank support brackets fail, causing the tank to detach or strike the driveshaft; multiple reports describe loose fuel tank straps and dangerous fuel tank positioning during normal operation.

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Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering

Glass shatters while driving; one case resulted in a laceration

Check engine light: Off

Spontaneous sunroof glass shattering while driving. One of the 160 sampled complaints describes an injury: a laceration from the shattered glass.

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Engine issues, including spark plug ejection

Spark plugs eject at highway speeds, oil consumption, complete engine failure

Check engine light: On

Spark plug ejection at highway speeds is reported, alongside excessive oil consumption and complete engine failures. Spark plug ejection is also reported on the Honda Fit — a possible Honda-corporate-wide spark plug retention issue spanning very different platforms (compact car and mid-size truck).

$7,500+ for a full engine replacement in the most severe casesas documented at 130,500 mi

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Third brake light detachment and brake issues

Panel detaches at highway speeds, spongy brakes, hard shifting

Check engine light: Off

Third brake light panels detaching at highway speeds; separately, transmission hard shifting and spongy brakes reported, along with door lock failures.

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Software Update Will Fix Problem When Shifting Into Fourth Gear

Software update fixes a problem when shifting into fourth gear

Check engine light: Off

Software update fixes a problem when shifting into fourth gear. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 35 owner reports on file.

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Tailgate Will Not Open Because Sensor Rod Is Too Long

Tailgate will not open because the sensor rod is too long

Check engine light: Off

Tailgate will not open because the sensor rod is too long. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 31 owner reports on file.

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Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown

Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown

Check engine light: Off

Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 21 owner reports on file.

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Poor Connection in Antenna Harness May Cause Static When Going Over Bumps

Poor connection in the antenna harness causes static when going over bumps

Check engine light: Off

Poor connection in the antenna harness causes static when going over bumps. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 19 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing

Check engine and D4 lights flash

Check engine light: On

Check engine and D4 lights flash. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.

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Shim to Correct Chirping Timing Belt

A shim corrects a chirping timing belt

Check engine light: Off

A shim corrects a chirping timing belt. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.

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Engine Idle Speed Is Erratic or Engine Stalls

Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls

Check engine light: Off

Engine idle speed is erratic, or the engine stalls. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting

Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting

Check engine light: On

Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a confirmed frame/subframe corrosion recall (Campaign 22V430000) — though the remedy is reported as inadequate for the most severely affected trucks — and a confirmed Takata airbag recall (Campaigns 16V061000, 16V344000) with widely reported parts-unavailability delays of 6+ months. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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