Only 2 Honda Ridgeline Model Years Aren’t Recommended by Consumer Reports
The Honda Ridgeline is a unique, unibody pickup truck that has risen to the top of its class. It’s known for blending a smooth and upscale driving experience. However, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline gets marketed more heavily toward the utility side of things. It now has standard AWD and refreshed rugged styling. This is one of the best pickup trucks to buy whether new or used. That said, there are actually two Honda Ridgeline model years that aren’t recommended by Consumer Reports.
Whether you are buying this Honda pickup truck new or used, it’s smart to do a little research before spending the money. If you are shopping for a used Ridgeline, then you may want to just go ahead and avoid these two model years. Consumer Reports actually recommends every other Honda Ridgeline model year.
When did the Honda Ridgeline come out?
This Honda pickup truck was first release for the 2006 model year. Even back then, it was a little misunderstood. A boxy, compact pickup produced by Honda either fit perfectly into some households. But it also polarized others.
In that first generation, Consumer Reports recommended every single Honda Ridgeline model year. That means from 2006 to 2014, the Honda Ridgeline is considered a great truck worth the money. Whether bought back when they were new or used in more recent years, owners are typically pretty happy with their choice to go Ridgeline. This is a comfortable truck with a nice V6 engine and plenty of capability for general weekender purposes.
Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend these 2 Honda Ridgeline model years
It turns out there are a couple of newer model years that aren’t recommended by Consumer Reports. We don’t necessarily think that means these model years are bad trucks. However, it does mean that out of 14 Honda Ridgeline model years there are only two not recommended.
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline and 2017 Honda Ridgeline model years both fell behind. These two models have the lowest reliability scores of all the Honda pickup truck model years. That said, they still earned average scores––only as low as 3 out of 5. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline actually won North American Truck of the Year. But apparently it didn’t impress everyone.
This likely had much to do with the fresh redesign. Often, a new generation will need a year or two to come into its own. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline and the 2017 Honda Ridgeline are both the lowest ranked Honda pickup trucks in a group full of high ratings.
For the 2018 Honda Ridgeline, there are 3 recalls. Plus the reliability rating for the fuel system is only a 1 out of 5, so that is definitely a common problem area. The 2017 Honda Ridgeline also has 3 NHTSA recalls. Problem areas for this truck include both fuel system reliability and the transmission minor.
A used Honda pickup truck
If you are thinking about buying this Honda pickup used, the 2017 and 2018 model years aren’t necessarily deal breakers. However, given that they are the only years faulted so low for reliability it might prove wiser to skip those for one of the recommended model year options instead.
Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Honda Ridgeline with a 4 out of 5 reliability score. It’s No. 1 among the smaller pickup truck class. However, buying a used truck is also a great option if you like what the Honda Ridgeline has to offer. Now you know about the potential frustrations owners have with the 2018 Honda Ridgeline and the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. While the issues don’t exactly have to be a deal breaker, every other option scored higher and is actually recommended by Consumer Reports.
