The best Honda Ridgeline years skirt frustrating flaws (2024)

Honda introduced the four-door Ridgeline in 2006 as a midsize truck market disrupter – and disrupt it did. Built on a reinforced Pilot SUV frame, the first-gen took Honda’s popular 3.5L V6 engine and landed as Consumer Reports’ highest-rated tester in its class that year.

The introductory Ridgeline ran for nine years and underwent two facelifts before production paused. I drove a 2006 and then a 2007 over a couple of years while I worked at a local shop, and absolutely loved them. The second-gen pickup launched in 2017 using Honda’s “rigid 3-bone platform” and received another facelift in 2021. My family still drives several second-gen models today.

All told, the unibody pickup is a solid bet for many truck buyers. However, 17 model years in, the best Honda Ridgeline years to date avoid some storied issues.

Unfortunately, Gen 2 buyers hopping into 2017 to 2019 Ridgelines experienced a few difficult problems, mainly with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Lower trim levels didn’t have a heavy-duty transmission cooler standard on previous Ridgelines, either. To boot, until 2020, less expensive six-speed variants came in two-wheel-drive. Overall, the pre-facelift Gen 2 production run plagued owners with torque converter failure, fuel pump faults, and the risk of internal engine problems.

While the timing chain and fuel pump faults were resolved under recalls, the truck’s six-speed transmission remained arguably unaddressed by the automaker for some time. It wasn’t until August 2023 that the manufacturer announced an extended warranty on the 6AT torque converter. It’s now covered for eight years or 150,000 miles.

Honda owners used to the automaker’s stellar longevity are certainly flummoxed over the six-speed, with many resorting to frequent fluid exchanges in the hopes of pushing unit failure as far down the road as possible.

As such, our best Honda Ridgeline years side-step the six-speed transmission.

The Ridgeline’s first facelift appeared in 2009, touting 50 updates. Observable changes to the front end and taillight assemblies “better matched” the new Pilot’s styling. Interior UX updates were even more notable, with just about every screen and switch redesigned. A trailer hitch was added standard to all three trims available: RT, RTS, and RTL.

All still came with “Variable Torque Management” four-wheel-drive systems, coined VTM-4. A five-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty transmission cooler are also standard on the 2009. It has a 5,000-lb towing capacity. With both Gen 1 facelifts, you’ll notice the unorthodox, “hulky” body styling remains. Still, mid-late Gen 1s are undeniably some of the best Honda Ridgeline years, according to owners.

The 2009 has 34 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls. 34 is a relatively tiny number compared to, say, the 2017, which has a worrisome 249 complaints.

Of these 34 filings under the 2009, 21 involve airbag systems. Matching this, of its nine recalls, seven cover airbag system faults. The two other recalls involve frame corrosion, which can cause a fire hazard. In another, the accelerator pedal may bind. In 2019, Dorman offered to replace these pedals free of charge.

Due to its age at this point, buyers will want to ensure any 2009 they’re checking out is free of structural rust (which could be difficult) and touts proven regular maintenance, including recall absolution.

Honda offered its second facelift in 2012 via four trims: the RT, Sport, RTS, and RTL.

Incredibly, drivers of this model year only filed 23 complaints with the NHTSA. 14 of these were airbag system woes, including local dealers not having the recalled parts replacement yet. Otherwise, several folks expressed frustration about the third brake light garnish (above the truck bed) coming off.

Conversely, the 2012 has 12 posted recalls, more than other model years. However, keep in mind that nine of these campaigns are airbag recalls that should long be resolved. Of its three non-airbag recalls, two match the 2009’s frame corrosion and accelerator pedal issue. The third non-airbag recall was for incorrectly labeling the spare tire.

Overall, the low complaints and arguably few non-airbag recalls make 2012 one of the best Honda Ridgeline years.

It’s time to skip ahead past the troublesome six-speed transmission.

Starting in 2020, all Honda Ridgelines now have a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 facelift added desirable features, like a new front grille and bumper, updated LED headlights, and a revised infotainment system with a physical volume button. Most notably, AWD came standard across its four trims: Sport, RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition.

The 2021 won early awards and came highly rated by safety experts. By now, the model year has 62 NHTSA complaints. 10 involve the rearview camera, which is being addressed under a recall published in May of this year. While I’m admittedly concerned about some of the powertrain and engine feedback, owners haven’t had much to say about either system so far in 2024. The most recent complaints about the truck suddenly going into limp mode while driving are from last winter.

All told, the 2021 has one fewer complaint than the 2023. What’s more, it has about half the complaints filed against the 2020.

Based on our research, the mid-late Gen 1s and facelifted Gen 2s make for some of the best Honda Ridgeline years to date.