2006–2014 Honda Ridgeline common problems and fixes

Most complaints are about Takata air bag recalls, which cover every year, and trucks from road-salt states were recalled because the rear frame can rust where the fuel tank straps attach.

What owners should know

Covers 2006–2014 · 3.5L V6 · Updated 2026-10-05

The first Ridgeline is built more like an SUV than a typical pickup, with a unibody frame, a 3.5L V6, a 5-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (VTM-4) in every truck. Honda took a break after 2014 and came back with a new Ridgeline for 2017.

We counted 760 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2006–2014 Ridgelines (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once). We left out 3 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle. 2006 has the most (241), and later years have very few. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

Air bags are the most reported problem: about 315 complaints, mostly about the Takata inflator recalls.
Rear frame rust where the fuel tank straps attach, recalled in road-salt states.
Owners on forums mostly mention maintenance items: rear differential fluid, the timing belt and a whining power steering pump.

Air bags

About 315 complaints mention air bags, Takata or the inflators, mostly the Takata inflator recalls and waiting for parts. Every model year is covered by at least one Takata recall for the driver's or passenger's air bag, and some trucks were recalled more than once.

Frame rust

About 70 complaints mention rust or corrosion, 58 of them from 2006–2008 trucks. Honda recalled certain 2006–2014 trucks sold or ever registered in road-salt states because the rear frame can rust where the fuel tank mounting straps attach, letting the tank come loose (22V430000). Dealers inspect and repair the frame, and Honda may offer to buy back badly corroded trucks; on Ridgeline Owners Club, owners describe both.

Maintenance

Honda's owner's manual (2010 edition checked) calls for Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid in the rear differential, changed when the maintenance minder shows it, and more often for regular towing or slow mountain driving. On Ridgeline Owners Club, owners report old fluid making the rear end groan in tight turns. The timing belt is replaced when the maintenance minder calls for it, or every 60,000 miles for trucks that tow or see extreme temperatures. Owners also report a whining power steering pump; some say a new pump inlet O-ring fixed it.

Recalls to check

Heater blower wiring connector that can be kicked by the passenger and overheat on 2006–2007 trucks built January 17, 2005 to June 7, 2006 (10V001000)

Before you buy

Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN, especially the air bag and frame recalls.
Look at the frame above the fuel tank, especially on trucks from snowy states.
Ask when the timing belt and rear differential fluid were last changed.
Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (12)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

Takata air bag inflators
Dealer job
Signs: No symptoms until a crash: the inflator can rupture and throw metal pieces into the cab.
Fix: Free replacement under Honda's air bag recalls. Every model year is covered by at least one; some (16V344000 and 17V029000) apply only to trucks sold or registered in certain humid states, and later ones replace inflators that were themselves installed as earlier recall or service parts. Check the VIN, even if the truck was fixed before.
May be covered free by recall 16V344000 / 17V029000 / 19V182000 / 19V500000 / 19V501000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Rear frame rust at the fuel tank straps (road-salt states)
Dealer job
Signs: Heavy rust on the frame above the fuel tank; in the worst case the tank can come loose and leak fuel.
Fix: Honda's recall covers certain 2006–2014 trucks sold or ever registered in 22 road-salt states and Washington D.C.: dealers inspect and repair the rear frame as needed, and depending on the corrosion Honda may offer to repurchase the truck. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.
May be covered free by recall 22V430000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Rear differential (VTM-4) groans or shudders in tight turns
Easy DIY
Signs: A groaning, shuddering or binding feeling from the rear when turning sharply at low speed.
Fix: Old fluid is a common cause owners report, so a fluid change is the first step. Honda specifies Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid only, changed when the maintenance minder shows sub-item 6 (and at 7,500 miles, then every 15,000, for regular towing or slow mountain driving). Honda's manual says to have a dealer do it. If a fresh fluid change doesn't stop the noise, have a shop inspect the differential and drivetrain; that repair is a bigger job.
Shop: Honda VTM-4 Differential Fluid Shop: Ridgeline rear differential drain plug washer ▶ How-to videos
Timing belt is due
Hard DIY
Signs: No warning: the V6 uses a timing belt, and an old belt can snap and damage the engine.
Fix: Replace the timing belt (and inspect the water pump) when the maintenance minder shows sub-item 4, or every 60,000 miles if the truck regularly tows or sees very hot or very cold weather. Ask for receipts; without them, budget for it.
Shop: Ridgeline timing belt kit with water pump ▶ How-to videos

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →