2018 Honda Ridgeline: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Early second-gen Ridgeline with the connecting rod-bearing engine recall, a low-pressure fuel-pump recall and a backup-camera wiring-harness defect at the tailgate. A comfortable, versatile truck, but insist on proof the engine and fuel recalls were performed. 6 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline ranged from $29,730 to $43,220 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Early second-gen Ridgeline with the connecting rod-bearing engine recall, a low-pressure fuel-pump recall and a backup-camera wiring-harness defect at the tailgate. A comfortable, versatile truck, but insist on proof the engine and fuel recalls were performed.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=ridgeli…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/ridgeline
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-and-worst-years-for-honda-ridgeline/
Known issues
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Connecting rod-bearing failure causing engine knock and seizure on the 3.5L V6
commonly reported · 85 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–155k miles · engine
-
Low-pressure fuel-pump failure causing stalling, addressed by a recall
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 25k–115k miles · fuel
-
9-speed automatic transmission hard shifting, judder and hesitation, mainly on 2017-2019 trucks
commonly reported · 50 NHTSA complaints · typically 35k–120k miles · transmission
-
Auto idle-stop system can fail to restart the engine, stranding the vehicle
occasional · 19 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Fuel-injector failures triggering check-engine and emissions warnings
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–75k miles · fuel
-
Backup-camera wiring harness breaks at the tailgate hinge from normal use
commonly reported · 40 NHTSA complaints · typically 26k–102k miles · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=ridgeli…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=ridgeli…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=ridgeli…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=honda&model=ridgeli…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy, high-quality crew cab with a flat, usable rear floor
- Smooth 280-hp 3.5L V6 with strong real-world fuel economy for a pickup
- Car-like unibody ride and handling, widely rated the most comfortable midsize truck to drive
- Lockable in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate give it class-unique cargo versatility
- Strong resale value and a reputation for going past 200,000 miles
Cons
- Lower tow and payload than body-on-frame rivals, with no low-range gearing
- Within the connecting rod-bearing engine recall window, confirm the repair was done
- 9-speed automatic can shift harshly or judder, mostly on 2017-2019 trucks
- Low-pressure fuel-pump recall and backup-camera harness defect affect these years
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RT | $29,730 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sport | $33,270 | $40,795 | — | — |
| RTL | $34,030 | $43,595 | — | — |
| RTL-T | $36,180 | discontinued | — | — |
| RTL-E | $41,720 | discontinued | — | — |
| Black Edition | $43,220 | $47,395 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-honda-ridgeline-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-ridgeline-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($29,730). Higher trims started higher (up to $43,220), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/honda-ridgeline/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/honda/ridgeline
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/honda-ridgeline-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Honda Ridgeline have?
Documented issue patterns include: Connecting rod-bearing failure causing engine knock and seizure on the 3.5L V6; Low-pressure fuel-pump failure causing stalling, addressed by a recall; 9-speed automatic transmission hard shifting, judder and hesitation, mainly on 2017-2019 trucks; Auto idle-stop system can fail to restart the engine, stranding the vehicle. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Honda Ridgeline reliable?
Early second-gen Ridgeline with the connecting rod-bearing engine recall, a low-pressure fuel-pump recall and a backup-camera wiring-harness defect at the tailgate. A comfortable, versatile truck, but insist on proof the engine and fuel recalls were performed.
How much did the 2018 Honda Ridgeline cost new?
Between $29,730 and $43,220 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Honda Ridgeline expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.