Which Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)
The Honda Ridgeline is a newer model line, so there is less to discuss when it comes to its true issues and flaws. Some of the initial Ridgeline buyers are still driving their original Ridgelines, even though this model vehicle has only been out since roughly 2006.
Even new cars can have awful releases, and there are some Honda Ridgeline years to avoid if you want the finest a compact truck has to offer.
However, some of the models to be specific 2006, 2017, 2008 and 2007 Honda Ridgelines are the worst years manufactured to date.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at what customers have to say about the Honda Ridgeline and which Honda Ridgeline years to avoid, and why.
Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid (List of Years)
Following a list of the Honda Ridgeline models with the most issues, I’ll discuss some of the most talked about issues with this truck and how significant they are for drivers.
- 2006 Honda Ridgeline
- 2007 Honda Ridgeline
- 2008 Honda Ridgeline
- 2017 Honda Ridgeline
In terms of performance and customer complaints, 2006 was by far the worst year for Ridgeline. Then 2017 has the most complaints and then 2007 and 2008 respectively.
What Makes These Honda Ridgeline Years Worth Avoiding?
When it comes to cars that have been on the market for less than a decade, the list of issues is a little shorter than when it comes to cars that have been around for decades. However, certain Ridgeline models have major problems, so know what you’re getting into before you buy.
I will be talking about the problems every year.
2006 Honda Ridgeline problems:
The 2006 Honda Ridgeline has the most complaints among the years in the list I have mentioned earlier.
Engine problems are the most frightening problem this year. Some reportedly say they have the check engine light on very often. And one of the main reasons for cutting the 2006 Honda Ridgeline off is bad #4 cylinders.
Repairing would cost around $3000 and mechanics cost excluded.
2007 Honda Ridgeline problems:
2007 Honda Ridgeline has some minor problems that are not very costly to repair.
Body paint problems and some sort of engine problems are very common with the 2007 year model.
Some reported they had interior accessories problems including D drive indicator blinking, electrical odometer fading out, and more.
2008 Honda Ridgeline problems:
2007 and 2008 share the same painting problems. The 2008 Honda Ridgeline got 11 complaints at carcomplaints.com for the painting issue.
AC and Heater’s problem is another most talked about issue for this year’s model. The Ac fan does not work properly and the AC doesn’t turn on in the 2008 Honda Ridgeline.
Fixing the AC unit will cost you around $2500.
2017 Honda Ridgeline problems:
Electrical problems, Fuel system problems, and interior accessories problems are the most reported issues of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline.
Multiple warning lights get on very often and dash lights keep flashing according to the complaints.
The fuel injector fails and problems with the cap-less gas filter are the problems with the fuel system. This problem starts coming out when you hit the Honda Ridgeline about 50k miles.
The fuel issues will make you suffer a lot and fixing these won’t come cheap.
These will cost you around $2500.
Most Common Problems of Honda Ridgeline
Here I will be talking about the collected most common problems of Honda Ridgeline.
1. When #4 Cylinders start going wrong
The #4 Cylinder failing is a major issue that can have a significant impact on overall engine performance, but it’s also a fixable issue if caught early and examined by a trained mechanic.
This problem appears at 100k miles and is most common in the 2006 model.
After this problem, mechanics may choose to rebuild the engine, but it’s also typical to replace the engine.
2. Fuel Injectors That Have Failed
Faulty fuel injectors create another major issue, which is widespread in the 2017 Ridgeline. If you don’t catch the problem early enough, it will have major consequences for engine performance and overall health.
Fortunately, broken fuel injectors nearly always result in a maintenance code, making it quite simple to resolve the issue.
The issue is that this can be a costly issue, and some 2017 Ridgeline owners are reporting it happening soon after they purchase the vehicle.
Fuel injectors can fail as early as 50k miles.
3. Problems with the A/C and Heater
Thankfully, the Honda Ridgeline’s final typical problem isn’t as bad as the other two. The heater or air conditioning system in some Ridgeline vehicles fails to turn on when it should.
This issue is primarily about driver comfort in the cab, and some drivers may choose to ignore it entirely, especially if they were planning to upgrade soon anyway.
With the mechanic’s cost fixing the whole AC and Heater unit will cost you around $2500.
This issue is most common in the 2008 Ridgeline, but can also occur in any model from that period.
Which Years are Safe to Buy to Use?
There are a lot of choices when it comes to the greatest Honda Ridgeline years.
- 2009 Honda Ridgeline
- 2010 Honda Ridgeline
- 2011 Honda Ridgeline
- 2012 Honda Ridgeline
- 2013 Honda Ridgeline
- 2014 Honda Ridgeline
- 2018 Honda Ridgeline
- 2019 Honda Ridgeline
- 2020 Honda Ridgeline
It can be noticed that most Honda Ridgeline model years are solid choices, and they outnumber the Honda Ridgeline model years avoided by a large margin.
According to Carstuff.com 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 are some of the best Ridgelines among the vehicles I have mentioned.
If you’re shopping for a used Ridgeline, I recommend the 2018 version.
Conclusion
I’ve talked about the worst years, as I’ll as some of the most significant issues that customers have brought up over time. I’ve also discussed some of the most memorable years that money can buy.
These choices are terrific used Honda Ridgeline possibilities for anyone looking to invest in a Ridgeline and sail above the terrible years. The 2018 Honda Ridgeline is by far the best year you can buy without any doubt.
I hope you find this post helpful in your search for a new favorite car.
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