2009 Honda Ridgeline: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Honda Ridgeline has 35 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and structure. Owners most often flag transmission problems (2017-2019 6-speed) — rough shifting, clunking, requiring premature fluid changes or flushes as early as 35,000 miles, significant reliability concerns. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

35
Owner complaints
9
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
21
structure
3
tires
3
fuel/propulsion system
2
steering
2

Recalls affecting the 2009 Ridgeline

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V182000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 20…

vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal

Campaign 19E068000

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord,…

air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module

Campaign 19V501000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-20…

air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module

Campaign 19V500000

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2…

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment overall. The Ridgeline is consistently praised for its superior ride quality, handling, and daily driving comfort, attributed to its unibody construction and independent rear suspension which make it feel more like a car or SUV than

  • Transmission problems (2017-2019 6-speed) — rough shifting, clunking, requiring premature fluid changes or flushes as early as 35,000 miles, significant reliability concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Poor driver-assist system implementation — auto high beams described as "unusable" (cycling on/off erratically), radar cruise control described as "jerky" in traffic, lane-keeping assist ineffective on back roads. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Transmission behavior (9-speed) — described as "lazy" or unrefined with paddle shifters, can get warm under heavy load. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Build quality/assembly issues — misaligned body panels (bumper, bed trunk lid), defective weather stripping, leaking rear sliding window, fuel smell in cabin or garage potentially linked to EVAP or capless fuel system. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Dated/inferior technology — lack of speed limit sign recognition, steeply angled infotainment screen prone to scratches and glare, infotainment system lagging behind competitors. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Ridgeline.

Typical used price

Used Ridgeline listings typically run $39,973–$43,842 across 2011 to 2026 model years.

Other Ridgeline model years

2021 Ridgeline2019 Ridgeline2017 Ridgeline
Full Honda Ridgeline owner reportCompare against another car