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2021 Honda Ridgeline

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Honda Ridgeline
Pictured: 2022 Honda Ridgeline Touring in Sonic Gray Pearl, front left, 2024-05-11. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Body styles
4dr Pickup
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Horsepower
280 hp
Transmission
9-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
Length
209.8 in
Curb weight
4,442 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2021 standard pickup truck (18.2 MPG).
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a standard pickup truck offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 210 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 125-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,442 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 15% better than the 2021 standard pickup truck average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Ridgeline — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Ridgeline →

Trims, performance & features

Engine280 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Transmission9-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SPORTRTL-EBLACK EDITIONRTL

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2021 Ridgeline configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Pickup209.8 in78.7 in70.9 in125.2 in66.1 / 66.5 in4,442 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Ridgeline AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S9)All-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21+15%$3,200441
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.2 MPG2021 Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Honda RIDGELINE PU/CC AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Honda Ridgeline (this car)21 MPG★★★★★7
2021 Ford F-15025 MPGNot rated29
2021 Toyota Tacoma21 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Ford Ranger23 MPGNot rated6
2021 Nissan Frontier20 MPGNot rated2
2021 Jeep Gladiator24 MPGNot rated8

Recalls (7)

Structure › Frame And Members · Jun 4, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V365000 · 965,561 vehicles

Problem
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Honda Pilot, 2017-2023 Ridgeline, 2019-2023 Passport, and 2014-2020 Acura MDX vehicles that were sold in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. The rear subframe may corrode at the suspension mounting points, which can result in rear suspension component failure.
Risk
Failure of rear suspension components, such as the rear control arm, can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the rear subframe and install a rear subframe reinforcement kit and, as necessary, repair or replace the rear subframe components, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in the fall of 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are AOU and AOT. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning June 10, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
Risk
Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · May 9, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V321000 · 187,290 vehicles

Problem
Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
Risk
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Jun 29, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V458000 · 124,077 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Risk
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Mar 16, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V174000 · 339,404 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Retractor · Nov 18, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V900000 · 4,346 vehicles

Problem
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Honda Ridgeline is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

102Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
3Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
22,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine29
Electrical System15
Exterior Lighting14
Unknown Or Other14
Power Train11
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking10
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 224/08: 124/09: 124/10: 224/11: 224/12: 225/01: 225/02: 125/03: 125/04: 125/05: 225/07: 225/08: 225/09: 425/10: 225/12: 126/01: 126/02: 326/04: 126/05: 226/07: 226/08: 426/09: 126/10: 124/0724/1025/0125/0425/0825/1226/0426/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Honda Ridgeline buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 15 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 14 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Ridgeline years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Ridgeline21210.2 inNot rated011
2025 Ridgeline21210.2 in★★★★★2102
2024 Ridgeline21210.2 in★★★★★172
2023 Ridgeline21210.2 in★★★★★5131
2022 Ridgeline21210.2 in★★★★★3118
2020 Ridgeline22209.8 in★★★★★8170
2019 Ridgeline22209.8 in★★★★★11238
2018 Ridgeline22209.8 in★★★★★7162
2017 Ridgeline22209.8 in★★★★★8347
2014 Ridgeline17206.7 inNot rated631
2013 Ridgeline17206.7 inNot rated745
2012 Ridgeline17206.7 inNot rated1124

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →