2018 Honda Ridgeline Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 model year · 375+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 375+ owner reports, the 2018 Honda Ridgeline has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) ($0-$1,200 repair) and Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking ($0-$600 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) with 180 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $1,900. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

180 owners

On the 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline, nHTSA recall 23V-858 affects 2.5+ million Honda and Acura vehicles including 2017-2020 Ridgelines. The Denso-branded fuel pump impeller was improperly molded with low-density material that deforms over time and interferes with the fuel pump body. Pump becomes inoperative, causing difficulty starting, engine stalling while driving (safety hazard), or complete no-start. This is an expansion of earlier recalls 20V-314 and 21V-215. Remedy parts were delayed causing extended wait times until Fall 2024.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus IS

Common Symptoms

Engine warning light illuminated
Difficulty starting engine
Engine stalling while driving (safety hazard)
Sudden loss of power or acceleration
Engine cranks but won't start
P0087 code (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low)

How to Fix

Check Honda recall website with VIN at owners.honda.com. Contact Honda customer service: 1-888-234-2138. Schedule dealer appointment for FREE fuel pump module replacement. Confirm parts are in stock before scheduling (critical - parts were severely delayed). Keep fuel tank above 1/2 full as workaround until repair. Out-of-pocket replacement: $600-$1,200. Under recall: FREE.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteCheck recall status with VIN immediately - this is a critical safety issue that can cause stalling while driving
TipKeep fuel tank above 1/2 full while waiting for recall repair - reduces stalling risk by maintaining fuel pressure
TipParts availability was severely delayed through Fall 2024 - call dealership to confirm parts in stock before scheduling appointment
NoteIf engine stalls while driving, safely pull over immediately and call for tow truck - do not make unnecessary trips
TipOwners who paid out-of-pocket may be eligible for reimbursement per recall plan - keep all receipts
UpgradeDelphi fuel pump module — OE-quality direct replacement (Delphi Fuel Pump Module)
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UpgradeBosch fuel pump — reliable OEM alternative (Bosch Fuel Pump)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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180+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence180 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

85 owners

On the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline, honda Sensing collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) gives false alarms and phantom braking, particularly during left-hand turns through intersections with opposite traffic, and on windy roads. The forward collision warning also fails to alert in actual collision scenarios. NHTSA investigation EA21-005 covers 2017-2022 models (focus on Accord/CR-V but Ridgeline also affected). ODI received 1,294 consumer complaints regarding unexpected AEB activation, with data indicating 47 crashes and 93 injuries potentially linked to phantom braking. Honda attributed some issues to radar positioning.

Common Symptoms

Sudden automatic braking when no obstacle present (phantom braking)
False collision warnings during turns
Braking triggered on windy roads
System brakes when turning left through intersection
Forward collision warning fails when actual collision imminent
Inconsistent system behavior
Unexpected deceleration in traffic

How to Fix

Contact Honda dealer for radar re-calibration/repositioning (available free under warranty). Honda software updates address some phantom braking scenarios. Radar sensors may need replacement if defective: $400-$600. Full Honda Sensing system recalibration: $200-$400 labor. Some owners disable system via infotainment menu if persistent issues (reduces safety features).

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 85+ owners who fixed this issue

TipMany owners reported phantom braking on Ridgeline forums - request radar re-calibration at dealer as this has resolved many reported cases
TipDon't dismiss false braking as driver error - issue is real and documented in 1,294+ NHTSA complaints with 47 crashes
TipDocument phantom braking incidents with location, weather, and driving conditions for warranty claim support
TipSoftware updates released - ensure dealer updates your vehicle to latest Honda Sensing version to reduce phantom braking
NoteWindy weather and left turns through intersections are known trigger scenarios - be prepared for unexpected braking
TipNHTSA investigation EA21-005 ongoing - stay updated on future TSBs or recalls that may be issued
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

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85+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence85 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

110 owners

On the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline, center console infotainment touchscreen goes completely black or becomes unresponsive on 2017-2023 models. System may enter infinite shutdown loop draining battery overnight. Software glitches across all model years and loose fuse connections cause complete audio/navigation system failure. Class action lawsuit (2019) alleged multiple defects including crashes, freezes, failure to start/shut down, and failure to connect to smart devices. Honda issued multiple TSBs starting November 2017, but plaintiffs claimed Honda unable to fix defects across multiple service attempts.

Common Symptoms

Center touchscreen completely black with no display
Touchscreen frozen or unresponsive to touch
Infinite reboot loop while parked
Loss of radio, navigation, and climate controls
Battery drain when vehicle is off
System crash during use
Wireless connectivity failures

How to Fix

Check fuse box for loose fuse controlling infotainment - reseat if loose (common fix). Perform hard reset: hold power button 10 seconds or disconnect battery 10 minutes. Visit Honda dealer for software update (free under warranty) - TSB updates available. Persistent issues may need complete infotainment unit replacement: factory replacement $800-$1,500 + labor $200-$400 = total $1,000-$1,900. Aftermarket head unit option: $400-$800.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 110+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCheck for loose fuse before assuming unit failure - very common and free fix that solves many black screen issues
TipHard reset sometimes resolves temporary glitches - try before dealer appointment (hold power 10 seconds or disconnect battery)
TipRequest Honda dealer TSB software update - free under warranty and resolves many issues without hardware replacement
TipDocument all system failures with photos/videos for warranty support - helps escalate case to Honda corporate if needed
NoteIf screen drains battery overnight, disconnect infotainment fuse until dealer repair to avoid being stranded with dead battery
TipMultiple service attempts by dealer common - may require escalation to Honda corporate for persistent issues beyond dealer capability
UpgradeHigh-performance AGM battery with excellent cold cranking amps and deep cycle capability (Optima RedTop AGM Battery)
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UpgradeOEM-quality replacement battery with reliable performance (ACDelco Professional AGM Battery)
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UpgradeAutomatic battery maintainer to prevent parasitic drain issues during storage (Battery Tender Junior 12V Battery Charger Maintainer)
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UpgradeProfessional OBD-II diagnostic scanner for reading infotainment and body module codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
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UpgradeAutomotive relay replacement set for common relay failures (Bosch Automotive Relay 5-Pin 12V)
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UpgradeDigital multimeter for diagnosing fuse, relay, and module electrical faults (Innova Digital Multimeter)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,900

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110+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence110 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 375+ owner reports, the 2018-2018 Honda Ridgeline has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858), Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking, Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

The 2018-2018 Honda Ridgeline has 3 known issues documented across 375+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858) and Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Repair costs for known Honda Ridgeline issues range from $0 to $1,900, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858), typically costs $0-$1,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)?

NHTSA recall 23V-858 affects 2.5+ million Honda and Acura vehicles including 2017-2020 Ridgelines. The Denso-branded fuel pump impeller was improperly molded with low-density material that deforms over time and interferes with the fuel pump body. Pump becomes inoperative, causing… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking?

Honda Sensing collision mitigation braking system (CMBS) gives false alarms and phantom braking, particularly during left-hand turns through intersections with opposite traffic, and on windy roads. The forward collision warning also fails to alert in actual collision scenarios. N… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure?

Center console infotainment touchscreen goes completely black or becomes unresponsive on 2017-2023 models. System may enter infinite shutdown loop draining battery overnight. Software glitches across all model years and loose fuse connections cause complete audio/navigation syste… Repairs typically run $0-$1,900. Severity: medium.

2018 Honda Ridgeline Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline: Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline: Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline: Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Honda Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Honda Ridgeline problems?

Is the Honda Ridgeline reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Honda Ridgeline problems?

What is the 2017-2020 Honda Ridgeline Fuel Pump Failure Recall (NHTSA 23V-858)?

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Honda Sensing - Collision Mitigation False Braking?

What is the 2017-2023 Honda Ridgeline Infotainment Touchscreen Black Screen and System Failure?