Service Bulletin - (Repair Procedure and Parts Information Revision) In salt-belt states where de-icing agents are used to maintain the roadway, the de-icing agents, along with mud and dirt, could accumulate along the rear frame where the fuel tank is mounted. Over time, the accumulated de-icing agents/mud/dirt mixture could cause the fuel tank band mounts to corrode and separate from the frame. If this occurs, an unsecured fuel tank can become damaged from undercarriage impact, which can possibly result in fuel leakage. Inspect the rear frame for rust and corrosion, if needed, install the kit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Honda Ridgeline body problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 22 body complaints filed for the 2007 Honda Ridgeline, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 14 model years of Honda Ridgeline in our records for body problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Ridgeline shows two major structural problems. Rear frame and subframe corrosion dominates the complaints. Owners report severe rust affecting fuel tank support, suspension mounting, and frame rails—sometimes so bad the vehicle becomes unsafe to drive or cannot be lifted for service. Corrosion appears at mileages as low as 98,000–120,000 miles on vehicles with no flood history. Honda issued recall 22V430000 in 2022 to address this, but the remedy has proven inadequate for many vehicles. Dealers lack replacement parts and cannot complete repairs; several owners report the manufacturer exceeded reasonable timelines and declared their vehicles unrepairable.
The third brake light panel detaches at highway speeds (60+ mph), ripping off entirely in some cases and becoming loose in others before failure, producing whistling and thumping noises. This happens repeatedly on the same vehicles.
Other body issues reported include in-bed trunk that cannot be opened and driver's side door handle failure. One owner reports brake and accelerator pedal positioning allows simultaneous throttle application while braking.
Same Honda Ridgeline body reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Third brake light panel detachment
Third brake light panel (roof-mounted) detaches or becomes loose at highway speeds, causing whistling and thumping noises before failure. Panel has ripped off entirely multiple times on individual vehicles.
When: Occurs at speeds above 60 MPH, typically 65 MPH on expressway; reported as recurring issue on same vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Panel rips off entirely; Whistling noises above 60 MPH; Thumping sounds above 60 MPH; Panel becomes detached while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement of retaining clips and brake light panel assembly; owner reports dealership initially repaired at no charge, later refused warranty coverage on repeat occurrences
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Corporate referral to alternate dealer for repair; dealership covered replacement of parts on second occurrence; third occurrence in one year under investigation by second dealer
Rear frame/subframe corrosion and structural failure
Severe rust and corrosion of rear frame and rear subframe, including fuel tank support structure and suspension mounting points. Corrosion causes structural failure of fuel tank straps, frame rails, and suspension components. Multiple vehicles reported at mileages as low as 98,000-120,000 miles despite no flood history.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 98,000 to 192,000 miles; one vehicle noted corrosion discovered during recall inspection at 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rust and corrosion of rear frame and subframe; Fuel tank support straps torn from frame; Fuel tank detachment or loss of support; Visible holes in frame near jacking points; Rear suspension components rusted and unsafe; Frame rust 'barely in one piece' in severe cases; Abnormal humming sound while driving (45 MPH)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealers unable to complete repair due to extent of corrosion; frame damage deemed unrepairable on at least one vehicle; recall remedy (NHTSA 22V430000) inadequate for severe corrosion; spray and seal treatment reportedly insufficient; rear subframe replacement needed but parts unavailable; one vehicle towed; another declared non-drivable by mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall Campaign 22V430000 (Structure) issued; remedy proved inadequate for corrosion extent in many cases; parts distribution disconnect—repair parts unavailable at dealers for extended periods; manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeline for recall completion; at least one vehicle declared unrepairable and manufacturer closed case; possible repurchase offered in at least one case
In-bed trunk latch failure
In-bed trunk cannot be opened by normal means. No emergency release mechanism or solution available from dealer or manufacturer. Owner forced to cut 4x4 inch hole in trunk to access contents.
When: Occurring on stationary vehicle; timing unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk will not open using interior release; No known way to open trunk without destruction
Repairs/costs cited: Owner cut 4x4 inch hole in trunk to open; dealer and Honda provided no solution or repair assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda offered no help or solution
Driver's side door interior handle failure
Driver's side door fails to open when using interior door handle.
When: At 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Interior door handle non-functional; Door cannot be opened from inside
Repairs/costs cited: Technician unable to diagnose failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no action taken
Brake and accelerator pedal positioning
Brake and accelerator pedals positioned such that simultaneous application is possible, creating confusion and safety risk.
When: Inherent design issue
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle can be applied while braking due to pedal position; Operator confusion and poor pedal feel
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Frame Has rusted out so bad Walmart says it can’t be put on lift to rotate tires. Not yet reported to dealer or inspected by dealer. This is a recall problem but my vehicle was not included. It was previously registered in North Carolina and Tennessee where salt is used on roads.
Due to brake and accelerator pedal height and position it is possible to be applying engine throttle at the time of braking. I'm not sure which will win out but it is a bad feeling. No accidents at this time. *tr
The contact owns a 2007 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution…
The contact's husband owns a 2007 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V430000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount…
I took my vehicle to get recall inspection/repaired on August 22, 2022 @ Honda dealership locally. I was told by the technician that they did the hammer test for the recall after initially speaking to the technician 20 minutes prior to call that stated to pick up vehicle and that all is good because it passed inspection for the recall. My vehicle is definitely is affected by the recall to the…
Had body trouble with your 2007 Honda Ridgeline?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2007 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 77,000 and 170,000 miles, with the median around 120,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 77,000; a quarter make it past 170,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Honda/Ridgeline.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.