Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is searching for certain 2017-2018 Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline with a customer complaint of the vehicle running rough or in low power mode with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on with one or more of the DTC listed below (in Qualifiers) stored. To better understand the cause of this condition, AHM would like to collect specific parts from the vehicle prior to you attempting a repair of any kind.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline have filed 49 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 33,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
49
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Ridgeline | 4 |
| 2017 Ridgeline | 83 |
| 2018 Ridgeline (this page) | 49 |
| 2019 Ridgeline | 29 |
| 2020 Ridgeline | 44 |
| 2021 Ridgeline | 13 |
| 2022 Ridgeline | 15 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 49 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Honda Ridgeline, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Electrical accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 49 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Service Bulletin - REVISION SUMMARY Under PARTS INFORMATION, the trim level was corrected. SYMPTOM The vehicleâs factory security system will sound off intermittently when the vehicle is parked, and the system is armed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service Bulletin - The Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (HFL) system freezes after a phone call, and the stored voice tags are missing when the ignition is turned to ON.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Service Bulletin - The PCM software may misinterpret sensor inputs as a deteriorated catalytic converter. Additionally, debris from the high pressure pump or the fuel injector machining process can cause internal wear or clogging inside one or more injectors. One or more of the following DTCs may be stored: - P0420 (rear bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 1]) - P0430 (front bank catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 2]) - P0300-P0306 (misfire) - P219A (air-fuel ratio variation of cylinder [bank 1, rear bank]) - P219B (air-fuel ratio variation of cylinder [bank 2, front bank]) American Honda is extending the warranty on these repairs to 10 years from the origina
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dealer Message - American Honda (AHM) is collecting a HEALTHY tailgate harness from certain 2017-2018 Ridgelines which fits the criteria listed below.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical complaints cluster around a few dominant failure modes. The tailgate wiring harness for the backup camera is the most pervasive issue: the plastic-covered wire bundle breaks or frays at the pivot point where the tailgate hinges, severing the camera circuit. Owners report this failure between 7,000 and 80,000 miles. The harness flexes repeatedly with normal tailgate opening and closing—Honda engineers a similar design into 2017 models, but 2020-and-later vehicles use a different part number with no reported failures. When replaced, dealers install the same defective part, costing $360–$833. Honda issued Service Bulletin 21-055 directing 2018–2019 owners to pay for replacement out of pocket; earlier model years (2016–2017) got extended warranty coverage under SB 20-117.
The keyless access unit fails intermittently, triggering unwanted alarm activation at night, draining the battery, and preventing key remotes from responding. The body control module handles window, light, horn, door, and brake circuits—when it fails, multiple systems malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported an unprovoked passenger-side airbag deployment at highway speed followed by failures across collision mitigation, road departure warning, and power steering. Owners also describe spontaneous window operation, unintended braking, horn malfunction in cold weather, and a defective hands-free microphone. Dealers frequently cannot replicate the problems during diagnostic visits, and Honda has issued no recalls for most failures despite multiple technical bulletins acknowledging the issues in earlier model years.
Same Honda Ridgeline electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Backup Camera Wiring Harness Failure
The tailgate wiring harness (part #32109-T6Z-A00) breaks or becomes severed at the pivot point where it flexes during repeated tailgate opening and closing. Wires fray, pinch, or sever completely, cutting power to the backup camera. Owners report the harness design is undersized and not adequately protected; the plastic covering splits, exposing bare wires. Some dealers acknowledge they are seeing numerous replacements and the part is on backorder. Design unchanged since 2017, yet 2020+ models use a different part number with no reported issues. Affected vehicles get replaced with the identical defective part.
When: Between 7,000 and 80,000 miles; typically occurs after 30,000+ miles or 3 years of ownership. Some failures occur within 2–3 weeks of purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display goes black or shows gray screen with grid lines only; Intermittent camera operation; works after restarting or reopening tailgate; Complete loss of rear camera view when in reverse; Broken or frayed wires visible at tailgate junction or pivot point; Exposed bare wires after protective covering splits
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement harness part #32109-T6Z-A00 costs $360–$833 including labor. Owners report dealers replacing the failed harness with the same defective part number. 2020+ models use updated part number with no reported failures. Some owners report dealer backorders for replacement harnesses.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda issued Service Bulletin 21-055 for 2018–2019 models directing dealers to check alarm registry and complete replacement at customer expense (unlike SB 20-117 for 2016–2017 models, which includes extended warranty coverage and manufacturer-funded repair). No recalls issued. Class action lawsuit filed.
Keyless Access Unit / Alarm System Malfunction
The keyless access control unit (part #38320-T6Z-A31) fails, causing intermittent or repeated unwanted alarm activation at night and loss of remote key response. The system produces electrical circuit noises, dashboard flashing, and battery drain. Some owners report the vehicle alarm arm/disarm function becomes unstable. Replacing batteries in key remotes does not resolve unresponsiveness. The issue has been documented across multiple model years (2016–2019), yet Honda applies different warranty treatment.
When: Between 22,000 and 44,000 miles; some failures occur shortly after battery replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm goes off intermittently or repeatedly throughout night with no trigger; Key remotes do not respond to commands even after battery replacement; Dashboard lights flash and electrical circuit noises occur; Keyless Start System Problem warning light illuminates; Battery drain when alarm activates repeatedly; Vehicle remains in running state while unattended, draining battery
Codes mentioned: Keyless Start System Problem
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis recommends replacing keyless access unit. Repair cost not specified in narratives. Some owners circumvent alarm by leaving one door unlocked.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Honda Service Bulletin 20-117 (2016–2017 Ridgelines) provides extended warranty coverage and manufacturer-funded replacement. Service Bulletin 21-055 (2018–2019 Ridgelines) directs dealers to check alarm registry and complete replacement at customer expense—no extended warranty or recall.
Body Control Module / Electrical Control Unit Failure
The Body Control Module (BCM) or electrical control unit fails, affecting multiple vehicle systems simultaneously including power windows, horn, door locks, lights, turn signals, and possibly brake control. Some units cause the engine to remain running when turned off, battery drain, or prevent the vehicle from starting. Multiple warning lights illuminate after the failure. The dealer may recommend complete replacement.
When: At approximately 22,000–44,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not turn off when ignition is off; Engine will not start initially, then stalls when running; Multiple warning lights illuminate (door locks, windows, lights, horn, turn signal, brake system); Keyless Start System Problem warning message; Unintended braking while driving; All four windows rolling up and down independently while driving; Horn engages unintendedly while vehicle is parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed need for Body Control Module replacement. Part held by dealer as of report date; repair not yet completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no recall or warranty extension mentioned.
Collision Mitigation / Radar Sub-Assembly Failure
The radar sub-assembly (part #36802T6ZA01) for collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, and vehicle detection fails, disabling active safety features. The system does not detect surrounding vehicles, does not activate brakes to avoid collision, and does not alert on lane departure. Failure reported at very low mileage.
When: At 3,700 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Collision mitigation system does not function; Radar does not detect surrounding vehicles; Brakes do not activate when vehicle is too close to vehicle ahead; Lane departure warning does not alert driver when veering off lane
Repairs/costs cited: Radar sub-assembly replacement required. Parts on backorder; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed parts on backorder. Case number 06603727 issued; no further assistance provided.
Airbag Deployment and Multi-System Electrical Failure
Passenger-side airbag deploys without warning, impact, or trigger while driving at highway speed. Following deployment, the air bag control message appears and multiple systems malfunction simultaneously: road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control, vehicle stability control, power steering, and adaptive cruise control all show failure indicators. Brake warning light illuminates after parking brake release.
When: At approximately 56,850 miles while driving at 50–55 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deploys without impact or warning; Air bag control message displayed; Road departure mitigation system failure; Collision mitigation system failure; Trailer stability control failure; Vehicle stability control failure; Power steering system failure; Adaptive cruise control failure; Brake system warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified; no response recorded.
Electrical System Instability and Multiple Unintended Functions
Electrical system becomes unstable, causing multiple unintended operations: windows roll up and down independently while driving, unintended braking while driving, and horn engages without driver input while vehicle is parked. Dealer attempts reset of electrical system but issue persists. Further diagnosis reveals electrical control unit needs replacement.
When: At 22,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All four windows roll up and down independently while driving at 50 mph; Unintended braking while driving at 50 mph; Horn engages unintendedly while vehicle is parked; Multiple unknown warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed electrical system reset; malfunction persisted. Diagnosis indicates electrical control unit replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed no recall related to failure and referred owner to NHTSA.
Windows Operating Autonomously
Power windows activate on their own, rolling down unexpectedly. Occurs sometimes when unlocking the door or exiting the vehicle; notably does not occur when the car is running, suggesting a specific electrical circuit malfunction.
When: Not specified in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: All windows roll down on their own; Activation occurs when unlocking door or exiting vehicle; Does not occur while car is running
Horn Malfunction in Cold Weather
Horn fails or becomes severely impaired during winter driving conditions, providing inadequate warning capability in hazardous weather. Owner reports the horn 'froze up' and barely worked during a snowstorm, raising safety concerns about lack of warning device in winter weather.
When: During winter/snow conditions; incident occurred during 6-hour winter trip.
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not function or functions very poorly; Horn appears frozen up and barely works; Inadequate warning capability in snow/winter conditions
Hands-Free Microphone Failure
The hands-free calling microphone does not function properly. It picks up excessive background noise, rendering the other party unable to hear the driver clearly.
When: Not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Microphone not working for hands-free calling; Picks up excessive background noise; Other party cannot hear driver clearly
Synthesized from 49 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
THE BACKUP CAMERA stopped working. When I did an internet search, "my backup camera does not work", many posts came up. In the tailgate wiring harness, one wire in the bundled wire broke, that wire supplys the camera video. It is a good safety feature to prevent hitting something or someone. Honda will not voluntarily repair it. My tailgate is rarely used. I think the door swing alternate…
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH on I-40 Westbound to I-25 and making a turn in a construction zone, the passenger’s side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There were no reported injuries. The air bag control message was displayed after the failure. Two days later, the system indicators produced a…
The backup camera has stopped working, at least the imaging part. This makes backing up riskier, especially in parking lots, driveways or where pedestrians may be behind me. I have not been to the dealership yet as it failed today but this seems a common complaint for Ridgeline owners online. I have not had others inspect this problem yet. There was no warning, yesterday worked fine, today it…
The backup camera intermittently works. When put in reverse, sometimes I’ll have a black screen with grid lines, other times just a blank screen. Yes, it is available for inspection. I cannot see persons and property when backing up. I am afraid, in reverse, of running over persons shorter than the vehicle that only the backup camera would pick up. This has not been reproduced or confirmed by a…
Initially the car would not turn on. We were able to start it but then the engine would not turn off. Shop indicated that the Body Control Module is faulty. Honda of Olathe has the component that malfunctioned as of today 11/1/2024. My understanding is that this system controls door locks, windows, lights, turn signal, horn, etc. Malfunction of some of these systems may put my safety or the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 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 electrical problem on the 2018 Honda Ridgeline?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 49 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 12,000 and 44,000 miles, with the median around 33,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 44,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2018/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.