From researching this, my Honda 2018 Ridgeline is having a problem with the Keyless Access/TPMS Control Unit, causing the vehicle security alarm to go off when the vehicle is idol which could result in a dead battery if not attended. Honda referenced this manufacturing defect in its Service Bulletin 21-055 dated XXX. I have attached a copy of the Service Bulletin. Since this problem is affecting a number of different Honda models, my question is if this admitted manufacting problem is under consideration for a recall by the federal safety agency. Honda dealers are changing upwards of $800-$1,000 to replace and program the unit. Thank you. [XXX], [XXX] or [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical problems
49 complaints (30% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 33,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 49
- of this car's complaints
- 30%
- typical mileage
- 33,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Honda Ridgeline electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2018 Honda Ridgeline owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I had the backup camera harness recall performed on my 2018 Honda Ridgeline on 09/06/2023 by Honda of Escondido , CA. (See attached invoice of recall work performed.) On 01/27/2026, the backup camera failed to appear on the dash screen when the vehicle was in reverse. I restarted the vehicle and the camera view was still not visible on the screen. I drove home and parked the vehicle in my garage. I turned the ignition off and then on again and put the car in reverse with the brake applied. This time the camera view was displayed on the dash screen. Appears to be an intermittent problem. (See attached two pictures of rear camera view not projected to the dash screen and one picture of my vehicle"s mileage, 50,518 miles.)
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 failure with the road departure mitigation, collision mitigation, trailer stability control field assist, vehicle stability control, power steering, air bag system, and adaptive cruise control. The brake system warning light was illuminated after the parking brake was released. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 56,850.
Infotainment system have a black screen
KEYLESS ACCESS CONTROL UNIT PART NUMBER: 38320-T6Z-A31 The vehicle headlights came on and dash lights flashed on and off. The alarm would also go off and on. This causes the battery to drain as well. Also I know of several other Honda Ridgeline owners who have had the same part failure
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 safety of others at risk. There was a warning message indicating "Keyless Start System Problem".
1. Vehicle when locked arms the car alarm. When armed the car alarm is randomly and intermittently going off, and dash lights light up exactly like the system is ready to start. Vehicle is available for inspection. 2. has potential to run battery down if alarm is not silenced in a timely manner leaving the vehicle operator stranded. 3. problem on this specific vehicle has not yet been reproduced by the dealer but HONDA issued a service bulletin relating to the problem. Honda Service Bulletin 21-055 4. vehicle not yet inspected by others 5. No early indication failure would occur. First indication of problem occurred week of 6/16/2024.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while the vehicle was not being driven, the vehicle remained running, causing the battery to drain. The contact had the vehicle jumpstarted; however, the battery failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery. Upon replacing the battery, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the alarm system sounded off throughout the night. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a faulty keyless access unit. The dealer recommended that the keyless access unit be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Rear view camera not working, exposed wires from lift gate operation. I can now see the exposed wires and some have been cut due to operation of lift gate over time.
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, all four windows of the vehicle were rolling up and down independently. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle braked unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electric system was reset; however, the horn engaged unintendedly while the vehicle was parked. The contact stated that he disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electrical control unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall related to the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency for assistance. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Questions about the 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical
Does the 2018 Honda Ridgeline have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the electrical of the 2018 Honda Ridgeline, 30% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 33,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Honda Ridgeline electrical?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Honda Ridgeline have the most electrical problems?
The Honda Ridgeline model years with the most electrical complaints are 2017 (93 complaints), 2020 (50 complaints) and 2018 (49 complaints).
Other 2018 Honda Ridgeline problems
Driver assistance 38Fuel system 31Engine 24Transmission 10Body 9Visibility 7Brakes 4Acceleration 2Airbags 1Locks 1Seats 1Suspension 1
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