5FPYK1F53CB0038202012 HONDA Ridgeline
2012 HONDA Ridgeline was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 12 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 24 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2012 HONDA Ridgeline
2012 HONDA Ridgeline was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 12 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 24 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 12 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Structural/frame recall)
- 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin. Do NOT drive until repaired.
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
24 owner complaints filed — top areas: Safety Systems (63%), Body/Structure (17%), Steering (8%).
Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HONDA
- Model
- Ridgeline
- Year
- 2012
- Trim / Series
- Monocoque Double Cab
- Body Style
- Pickup
- Vehicle Type
- TRUCK
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 3.474057568L 250 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Manufacturer
- AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
- Assembly
- LINCOLN, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES (USA)
- GVWR
- Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Honda Mfg. Alabama (Lincoln)
Produces Honda Odyssey, Pilot, and Ridgeline. Consistent quality record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ▸Structural/frame recall
- ▸1 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠9 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
12 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 12 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 12 recalls is ~85%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
HONDA completes recalls at a good rate (92%), averaging about 16 months to remedy. Most affected vehicles are fixed.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~16 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles nationwide. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2012 Acura RL, 2011 Honda Element and 2011-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Lastly, if not included above, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2011 Honda Element, 2010-2012 Acura RL and 2010-2013 Ridgeline vehicles in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
SummaryDorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain Accelerator Pedal Assemblies part numbers 699-114 and 825-5029-1, sold as replacement parts for 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2004-2008 Acura TL and TSX, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2007-2011 Honda Element, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot and 2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline vehicles. The rotating portion of the accelerator pedal assembly may bind. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 124, "Accelerator Control Systems."Read full details...
~31% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles.
These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 Honda Accord and Pilot, 2010 Accord Crosstour, 2001-2011 Civic, 2002-2011 CR-V, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 Element, 2007 and 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2012 Insight, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2012 Ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A."
Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B."
If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
These vehicles are equipped with certain inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B."
Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.Read full details...
~6% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired
Low RiskSource: NHTSA published Takata completion data
TIRES
SummaryHONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 RIDGELINE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 25, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 29, 2011. THE SPARE TIRE INSTALLED IN AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY NOT MATCH THE INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLES TIRE INFORMATION PLACARD. THEREFORE, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE.Read full details...
~40% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
SummaryHonda is recalling certain model year 2012 Ridgeline vehicles manufactured on April 18, 2012. An incorrect passenger airbag status indicator may have been installed on the vehicles causing them to fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Read full details...
~30% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SummaryHonda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles that were sold, or ever registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. An accumulation of road salt may cause the frame mounting surface, where the fuel tank mounting bands are attached, to corrode and possibly detach the fuel tank, which can result in a fuel leak.Read full details...
~28% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Complaint Intelligence
24 complaints analyzed across 6 system categories
34% of complaints filed in Mar & May — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME24 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Because of well known water intrusion into the cabin from the firewall, over time the seat risers rust away, and then the compromised metal breaks, at which point the front of the seat is no longer bolted into the floor board. The seat swings backward uncommanded, and may is likely to startle driver, and cause crash. While the seat is swung backward, the driver has NO CONTROL OVER HIS POSITION IN THE VEHICLE. THE SEATBELT ALSO BECOMES COMPROMISED AS THE SEATBELT BELT BUCKLE IS CONNECTED TO THE SEAT ITSELF WHICH ITSELF BECOMES LOOSE FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. I have a video of the broken riser due to rusting over time due to the well known water intrusion issues. I can email you a video so you can see the danger of this issue.
1. Left Rear Cam Bolt Seized, YES 2. This will not allow for any movement to have tires probably aligned. 3. Yes, I have documentation available upon request 4. No 5. It was caught during an alignment, I first noticed it during the first rear end recall but area was outside of "recall area" and was not addressed by Honda.
After returning from a short trip to the local convenience store smoke was observed coming from under the hood and also into the cabin as the truck was entering the driveway. Driver immediately opened the hood and witnessed that the engine was smoking and on fire. Driver immediately gained access to a hose and extinguished the fire with water. Per the attached photo and the attached service record the fire was initiated and involved the alternator and the attached wire harness. (Note that same week I observed a 2012 Honda Pilot in the shop with the same exact fire (cause and engine location). The VSA warning appeared on the dash and then the smoke was observed. I paid to have vehicle towed to closest Honda dealer, paid for repairs because Honda refused to take responsibility.
The contact owns a 2012 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 dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact was informed by the dealer that no Southern States had the tools to complete the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the recall was completed and that it is no longer an outstanding issue.
Roof Garnish Molding it’s pop ups two times and i change everything new but my concern is when i drive in the highway or interstate that part can blow off to the air and can cause an accident. Last time I went to the dealership was 07/01/2022. That’s my concern. Thank you.
ABS AND VSA LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTANT AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. PUMPING THE BRAKE ALLOWS SHIFT BUT LIGHTS STAY ON, THEN SOMETIMES JUST FLASH OFF AND STABILITY CONTROL AND ABS RESUME OPERATION. CAN BE DANGEROUS ON A SUDDEN STOP OR HIGH SPEED TURN.
THIRD BRAKE LIGHT PANEL (ABOVE REAR WINDOW) BLEW OFF AT 75 MPH. IN CHECKING ONLINE, THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER RIDGELINE TRUCKS.
2012 HONDA RIDGELINE SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES REQUESTING A STATUS UPDATE ON DRIVERS FRONT AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED A REASNABLE AMOUNT OF TIME HAD EXCEEDED FOR THE RECALL TO BE COMPLETED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE. *JS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA INFLATORS: I HAD SERVICE PERFORMED FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG ISSUE ON OR ABOUT JULY 13. WITHIN A MONTH THE SRS UNIT LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN TO LUCAS HONDA, WHERE I BOUGHT THE RIDGELINE. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF THEM NOT FINDING THE PROBLEM, THEY CAME BACK TO ME AND SAID THE SRS UNIT WAS BAD AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE IT. IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND IT WOULD COST ME $700.+ TO FIX IT. I VEHEMENTLY PROTESTED THAT IT HAD TO BE FROM THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED, BUT THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT IT WAS. I FEEL THAT THEIR REPAIR CAUSED THE SRS UNIT TO FAIL AT MY EXPENSE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NO NOTIFICATION FROM HONDA ON WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE. THE ROHRMAN AUTO GROUP IS THE HONDA DEALER I PURCHASED AND SERVICE THE VEHICLE AT - RECALL WAS ON MY SERVICE REPORT AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE "NOT A PROBLEM". SEVERAL WEEKS LATER AND NOW NO ONE KNOWS WHEN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP REFUSAL TO DISCLOSE RENTAL VEHICLE INFORMATION UNTIL ARRIVAL FOR PICK UP AND CONSUMER STATES SMALL ECONOMY RENTAL VEHICLE UNACCEPTABLE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE PARTS FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL, WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 2016. *JB
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. THE CONTACT WANTED TO VOICE THEIR DISPLEASURE ON THE WAY THE RECALL WAS BEING HANDLED. THE CONTACT STATED THE LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT PROVIDING ANY LOANER VEHICLES OR WOULD NOT OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR A TEMPORARY LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE RECALL LETTER INDICATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD PROVIDE TEMPORARY PROVISIONAL TRANSPORTATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
"TAKATA RECALL" I FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE RECALL LIST IN FEBRUARY 2016, EVEN BEFORE I RECEIVED MY RECALL LETTER WHICH WAS MARCH 29, 2016. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE ME OR EVEN KILL ME AND DO SERIOUS HARM TO ANY PASSENGERS AS WELL AS SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 4 YEARS LIKE THIS WITH NO CONCERN WHATSOEVER FROM THE HONDA COMPANY. I TAKE MY GRANDDAUGHTERS AND ELDERLY MOTHER IN MY VEHICLE A LOT AND THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HURT. YES, HONDA HAS GIVEN ME A RENTAL, AFTER MUCH CONFUSION AND COMPLAINING, BUT I DID NOT BUY MY EXPENSIVE 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE TO HAVE IT SIT IN MY GARAGE UNTIL THEY THINK IT CAN BE FIXED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE SUMMER OF 2016 TIMING WILL PROBABLY NOT HAPPEN. THESE VEHICLES ARE DANGEROUS TO BE DRIVING AND HONDA HAD ME SIGN A PAPER THAT I WOULD NOT DRIVE MINE. WHY DOESN'T HONDA TAKE BACK THE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THEM WITH A NEW, SAFER VEHICLE? MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 20,000 PLUS MILES ON IT AND IS LIKE NEW. EVEN REPLACING THE AIRBAGS ARE SCARY BECAUSE, IF THEY USE TAKATA AGAIN, HOW DO WE KNOW THESE NEWER AIRBAGS ARE SAFE? WE SHOULD PUT SOME OF THESE EXECUTIVES IN THESE VEHICLES AND LET THEM DRIVE THEM. IT'S LIKE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH OUR LIVES!
I HAVE EXPERIENCED A LOSS IN POWER STEERING, SOMETIMES, WHEN DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES OF WATER. I SEE THIS AS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AS IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TO BE ABLE TO TURN A CERTAIN WAY, AND THEN YOU CAN'T, YOU'RE GOING TO RUN INTO SOMETHING, AND THIS HAS ALMOST HAPPENED TO ME ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING, AND DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH EVERY PUDDLE. INDEED, IT HAPPENS FAIRLY INFREQUENTLY, WHICH TO ME, IS MORE DANGEROUS, AS YOU TEND TO FORGET ABOUT THE ISSUE. IF IT HAPPENED EVERY TIME, IT WOULD BECOME A HABIT. I SPOKE WITH TECHNICIANS AT HONDA, WHO WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. IT SEEMS THAT DUE TO A LACK OF A SPLASH GUARD, THE WATER SPLASHES UP ONTO THE BELT(S) AND THEY SLIP, AND THE POWER STEERING IS UNPOWERED FOR A SHORT TIME. THEY TOLD ME THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS. THE DATE BELOW IS APPROXIMATE.
TAKATA RECALL. TO DATE NOTHING HAS HAPPENED BUT IF I HADN'T SEEN SOMETHING ON MY LOCAL NEWS I WOULD STILL BE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, WHICH BY THE WAY ONLY HAS 22,000 OR SO MILES ON IT. I CONTACTED HONDA, WHICH WAS A DRAWN OUT AFFAIR TO LET THEM KNOW MY VEHICLE IS ON THE RECALL AND THEY SET SOMETHING UP FOR A RENTAL CAR. THEY HAD ME SIGN A PAPER STATING I WOULD NOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE, WHICH I WOULDN'T ANYWAY, AND SENT ME TO A RENTAL AGENCY. NOW I HAVE TO RETURN EVERY 30 DAYS TO REDO THE RENTAL CONTRACT AND IF MY RENTAL CAR IS SOLD, I WILL HAVE TO RETURN IT RIGHT AWAY. I DID NOT BUY MY $33,000 VEHICLE TO HAVE IT SIT IN MY GARAGE FOR AS LONG AS A YEAR OR MORE, ACCORDING TO WHAT THE HONDA DEALER TOLD ME. I DO NOT WANT ANOTHER TAKATA AIRBAG, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE PROBLEM TO BEGIN WITH AND HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE NEXT ONE WILL BE SAFE? I THINK THE HONDA COMPANY SHOULD TAKE MY VEHICLE AND GIVE ME A NEW SAFE VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING AND TRANSPORTING MY THREE YOUNG GRANDDAUGHTERS AS WELL AS MY ELDERLY MOTHER IN MY VEHICLE AND NOW I COME TO FIND OUT I AS WELL AS THEY COULD HAVE BEEN TERRIBLY INJURED OR KILLED. DOES ANYONE AT THIS AGENCY OR THESE DEALERS PUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THESE POSITIONS? I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT PEOPLE'S LIVES SEEM TO MEAN NOTHING. IF THESE AIRBAGS DO ERUPT, THEY CAN DANGEROUSLY INJURED THE OCCUPANTS AS WELL AS OTHERS OUT ON THE ROADWAYS. THE VEHICLES SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH NEW VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE SITS IN MY GARAGE UNTIL IT CAN BE FIXED AND THEN IT WILL BE TOWED TO THE HONDA DEALER. I DID NOT BUY MY VEHICLE TO HAVE IT SIT AND DEPEND ON A RENTAL FOR TRANSPORTATION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA RIDGELINE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT GARNISH SET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. EIGHT MONTHS LATER, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT GARNISH SET DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/18/15*LJ *CN
THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY INDICATE THE FUEL CAPACITY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. ACCORDING TO THE PEARSON HONDA DEALER, LOCATED ON HULL STREET ROAD, MIDLOTHIAN, VIRGINIA, THE GAUGE IS OPERATING "NORMAL". WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FULL, THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR IS SHOWING, 3/4 READING. AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN LONGER, IT'S DIFFICULT TO KNOW THE FUEL CAPACITY DUE TO THE FAULTY READING OF THE GAUGE. I'M CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, NOTWITHSTANDING THE ASSURANCE FROM THE DEALER. MY RESEARCH INTO THIS GAS GAUGE ISSUE WITH THE HONDA RIDGELINE, INDICATES THAT THE 2010 RIDGELINE MODEL, ALSO HAD REPORT RELATING TO THIS GAUGE ISSUE. I DO NEED MORE RELIABLE ASSURANCE ABOUT THIS GAS GAUGE ISSUE. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 24 total NHTSA complaints filed over 7 years, with the worst year being 2016 (14 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 96/100 in 2016.
The recalls (red dashed lines) followed the first complaints by 1 year — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $50,614 (~$844/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2012 HONDA Ridgeline — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 5FPYK1F53CB003820. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HONDA has been fined $93M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2016: Additional penalties related to Takata airbag recall management.
Safer Alternatives to Consider
Based on the risk level of this 2012 HONDA Ridgeline, these Similar Vehicle Class alternatives have significantly better safety records
Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments
Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years
Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | 5FPYK1F53CB003820 |
| Model Year | 2012 |
| Make | HONDA |
| Model | Ridgeline |
| Series | Monocoque Double Cab |
| Vehicle Type | TRUCK |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.474057568 |
| Horsepower | 250 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. |
| Assembly City | LINCOLN |
| Assembly Country | UNITED STATES (USA) |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | 5FP |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 3 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | C |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | B |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 003820 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 12 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 24 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 8/1/2026, 7:01:17 AM.