2021 Honda Ridgeline
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Honda Ridgeline.
For oil changes, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Blue Type 2 Coolant (OAT), and transmission fluid is ATF DW-1. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Honda Ridgeline, torque the lug nuts to 94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 Honda Ridgeline have reported 5 common issues including "Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)", "Rearview Camera Image Loss (Recall)" and "AWD Warning Light from Rear Differential Water Intrusion". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 5 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.
Common problems reported by 2021 Honda Ridgeline owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, and sudden engine shutoff. This recall covers a wide range of 2017-2023 Ridgeline models.
Honda issued recall 23V-858 to replace the fuel pump module free of charge. This expands earlier recalls 21V-215 and 20V-314. Contact your dealer to check VIN eligibility.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallRearview Camera Image Loss (Recall)
The rearview camera mounted in the tailgate has a wiring harness that can become brittle and break when exposed to cold temperatures and road salt. This causes the backup camera to display a black screen or no image at all when the vehicle is in reverse.
Honda issued a recall for 2020-2024 Ridgeline models to replace the rearview camera wiring harness with an improved design. The repair is performed free of charge at authorized dealers.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallAWD Warning Light from Rear Differential Water Intrusion
Water can intrude into the rear differential pump motor connector area, corroding the terminals and triggering the AWD warning light on the dashboard. The SH-AWD system may default to front-wheel-drive mode, reducing traction capability.
Honda issued a TSB to address water intrusion at the rear differential connector. The dealer will clean or replace the corroded terminals, reseal the connector, and clear the warning codes. A protective cover or sealant may be applied to prevent recurrence.
Est. Cost: $200 - $600 (may be covered under warranty)EVAP System Purge Valve Sticking (Check Engine Light)
The purge control solenoid valve spring can cause the valve to wear unevenly and intermittently stick, setting diagnostic trouble code P0441 (Evaporative Emission System Purge Flow Malfunction). The check engine light illuminates, and the vehicle may fail emissions testing.
Honda issued a TSB to replace the purge control solenoid valve with an updated part. The repair is straightforward and typically takes less than an hour.
Est. Cost: $100 - $300Cold-Weather Air Intake Icing
In cold weather, moisture can collect in the air intake system and freeze, potentially restricting airflow to the engine. This can cause rough idle, loss of power, stalling, or difficulty starting after the vehicle has been sitting in sub-freezing temperatures.
Honda issued TSB 24-085 addressing moisture accumulation in the air intake during freezing conditions. The dealer may install an updated air intake duct or baffle to prevent ice formation. Parking in a garage when possible reduces the risk.
Est. Cost: $0 - $200 (covered under warranty)5 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Honda Ridgeline. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Honda (America Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Ridgeline vehicles. The rearview camera (RVC) tailgate wire harness may fatigue and break, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the RVC tailgate wire harness, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is YI7.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024, October 18, 2024, and August 2025. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot, and 2020 Acura MDX vehicles. The tie rod fastener that connects the brake booster and the brake master cylinder may have been improperly assembled during manufacturing, which can cause the brake master cylinder to separate from the booster assembly.
Brake master cylinder separation can cause a loss of brake function and increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and repair the brake booster assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are VEU, AEV, and ZET.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Pilot and Ridgeline, and 2020-2022 Passport and Odyssey vehicles. The heating pads behind both side-view mirrors may not be bonded properly, allowing the mirror glass to detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Detached mirror glass can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace both left and right side-view mirrors, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 17, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is FE5.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.