Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Ridgeline.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with an automatic (S9), uses 5.7 quarts of 0W-20 oil, and carries EPA ratings of 18/24/21 mpg. This model year generated 95 owner complaints and 7 recalls, with exterior lighting cited as the leading problem area. Set against the Ridgeline’s 2003–2026 complaint span—peaking at 333 in 2017 and bottoming at 2 in 2015—that total places 2021 well below the historical high-water mark, indicating a comparatively quiet year in the model’s reliability record.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Refer to the appropriate service information for options and battery usage. battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S9) |
| Overall length | 209.8 in |
| Overall width | 78.7 in |
| Overall height | 70.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in |
| Curb weight | 4442 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 66.1 / 66.5 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 58/42 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 18 / 24 / 21 mpg |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the Ridgeline of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Sport HPD (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.20 sec | 15.00 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | Sport HPD (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.30 sec | 14.80 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | RTL-E (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.40 sec | 14.90 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2021 | Sport HPD (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 7.10 sec | 15.60 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | RTL-E (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.60 sec | 15.20 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | RTL (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.90 sec | 15.40 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2019 | Black Edition (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 7.20 sec | 15.60 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
| 2024 | TrailSport (5'4" Bed) 3.5L V6 | 6.00 sec | 14.60 sec | 280 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 5.7 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Honda DPSF-2 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to Use new washer: 30.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.5 qt |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | Honda DPSF-2 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.92 qt |
| Engine Coolant | Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 |
| Engine Coolant Capacity | 1.95 Gallons |
| Engine Oil | 0W-20 |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 3.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s) | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s) | 33.0 ft-lbs |
| Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s) | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pan to Block Bolts | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use new washer: 30.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential Fill Plug | Use new washer: 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Differential drain Plug | Use new washer: 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | Use new washer: 32.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | Use new washer: 32.0 ft-lbs |
| Automatic Transmission Drain Plug | Use new bolts: 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-4-2-5-3-6 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | Transmission in Neutral or Park: 710 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 50 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load) | Transmission in Neutral or Park: 710 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load) | 50 rpm |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | Honda |
| Spark Plug Gap | 0.039-0.043 in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 16.0 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.33-1.44 lbs |
| Oil Group | POE |
| Oil Type | RL85HM |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 57.0 |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum | 59.5 psi |
| Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum | 66.7 psi |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum) | 59.5-66.7 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 10.1 minimum psi @ curb idle speed psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure RPM | 71.1 minimum psi @ 3,000 rpm's rpm |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | 0.063 in |
| 1 | Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Step 3: Perform inspection of front suspension bolts, brushings and nuts. Step 4: Replace any loose, damaged or deteriorating parts. Step 5: Perform inspection of ball joint boot for leaks, cracks or any damage. Step 6: Inspect lower control arm by holding the outside and moving up and down. Step 7: Replace control arm if there is any noise or looseness or if the lower control arm and ball joint clearance exceeds specifications. Step 8: Replace ball joint if damaged. | |
| 1 | 20.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90° | 20 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60° | 48 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°, Step 4: This step is for new cylinder heads only: 90°. | 22 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 Honda Ridgeline represents a mid-cycle refinement for its generation, with federal data showing a notable decline in complaints (95) compared to the 2017–2019 peak (230–333 annually) and a modest reduction in recalls (7) relative to the 2019 high (12). Complaint trends for this year skew toward exterior lighting (13) and engine (12) issues, though these figures are lower than the broader concerns seen in 2017–2018, suggesting incremental improvements in build quality. The recall count remains consistent with the 2020–2022 average (3–9), while investigations (2) and TSBs (83) indicate ongoing but manageable post-launch adjustments. Compared to 2020’s slightly higher complaints (162) and 2022’s uptick (111), the 2021 model year appears to be a relative sweet spot, with fewer reported crashes (3) and no fire-related complaints. This data implies Honda addressed early-generation teething problems while avoiding the minor but persistent issues emerging in later years. **Takeaway: The 2021 Ridgeline is a strong used buy, offering a balance of maturity in its generation with lower complaint volumes than adjacent years.**
All 95 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… Remedy: 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…
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… Remedy: 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…
Showing 5 of 83 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A24-061 | 2025-11-06 | Electrical System | Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops… |
| A20-022 | 2025-07-31 | Structure | Service Bulletin - One or more accessory running board lights are flickering or not… |
| A23-009 | 2025-07-07 | Engine | Service Bulletin - Under certain circumstances, after coming to a stop and engaging idle… |
| A24-048 | 2024-11-22 | Structure | Service Bulletin - The AWD warning light is on potentially due to water intrusion into… |
| A24-061 | 2024-10-08 | Electrical System | Service Bulletin - The wireless charger starts charging the phone and then stops… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
5.7 qt of Honda 0W-20, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg.