Honda Fit
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2011–2020). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Honda Fit? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Reliability Analysis
Below AverageThe Honda Fit (2011-2020) has a high number of NHTSA complaints, particularly for electrical system and air bag issues, along with 48 recalls. While crash-related complaints are relatively low, the frequency of electrical and air bag problems suggests notable reliability concerns.
Check for open recalls and ensure all air bag and electrical system repairs have been completed. Consider a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.
- Electrical system failures
- Air bag malfunctions
- Fuel/propulsion system issues
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
48 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2011–2020. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 1,104 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
1,104 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
I see reported everywhere that Honda Fit 2016, including my car, has issues with defective cluster panels. Honda has issued software recalls for instrument panel issues, primarily affecting 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Pilot/Passport, and 2018-2020 Accord/Hybrid models, where incorrect software can cause blank or failing displays for speed, oil pressure, gear, and camera, requiring a free software update at a dealer to fix the issue. My car has experienced a failing and blank screen for gas and mileage, requiring replacement of the cluster panel. It has, and will, cost me hundreds of dollars to fix an issue that is apparently being fixed for free on other Honda models.
Steering wheel airbag cover gets extremely hot after driving, was told this is a serious safety concern.
1. Nexen-P185/55R16 83H 2. A bubble has formed in the sidewall. Can cause Tire blow out. 3. This is the third Nexen tire to form a bubble. I reported the last one a little over a month ago. Tire service provider to order a new tire and replace today. 4. It has not been inspected by law enforcement or investigators. 5. No, there were not.
Woke up [XXX] to a flat tire. Filled the tire and heard a hiss. We took the vehicle to NTB in Wellsburg, WV where we bought the tires. After inspection we were told two tires had "bubbles" and needed to be replaced (picture of front passenger side attached). We have ordered new Goodyears that will be here in 2 days. Side Note: we had to buy groceries, so we drove the car slowly yo Walmart in Steubenville, OH where the front tire failed. AAA (DCP Automotive) came and changed the tire/doughnut. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
P185/55R16 Tire wall coming off of the tire. Bubble created.
The fuel gauge-odometer indicator dash cluster goes blank and/or scrambles-then goes dark with no info.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced twice, and the catalytic converter was replaced at the contact's expense before the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown local dealer, where it remained for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Honda TSB Number: 22-002; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The digital gas gauge and odometer on the dashboard is a blank, blue screen or shows partial information but isn't legible. It will happen sporadically, seemingly from cold weather, and eventually the screen appears as normal. This started happening this winter around 82k miles. Not knowing the fuel level is a safety issue, especially with winter driving. There were no warning messages prior to this issue. Lastly, per an online search, many Honda fit owners have experienced this same issue.
The gas gauge/odometer on the dashboard shows up blank or is total gibberish. Therefore, I have no idea how much gas is left or the current mileage for maintenance timing. It used to only happen in cold weather, but now it happens at any temperature. It usually does this when starting of the engine and it can eventually show up in a minute or 20 minutes into driving. I get this "error" almost daily. This is a safety issue because I don't know the fuel level of my car. I know never let the gauge fall under 1/2 full. I also take pictures of the screen every time I turn off the car so I know what the last mileage and gas level is in case it blanks out the next time I start the engine to drive. I've contacted the manufacturer and they said to bring it in when it happens. I have no way of knowing when it will happen or for how long. The only way it could be reproduced is if I left it a the dealer for them to start periodically, but appointments are necessary especially in this time of low staffing. There were no warning messages prior to this issue. Lastly, per an online search and reviewing the website [XXX] , many Honda fit owners have experienced this same issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel Injector Failure
I put a deposit down at a dealership & they sold me a car with issues I have the proof I’m trying to file a complaint on the dealer
The cvt transmission is going out. The dealer has conformed this. This vehicle only has 120000 miles on it and has had every transmission service that was recommended. When this goes completely it could cause an accident at freeway speeds. I believe this model year needs to be added to the cvt recall list and should be covered by honda to 150000 since they clearly know they have an issue here.
Gas gauge/odometer goes blank and/or shows gibberish and is unreadable.
The big recall with Honda and Acura, it lists the 2018-2019 Honda fit as having issues with the fuel pump modular. I've had the same issues with my 2016 for a few years now. I've stalled while driving and the steering wheel locks up when that happens. When starting from a stop, it is worse. I once was taking a left turn and it happened. Luckily I wasn't going across during a busy time, I might have been hit. I've gotten my car looked at several times and no one could tell me what was wrong. I even put in a new fuel pump because all of the systems seemed to be related to the fuel pump. And that didn't change anything either. It has to be the modular but whatever it is, this is serious and I cannot believe the 2016 has not been included in the recall. I have to mash the gas a lot, it seems to kind of help in preventing stalling sometimes. But if you have someone right in front of you, and you're making a turn, thats very difficult to mash the gas to prevent a stall while turning. I know I am mentioning turning a lot, it doesn't matter if I am turning or going straight, but I feel like it's more dangerous when it happens while turning as the steering wheel locks up when the car stalls. Throwing it in neutral doesn't even unlock the steering wheel. You can't quickly fix the issue, you have to switch the ignition off and restart it to unlock the steering wheel, that's not something that can be done quick enough to avoid an accident that is about to happen right before your eyes. Please look into this. I feel like it is immoral of Honda to not include other Fit models in the recall. They must know it's not only the 2018-2019 models. There is no way that my car is the only 2016 this is happening to. I greatly appreciate any effort you are willing to put into investigating this matter.
The gauge cluster that shows your mileage and fuel levels and maintenance schedule goes out intermittently or altogether blank. It started a couple years ago and at this time I only have 45,000 miles on it. Couple years ago it probably had around 30,000 miles on it. It mainly does it when it’s cold, but it has done it in the summer lately. It gets all sketchy or completely blank. Drive several miles, it comes back on. I’ve read ALOT of complaints. There are way too many complaints on this issue in very little mileage. It is very expensive to fix, and I should not have to pay that kind of money when there aren’t that many miles on it. I had to replace a starter about a year ago. Ridiculous. Like I stated above, I have 45,000 miles on the car at this time. I have had older cars and put way more miles on it and never had a starter problem. I think these matters need addressed and the consumers have it corrected by Honda at their expense. I’ve already had to spend $700 for a starter for a very low mileage car. What is my recourse? I need this fixed before it goes out completely and won’t know how much gas I have or when my maintenance needs to be done.
There have been multiple airbag system warning lights on my Honda Fit over the past couple of months. Initially, the driver side airbag inflator warning illuminated and I was able to reset it. Now the passenger side inflator is setting off the warning and it won't reset.
Fuel Gauge display on Honda Fit 2016 not working properly. Outside temperature between 35 and 40 Fahrenheit. Internet search showed many other Honda Fit owners facing same issue
The odometer is digital only. It started to fail in the last couple months in that the digits would appear jumbled (unintelligible) or would be completely blank. Consequently, I am then unable to see my fuel gauge as well as mileage/oil life, which I believe poses a safety concern. If it fails completely then I am unable to tell when I need an oil change and, worse, when I am out of gas. Fortunately, it functions normally every now and then, particularly in warmer weather. I will be mentioning this to the local mechanic this week but have not contacted the local Honda dealership and have not had this investigated beyond my own experiences. As a side note, the last time I went to the Honda dealership (for an A/C issue), they were unable to diagnose the issue after numerous, expensive visits. Went to the local mechanic who fixed it immediately and cost only $25. I researched this issue and appears there is a community of Honda Fit owners who are experiencing this, many with graver experiences than mine. Thank you for taking the time to review this important concern. I am happy to send photos since the upload photos function doesn't work for me. When I click the upload button it disappears and there are no other possible actions.
The gauge cluster started flickering in cold weather only. I asked Honda to review it and take a picture of the problem and explain. Every explanation online for this existing problems seems to be cracked solder joints. Yet HONDA wants to charge me 1.1K the replace the entire system for what they vaguely described as “internal error” if it was internal error, I’d see lot more of a problem with the computer system. It’s obvious it’s the connections that are wrong. The board is probably fine. Yet they want to charge me 1.1K for a KNOWN problems thousands of other Hondas have experienced. This is not fair. I’ve never filled this out but this happened right after my warranty ran out. I can’t afford to fix this. I won’t be able to see my fuel gauge, or any weird oil change errors that pop. That is a safety issue. I can’t see my mileage. Or oil percentage. Can anyone help me? There’s so many cases of this on Reddit.
We own a 2016 Honda Fit with 52,000 miles, and the fuel gauge/speed/odometer display does not work. It completely fails in the cold. This is major safety issue since we can't read the fuel level nor see how fast or slow I'm driving. Our car is currently at the Conicelli Honda dealership. After trying to get this fix or diagnosed for years, Conicelli thinks the problem is a loose or failing solder joint. I spoke with Honda and they is no current recall on this problem. That said and apparently, it is a common issue based on a YouTube video, [XXX] . This is major safety issue that should not fail at 52,000 miles. Honda should be made aware of this issue and fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 1,104 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Honda Fit
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Honda Fit has 1,104 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Honda Fit has 48 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 59 of the Honda Fit's 1,104 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Honda Fit vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Honda Fit vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Honda Fit has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Is This Data Saved in Firebase & Indexed by Google?
Yes — intentionally. When you first visit this page, our server fetches live data directly from the NHTSA public API (no key required), processes it, and caches it in Google Firebase Firestore for 24 hours. The fully rendered HTML — with all NHTSA complaints, recalls, NCAP ratings, and investigations — is then indexed by Google Search. This is by design: caching real government data in Firebase lets us serve comprehensive vehicle safety pages instantly, while giving Google Bots rich structured content to rank for searches like "Honda Fit reliability" or "NHTSA recalls." No personal data is stored — only public NHTSA records are cached. You can always verify everything directly at nhtsa.gov.