2009 Honda Fit: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Honda Fit? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 286 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2009 Honda Fit Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2009 Honda Fit trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2009 Honda Fit Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Honda Fit has 286 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Honda
- Model
- Fit
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 286
- Crash-related complaints
- 23
- Safety recall campaigns
- 11
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2009 Honda Fit Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Steering Defects
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Steering Defects, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Honda Fit?
The 2009 Honda Fit shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Honda Fit
Inspection Focus
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or defect.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for open recalls related to airbag malfunctions at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or defect.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Honda Fit, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Honda Fit are concentrated in airbag malfunctions, which account for a large portion of the total. Steering defects and transmission issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential concerns with safety systems and driveline components.
- Airbag malfunctions represent the most reported component, with 104 complaints.
- Steering defects are the second most common issue, with 46 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems account for 33 complaints.
- There are 11 recalls associated with this model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Steering Defects
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2009 Honda Fit Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Fit. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 104 | 13 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 46 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 33 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 20 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Honda Fit. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Honda has sent me numerous mailers advertising a gift card and loaner vehicle as incentives for participating in their Takata recall. Honda also cites the promise of a loaner vehicle in every press release trumpeting their so-called commitment to this recall. My local Honda dea…
Cv axles prematurely rusting
At highways speeds vehicle became difficult to maintain in a straight path. Slight change in the steering would result in car drifting to the left or right, requiring constant correction. Car felt unsafe to drive...took to mechanic to be diagnosed. Informed car needed a new st…
My doors have defaulted to the lock position, even when the vehicle is occupied. The electronic unlock system will not permit the car to unlock. The manual lock strongly resists being moved to the unlock position. With much force, it can be moved, but immediately relocks. The…
The power steering warning light is on intermittently. The steering is too heavy to turn and the wheels feel like locked.
While driving without warning ? the car loses power steering the steering wheel locks up no control I hit the side walk back up power steering return and sometimes the car just shuts off a few put in park crank up
Pulling out onto a busy highway my car lost propulsion. It died in the middle of the highway with cars coming towards me. I found out the front right drive axle broke. I have photos of the broken drive axle. I later found out the part was recalled. I was never notified of any rec…
On April 25, 2022 our 2009 Fit started rolling away when it was parked, not in gear and the parking brake was not set. In trying to "catch" the car from traveling into the street, my elderly husband took a bad fall and sustained a shattered shoulder, nerve damage, and other injur…
Driver door actuator malfunctioning triggering passenger door and trunk hatch to all To constantly lock and unlock until car reaches about 10 miles per hour. Took to Honda dealership for inspection and confirmed problem. Also confirmed back order for parts to repair for 2 months …
2009 HONDA FIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE'S MODEL YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AS IT…
I was driving home during evening rush hour on the freeway, 65 mph. Suddenly, it felt as though I was driving a tank. Lucky that I was in the slow lane. I used the next exit and drove the rest of the way home very slowly on surface streets. A 100 degree turn in the roadway that I…
Vehicle caught fire while driving
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, causing the vehicle to reverse into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic…
On Jan. 28, 2018 the drive shaft on my Honda Fit snapped while up shifting onto the main road. Car was towed and repaired the following day by a local shop. At the time there was no know recall for this part. My information and claim was submitted to Honda on 2/08/2021 with invoi…
This is related to the Honda Fit 2000 manual transmission driver shaft recall (Service Bulletin 21-009). Part of the background of this recall reads: “Due to improper manufacturing, the paint on the driveshaft near the dynamic damper may peel and chip over time, exposing the bare…
When driving my 09 fit my radio went in and out then my steering wheel indicator light popped up next thing I knew my steering wheel locked and felt stiff when trying to turn, kept happening as I drove, it’s happened at least 20 times maybe more in ONE day!!! I almost crashed bec…
The contact owns a 2009 Honda Fit. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering assist warning light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The driver continued driving to he…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA FIT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED HERB CHAMBERS HONDA IN BOSTON (720 MORRISSEY BLVD, BOSTON, MA 02122, (617) 731-…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA FIT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V770000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA FIT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Honda Fit.
2009 Honda Fit Recalls
11 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Honda Fit. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Honda Fit Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Honda Fit reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 286 owner complaints, 23 crash-related complaints, and 11 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Honda Fit shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Honda Fit?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (104 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (46 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (33 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Honda Fit?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Honda Fit?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Honda Fit, NHTSA complaints include 23 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 286 total complaints. 22 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Honda Fit have any recalls?▾
Yes. 11 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Honda Fit. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 11 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Honda Fit?▾
The 2009 Honda Fit shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Honda Fit reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Honda Fit based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.