Honda Fit Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re looking for a great subcompact car, you can never go wrong with a Honda Fit. Its upscale interior, intuitive features, advanced safety technology, and reliable engine make it a dependable daily driver. Its resale value is also notable, only depreciating 28% after five years, according to CarEdge.com.

Is a Honda Fit Reliable?

The Honda Fit has outstanding ratings in terms of reliability. RepairPal gives it 4.5 out of 5, ranking it 4th out of 21 vehicles in its segment. J.D. Power, on the other hand, gave the model 80 out of 100 based on its 2020 dependability study.

Thanks to its excellent reliability, a Honda Fit can last up to 200,000 to 300,000 miles without needing any major repairs. As long as you follow your regular maintenance schedule and don’t delay any repairs, you can surely make the most out of your Honda’s service life.

Top Honda Fit Problems

As reliable as it is, a Honda Fit has its fair share of problems. Here are the most widely reported issues across its model years:

Ignition Coil Failure

Some Honda Fit vehicles tend to develop driveability issues as early as 50,000 miles due to ignition coil failure. This is a widely reported problem for the 2007 to 2016 model years.

Ignition coil failure typically causes issues like loss of power, engine stalling, and stuttering at high speeds. There are several on-board diagnostic (OBD) codes related to this problem, but it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue without a proper diagnosis. Most of the owners of the affected vehicles had to replace their coil packs to restore their Honda Fit’s engine performance.

Uncomfortable Seats

The 2015 model year seems to be the worst for the Honda Fit in terms of number of complaints, the most common of which are uncomfortable seats. Many drivers have reported experiencing back and neck pain when driving their Honda Fit for long hours. Most point to the model’s head restraints as the culprit because they’re inclined forward, forcing the driver’s head to tilt forward. Several drivers have also complained that the seats feel flat and unsupportive.

To solve this issue, most owners had to replace their stock headrests or seats. Some took the more cost-effective alternative of adding a seat cushion to the seats to make them more comfortable. Fortunately, there are many aftermarket seats available on the market today, so it’s easy to find one in case you decide to change your Honda Fit.

Starter Failure

Another common complaint about the 2015 Honda Fit is starter failure. The owners of the affected vehicles have reported that their starter failed at around 46,700 miles, which is earlier than expected.

Several owners have complained that their car intermittently fails to start even after changing its key fob battery. Many drivers have also stated that they had to jump-start the battery to start the car. In some cases, spongy brakes accompanied these issues.

Most owners had to replace the Honda Fit starter to solve the issue, and repairs for this type of problem can cost up to $730. Learn more about starter-related issues through this blog.

Cracked Front Door Armrest

If you’re planning to buy a Honda Fit from model years 2007-2010, make sure to take good care of its front door armrest. Many owners of these models have reported that their car’s front door armrest is prone to cracking. Most of them had to buy a revised door panel to fix this issue. Good thing there are many aftermarket door panels available on the market. So if you run into the same problem, finding a door panel for your Honda Fit will be a breeze.

Clear Coat Wearing Off

Body paint problems seem to be on top of the list of 2009 Honda Fit common problems. Several owners have complained that their car’s clear coating started wearing off at around 74,250 miles. Some drivers have also reported that the paint on their car’s hood and roof is peeling. Most of them had to repaint their vehicle to make it look nice and sleek again.

Engine Failure

The list of 2008 Honda Fit common problems involves premature engine failure in some units. Affected vehicles would start and suddenly stall after running for a mile or two, especially when driven in cold weather. Some owners tried warming up their car before driving it but were unsuccessful in trying to resolve the problem.

Engine repairs can be costly. So, if you’re planning to buy a 2008 Honda Fit, make sure its engine is in good shape.

Power Steering Failure

Issues involving the power steering system are common in some units belonging to the 2007 model year. Owners report that their steering would become stiff while driving, while other vehicles experienced a power steering malfunction after a cold start. The power steering warning light usually comes on when this happens. Most of the affected vehicles had to be fitted with a new electronic power steering module to fix the problem.

Power steering failure can be dangerous, especially if it happens in the middle of the freeway. If your vehicle exhibits any steering-related symptoms, take it to an auto repair shop right away.

As long as you do your research and find out the common issues for the model year you’re eyeing, driving a Honda Fit should come with little risk. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and replacing faulty parts immediately, you’ll be able to get more mileage out of your Honda.

Getting Replacement Parts for Your Honda Fit

Despite its above-average reliability score, the Honda Fit isn’t invincible. Over time, you’re likely to experience at least one issue that’ll require your utmost attention. Whether it’s ignition coil failure, starter failure, or a cracked front door armrest, you should address the root of the problem as soon as possible. Luckily, getting replacement parts for your Honda Fit is fast and easy with CarParts.com. 

CarParts.com is a one-stop shop for all your Honda Fit needs. We offer a wide selection of ignition coils, key fob batteries, door panels, and other parts that are all sourced from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. With the help of our vehicle selector and search filters, you can easily browse through all the available parts that are compatible with your ride. Just be sure to input your vehicle’s correct details. CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping, thanks to our warehouses strategically located around the US. Order by 12 p.m. ET, and you can expect your package to arrive in as fast as two business days.

Don’t let things get worse for your Honda Fit before replacing defective parts. Check out our high-quality ignition coils, key fob batteries, door panels, and other Honda Fit parts and accessories at CarParts.com and order today!