Honda Fit is a reliable car but does it suit you? In this article, we have highlighted some of the problems you should look out for when you are in the market to buy a Honda Fit. First, let’s start with a quick answer.
The major problem with Honda Fit is that it has uncomfortable seats. The 2007 -2008 models can suffer from fires caused by power window switch malfunctioning. Power steering failure, stuttering engine, and electrical problems were also reported. Honda Fit is also affected by starter failure.
This is the most straightforward answer possible. In the article below, we will discuss every problem in detail. This includes identifying it, fixing it, and determining how much it costs to repair. Read on!
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1. Uncomfortable seats
People who have their Honda Fit from the 2008 to 2015 model have complained about seats not being comfortable. Many of the drivers have reported experiencing back and neck pain when driving their Honda Fit for long hours or on a long journey.
The main culprit of the problem is vehicle head restraints as they are inclined forward, forcing the driver’s head to tilt forward. The seats are flat and unsupportive.
Customers have come up with several solutions for these problems. Most people have changed their Honda Fit seats which will cost you 200$ to 2000$, depending on the seats you get. There are many aftermarket seats for Honda Fit. If you want a more cost-effective way, then add a seat cushion to the seat to make them more comfortable. It will cost you around $10-$35
If comfort is something you value above other features, we recommend taking this car for a test drive before buying it.
2. Starter Failure
The 2015 model of Honda Fit is also prone to starter failure. The affected vehicle starter fails at around 45,000-50,000 miles, earlier than expected. Some complaints are that the affected car intermittently fails to start even after changing its key fob battery.
Many owners have also reported that they sometimes have to jump-start the battery to start the car. This issue is quite troublesome as it appears out of the blue, and it can leave you stranded in places. Some inexperienced owners may even end up calling for a tow truck which can cause even more problems if not done right.
The most common symptoms of a bad starter are noises coming from the starter and the vehicle itself not starting. Another symptom is smoke coming out from under the hood, which indicates that your starter is giving up. It can burn up or, as a result, burn the associated wiring with it, which can potentially cause a short circuit.
The easiest fix is that you replace your starter. It will cost you up to $730, but if you get a good quality starter, it should last you for a decade or so.
It’s a little tricky to reach, but you can replace the starter on your own and this video does a great job explaining the process:
3. Master Power Window Switch Malfunction
Honda Fit of the model year 2007 to 2008 has been issued a recall letter. The issue that has made Honda recall its Fit models lies with the driver-side master power window switch. If the master power window switch comes in contact with an excessive amount of liquid (due to a water spill or even a heavy rainfall), the switch overheats. This overheating can cause a short circuit and might start a fire. Some incidents of this type have been caught on camera and are well documented. No human injury has occurred, according to the records.
This problem is dangerous as the fire starts next to the driver and can cause severe burns. If you feel your window switch getting hot, it’s better to turn off your car for a while and dry the window area.
If you are on the market to get a vehicle, you should watch for this problem. If you own a Honda Fit model of 2008 or 2007, you should check if you have replaced your window switch in the recall. The switch costs around 28$ to 41$. You should remain conscious of the amount of liquid that falls on the window switch. We also recommend you install window rain guards.
4. Power Steering Failure
Another problem that haunts the Honda Fit model of 2007 is its power steering failure. Issues involving the power steering system in the 2007 model of Honda Fit are widespread. Many owners have reported that the steering of their Honda will become stiff while driving, which makes driving extremely cumbersome.
Another problem concerning the power steering system is the steering malfunction after a cold start. The power steering warning light comes on when this happens to indicate that your steering is not working correctly.
This problem can become lethal if it is not monitored carefully, as the steering can malfunction on the freeway putting you and others in grave danger. If your steering shows any sign of malfunction, you should contact a mechanic to get this problem fixed.
The only fix to that problem is to replace the old electronic power steering module with a new one which will cost you $980. If you own a 2007 Honda Fit, you should get ready to bear this cost.
5. Stalling and Stuttering Engine
The models of Honda Fit ranging from 2007 to 2016 have experienced stalling and stuttering engines while traveling at higher speeds. There are two potential causes of this problem.
Failure of the ignition coil is one of the problems which causes difficulty in acceleration. Physical damage and oil leaks are the main symptoms of faulty ignition coils. The replacement of the ignition coil will cost you $193, including labor.
The other cause is the fuel pump not working correctly. The leading cause is low-quality fuel pumps which give up under excessive load. These fuel pumps were outsourced to the Denso brand and were issued a recall in 2020 and it doesn’t matter what type of fuel you use in your Honda Fit. If your vehicle model has this issue, you should get it checked out as the recall replaces the fuel pump, and you can bid farewell to this problem.
The ‘Check Engine Light’ will begin flashing if your Honda Fit faces this issue. While in the market, make sure that you don’t end up buying a model for which a recall was issued.
6. Electronic and Fuel Gauge Problems
One of the problems that haunt the newer models of Honda Fit is that it has lousy screen displays. The displays are faulty and have been known to run into glitches now and then. Owners have reported that displays are either blank or show partial, inadequate information.
This issue can be pretty frustrating and has no easy fix. The most troubling aspect of the matter is that drivers don’t know how much fuel they have left in the car, which can create many problems on long journeys and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The cause of this problem can be related to damaged/bad wiring or a software glitch or connection issues, so you should get it checked by a professional as this problem can be due to various causes. This will cost you up to $1500 from Honda, depending upon the severity of the problem.
7. Cracked Front Door Arm Rest
Honda Fit model years of 2007-2010 also come with an additional problem of a crack in the armrest of the front door. If you plan to buy a Fit of these model years, use your armrest with caution. Owners of these model years have reported that their car’s front door armrest is prone to cracking.
You should avoid putting too much force on the front door armrest if you own a Honda Fit from these years. The permanent fix is to buy an aftermarket or revised door panel, which will cost you $560.
8. Clear Coat Wearing Off
Like most cars in circulation right now, Honda Fit comes with a clear coat – a high-quality multi-layered coat made up of resins that give a shiny and sleek look to your vehicle. A common issue that has plagued various models of the Honda Fit is its clear coat wearing off.
The owners of the Honda Fit claim that the problem begins with a few patches of slight discoloration. The paint appears lighter than the surrounding areas. With time, the clear coat starts to peel off the car and chips the paint. This continues until your car’s paint job becomes filled with holes.
The most affected areas are the hood, fenders, around the gas tank, and the roof. This is a big problem as the quality of paint and coating can determine the car’s resale value. This problem affects the car’s resale value as well as its durability. The main cause of the problem is Honda using low-quality primers and paint to cut down on the overall cost of the car.
If you own a Honda Fit, the permanent fix to this problem is a new clear coat which will cost you around $300.
However, there are some DIY options that can have mixed results (despite the video title):
9. Dead Battery
One of the serious issues of the Honda Fit 2015 model is that its battery dies. Some customers have reported that their battery died without any reason. Surprisingly, this problem was reported in new models of Honda Fit as well.
The most common cause of battery death is a bad alternator. A faulty alternator can no longer supply your Fit with adequate power. It begins to feed off of the reserve in the battery. Consequently, your battery reserve hits a critical level and begins to die.
The main symptom of this issue is a stalling engine of your Honda Fit. Dim headlights are also one of the most common signs of a bad alternator. Electric accessories in the vehicle might work erratically or not work at all.
Several users decided to change their batteries in haste when faced with this problem. We recommend getting your car to a mechanic first and getting a detailed diagnosis. Your battery likely died because of some underlying reason – such as a faulty actuator or charging system failure. Solving the underlying issue is of primary importance in this case.
The easy solution to this problem is the replacement of the lousy alternator which will cost you $100. This cost is likely to vary depending on the damage’s actual cause and extent.
10. Spark Plug Blow Out Engine Head
One of the most significant flaws of the Honda Fit 2009 model year is its spark plug blowing out, severely damaging the engine. Many owners have reported that their Honda Fit spark plug blew and damaged the piston.
The main symptom of a bad spark plug is the check engine lights turning on. A slower than average acceleration is another sign of a bad spark plug. If the spark plug gives up the ghost during a drive, you’ll also smell a burning smell coming from your engine.
There are several potential causes of a spark plug blowing out. A spark plug might blow out when it is improperly installed – fastened too tightly or not tightly enough to the engine plug. Improper threading or inadequate torque rating might also trigger a spark plug problem.
The fix for this problem is not very costly. It can cost you around $300 to $400 to get a new spark plug.
What’s The Worst Year of The Honda Fit?
Honda’s brand name is associated with reliability, and Honda Fit is no exception. It can last a minimum of 200,000 to 300,000 miles or 13 to 20 years – which is quite reasonable for an FWD hatchback that isn’t designed for specialty work like towing.
The model years you should avoid are 2007 and 2015 since they are marred with most complaints and recalls. Ignition failure, starter failure, and power window switch malfunction are the most common problems reported in these model years.
The 2017 model year of Honda Fit is the most reliable model. It has impressive cargo space, extraordinary ride quality, and little to no major problems. People looking for a five-seater at a comfortable price point will best be served to buy a 2017 Honda Fit Hybrid. The main focus of the car is comfort and convenience. It achieves both of these features without losing out on the power and performance aspects – which is a massive feat for a family car.
Closing Thoughts
The Honda Fit stands as a generally reliable and efficient compact car, but it comes with its own set of drawbacks that prospective buyers should carefully consider. However, many of these problems are relatively easy fixes, and the core components of the Honda Fit, like the transmission, are reliable.
When the number one problem is uncomfortable seats instead of engine failure, you’re probably doing okay!
Specific models, such as the 2007-2008 versions, have had instances of serious issues, such as fires caused by power window switch malfunctions. Power steering failure, stuttering engines, electrical issues, and starter failure are other reported problems that have plagued various models of the Fit.
While these issues don’t represent every Fit on the road, they are noteworthy and could potentially mean unexpected repair costs down the line.
As with any used car purchase, arming oneself with detailed knowledge—like the information provided in this article—is key to making a sound decision.
Ultimately, whether the Honda Fit is the right choice boils down to an individual’s tolerance for these potential issues weighed against the car’s notable strengths, including its fuel efficiency and versatility.
Sources
- https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/best-and-worst-honda-fit-years
- https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/honda-fit-bad-starter/#:~:text=Bad%20Starter%20Diagnosis%3A%20Honda%20Fit%20You%E2%80%99ll%20want%20to,going%20directly%20from%20the%20battery%20to%20the%20starter.
- https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/best-and-worst-honda-fit-years
- https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Fit/
- https://www.autos.com/car-buying/4-honda-fit-problems-every-buyer-needs-to-be-aware-of
- https://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine/honda~switch~assy~35760-s6a-003zc.html
His interests in cars, motorcycles, and machines led him to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore where he is currently a mechanical engineering sophomore.
His future aims include the development of an energy-efficient prototype vehicle for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition and getting a Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering from Germany.