Most Common Honda Fit Problems

If you are in the market for a compact car and have been looking for one that is reliable and safe, chances are you have come across the Honda Fit. Not only are Honda vehicles known for their reliability and longevity, lasting up to 200,000 to 300,000 miles without needing any major repairs, they are also known as some of the most affordable vehicles that give you the most bang for your buck. Even with a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.5/5 and a resale value that depreciates only ~50% after five years, there are several Honda Fit common problems that have come to light since it was introduced in the US in 2007.

Common Honda Fit Problems:

Like any car, regardless of how reliable it is supposed to be, there are sometimes issues that seem to arise for many owners – the Honda Fit is no different. In no way is this article trying to sway you away from purchasing a Honda Fit, but rather we’re here to inform consumers about the most widely reported issues across a given model. We also aim to give potential buyers an idea of what kind of routine maintenance may be needed to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.

1. Starter Failure

As with many vehicles, the most common complaints revolve around starter issues – which can often stem from having a dead battery, but can also be caused by a multitude of other factors. When it comes to the 2015 Honda Fit, owners of the affected vehicles have reported that they experienced starter failure between 45,000 and 50,000 miles, which is thought to be sooner than should be expected.

In order to resolve the issue, most owners opted to completely replace the Honda Fit starter with a new one. A starter replacement or repair for this type of Honda Fit problem can cost between $500 – $900 depending on the mechanic shop you go to.

2. Engine Failure

At the top of the list of Honda Fit common problems in 2008 was premature engine failure. Affected vehicles would start up normally and suddenly stall after running for a few miles. This happened more so in cold weather but also happened in normal temperatures. As an initial solution, many owners tried to simply warm up their car before each drive, but this was unsuccessful in trying to resolve this Honda Fit problem.

As you can probably assume, engine repairs can be costly for any vehicle. With that being said, make sure your vehicle’s engine stays in good shape by routinely checking your car for potential issues as well as properly doing the necessary routine maintenance the given vehicle requires.

3. Clear-Coat Fading

Although this Honda Fit issue regarding its body paint fading and clear coat peeling away doesn’t affect the performance of the car, it is still very common and should be addressed. This body paint issue is amongst the top of the list of 2009 Honda Fit common problems. Several owners have reported that their car’s clear coating began wearing off and the paint on the hood and roof started peeling off at about 75,000 miles. 

To remedy the issue, the majority of owners had to get their vehicle repainted to reclaim the Honda Fit’s sleek appearance.

4. Oxygen Sensor

The Honda Fit oxygen sensor problem is one of the most common reasons why your Fit’s check engine light may be on. If you are unsure if you are experiencing this oxygen sensor problem with your Honda Fit, look for these common symptoms:

• Fuel Mileage Decrease 

• Hesitation/Misfiring from Engine

• Rough Idling or Stalling 

• Failed Emissions Test

If you are experiencing the above and think you have a Honda Fit oxygen sensor problem, the most common solution is to have the oxygen sensor replaced. On average, this can cost anywhere from $600-$800 at most mechanic shops. 

5. Solenoid Problems

The Honda Fit solenoid problem is another frequently reported issue. Solenoids are one of the most important parts of your car’s transmission. They act as gates to control the flow of transmission fluid, enabling the transmission to switch between gears. So, if you are experiencing unpredictable gear shifts or delayed shifting you may be experiencing transmission solenoid problems.

6. Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

There are also many reports of Honda Fit Bluetooth problems where your phone is unable to connect or is connected but still not working. Luckily, this issue generally has a simple solution. In most cases, all you have to do is unpair and delete the device from the Honda Fit Bluetooth setting and then re-pair the device with your car. Each year of the vehicle might be a little different, but to reset the Bluetooth in a Honda Fit follow the steps below:

• Go to the audio settings menu
• Then select bluetooth devices 
• Then remove bluetooth devices by selecting them and holding down the select button
• Once removed, re-pair the device

Although there are some common Honda Fit problems that drivers have reported over the years, Honda Fits are still great cars for the price, making them a perfect first car for your teen, or a nice little upgrade for yourself. Since no vehicle is perfect, as long as you do your research and learn about the common issues you might be facing when getting a given car, you will be able to more confidently go into a dealership and know exactly what you want. For the most part, driving most modern cars should come with little risk. Especially if you are following the recommended maintenance schedule and quickly fix any issues that come up. If you have any questions about a given repair, feel free to reach out to us at (385) 497-6442. We look forward to assisting you!