Common Honda Fit Faults: Reliability, Breakdowns And Problems!
If you’re looking for a great subcompact car, you can never go wrong with a Honda Fit. It is an incredible car that you will surely want to have, but first to be forewarned take a look at the common faults of the Honda Fit .
Its luxurious interior, intuitive features, advanced safety technology, and reliable engine make it a dependable daily driver. Its resale value is also remarkable, depreciating only 51% after five years.
How good is the Honda Fit?
The Honda Fit has outstanding marks in terms of reliability. It is given 4.5 out of 5, placing it fourth out of 21 vehicles in its segment. On the other hand, the model was also given 80 out of 100 based on its 2020 reliability study.
Thanks to its excellent reliability, a Honda Fit can last up to 200,000 or 300,000 miles without needing any major repairs . As long as you follow the regular maintenance schedule and don’t delay any repairs, you’re sure to get the most out of the life of your Honda.
Common Honda Fit Faults
As reliable as it is, a Honda Fit has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported Honda Fit failures through its model years:
1- Ignition coil failure
Some Honda Fit vehicles tend to develop drivability problems as soon as 50,000 miles due to ignition coil failure. This is a widely reported problem for model years 2007 to 2016.
Ignition coil failure typically causes problems such as loss of power, engine stalling, and stuttering at high speeds. There are several On Board Diagnostic (OBD) codes related to this problem, but it is difficult to determine the exact cause of the problem without proper diagnosis. Most owners of the affected vehicles had to have their coil packs replaced to restore the performance of their Honda Fit’s engine.
2- Seat problems
The 2015 model year appears to be the worst for the Honda Fit in terms of the number of complaints, the most common of which is uncomfortable seats. Many drivers have reported experiencing back and neck pain from driving their Honda Fit for long hours.
Most point to the model’s headrests as the culprit, as they are tilted forward, forcing the driver’s head to tilt forward. Several drivers have also complained that the seats feel flat and unsupportive.
To fix this problem, most owners had to replace the original headrests or seats. Some took the more cost-effective alternative of adding a cushion to their seats to make them more comfortable. Fortunately, there are many seats available on the market today, so it is easy to find one in case you decide to change your Honda Fit.
3- Boot failure
Another common complaint about the 2015 Honda Fit is starter motor failure. Owners of the affected vehicles have reported that their starter failed around 46,700 miles, which is sooner than expected.
Several owners have complained that their car won’t start intermittently even after changing their key fob battery. Many drivers have also claimed that they have had to jump start the battery to start the car . In some cases, spongy brakes accompanied these problems.
Most owners have had to replace the starter on the Honda Fit to resolve the problem, and repairs for this type of problem can cost up to $730.
4- Disadvantages with the armrests of the front door
If you’re looking to buy a 2007-2010 Honda Fit, make sure you take good care of your 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 problem . The good thing is that there are many door panels available in the market. So if you run into the same problem, finding a door panel for your Honda Fit will be a breeze.
5- Clear coat wear problems
Body paint problems seem to be at the top of the list of common 2009 Honda Fit failures. Several owners have complained that the clear coat on their car started to wear off around 74,250 miles.
Some drivers have also reported that the paint on the hood and roof of their car is peeling . Most of them have had their vehicle repainted to make it look nice and classy again.
6- Engine failure
The list of common failures for the 2008 Honda Fit involves premature engine failure on some units. Affected vehicles would start and stop suddenly after running a mile or two, especially when driven in cold weather. Some owners have tried warming up their car before driving it, but were unsuccessful in trying to resolve the problem.
Engine repairs can be expensive. So, if you’re planning to buy a 2008 Honda Fit, make sure your engine is in good shape.
7- Failure of the power steering
Problems related to the power steering system are common on some units belonging to the 2007 model year. Owners report stiff steering while driving, while other vehicles experience a power steering malfunction after a cold start. .
The power steering warning light will usually come on when this occurs. 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 immediately.
In conclusion
As long as you do your research and find out the common failures of the Honda Fit for the model year you’re looking at, driving a Honda Fit should be relatively low risk. By following the recommended maintenance schedule and promptly replacing defective parts, you can get more mileage out of your Honda.