Honda Fit Problems: 4 most-Common Issues (Checked)

The Honda Fit is a vehicle known for fuel economy, reliability, and solid handling.

With that in mind, no car on the road is going to be perfect.

Let’s take a look at the common issues that may cause customers to question whether or not the Honda Fit is the right car for them.

First, though – check the good and bad years for Honda Fit here.

Seats May Be Uncomfortable

From 2008 to 2016, some customers shared some complaints about the seats in certain Honda Fit models.

Customers have mentioned issues like hip, shoulder, and back pain due to the lack of support.

Some suggest that the seats appear to be made for a specifically sized person. Given that information, some drivers may find the seats to be perfectly comfortable.

Tips And Solutions For Uncomfortable Seats In The Honda Fit

Uncomfortable seats can be a lot like uncomfortable beds. They may start out imperfect, but adjustments can be made to increase the comfort levels of those who use them.

Before you decide the Honda Fit isn’t for you, consider these possible solutions to fix uncomfortable seats:

1. Adjust the position of the seat:

The seats in most cars are meant to be versatile, but they may require a little adjusting to create the right amount of comfort.

Spend some time changing the angle of the seat, the distance from the steering wheel, and the position of the headrest.

Get the seat in the most comfortable position possible, then try it out. Spend some time driving and pay attention to how you’re feeling.

If you’re comfortable for the whole ride – great!

Otherwise, consider moving on to the next steps.

2. Consider adding support cushions.

Sometimes, all it takes is a cushion to give your body the support it needs.

As you’re spending time in the seat of your car, pay attention to where you may be experiencing discomfort.

Typically, that discomfort is due to some part of your body not being supported.

If you’re finding that you’re experiencing back pain, look for cushions that can support your spine. Products like a lumbar support pillow can make a big difference.

For issues with the tailbone or seat itself, a seat cushion may be just what you need. Everlasting makes a seat cushion with excellent reviews.

3. Look for comfortable seat covers.

In addition to changing the look of your seats, a seat cover can also add support where you need it.

Some add cushion to the entire seat, making it softer to rest on.

Other seat covers may include cushions to help you feel more comfortable.

However, you can always mix and match some seat covers with your cushions of preference if you want something to help with holding the covers in place.

4. Replace the seats.

If nothing else works, you can always have the seats in your Honda Fit replaced.

This can be a more expensive option, but some may also find it to be a more reliable solution.

Unless you have experience with removing and installing car seats, it’s best to find a professional to aid you in this process.

Weakened Front Door Armrest

Another issue that can occur with older Honda Fit models exists within the armrests of the front seats.

Due to issues with their design, they can have issues with cracking or becoming loose.

While this can be a troubling issue, it is a problem with a relatively easy fix.

Most of the models that experience this problem are no longer under warranty, but the armrest in them can be replaced without too much trouble.

It’s simply a matter of finding a replacement door panel and either having it installed or installing it yourself.

For those who prefer not to be as hands-on, it is possible to have a professional replace the door panel for you. It just might be a little more costly.

Stalling And Stuttering Engine

Uncomfortable seats and cracking armrests can be annoying, but having your engine stall out or stutter can be scary.

Honda Fit models between 2007 and 2016 have experienced these kinds of engine problems, particularly while traveling at higher speeds.

Additionally, the check engine light may begin flashing in order to alert the driver to the issue.

The good news is that the causes of these issues have been rooted out.

Generally speaking, there are two issues that may cause stalling or stuttering in the engine:

  • Failures in the ignition coils:

Issues with the ignition coils might present with difficulty accelerating and excessive use of fuel as well as stalling and stuttering.

Physical damage and oil leaks are typically the cause of faulty ignition coils.

To solve the problem, the coils will need to be replaced.

  • Fuel pump working incorrectly:

Some Honda Fit models may also experience fuel pump issues due to the quality of the pump in them.

These fuel pumps were manufactured under the Denso brand and initiated a recall in 2020.

Because of the recall, most Honda Fit models should no longer have this problem. However, it may be possible if the vehicle wasn’t turned in for that recall.

Electrical And Fuel Gauge Displays Missing Or Incomplete

Among newer Honda Fit models, the most common problem people come across relates to the displays.

These displays are needed to portray things like the time, temperature, mileage, and amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle.

What some drivers have experienced is various displays being blank or only showing up partway.

Although this can be a frustrating issue, it isn’t one that typically keeps the car from being able to get from place to place.

The most troubling aspect is that drivers will need to pay close attention to how much fuel actually is in their vehicle.

The best response to this issue is to take the vehicle to a professional.

Because testing needs to be conducted, it can be difficult for drivers to fix this issue themselves.

Some of the causes or inciting factors could relate to damaged wiring, cold temperatures, or connection issues.

General Pros And Cons For The Honda Fit

Take a look at the pros and cons of the Honda Fit:

Pros

These are some benefits of the Honda Fit:

1. Compact, yet spacious.

From the outside, the Honda Fit is a highly compact vehicle.

This makes it easier to park and handle. There isn’t a lot of extra mass to account for while you’re moving through traffic or trying to fit into a parallel parking space.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of room on the inside for passengers, groceries, or anything else you may need to transport.

2. Great visibility.

The design of the Honda Fit makes it easy to see all the way around your vehicle.

Consequently, there are fewer blind spots that put you at risk of missing other vehicles on the road.

3. Simple maintenance.

Cars that are easy to care for receive better regular maintenance.

Typical maintenance activities like changing the oil are easier with the Honda Fit than they might be with other vehicles.

Additionally, less maintenance is needed to keep the car in good shape overall.

It’s always worth your time to inspect your car regularly to make sure everything is in order, but the chances are high that there won’t be too much to worry about with the Honda Fit.

4. Solid fuel economy.

The fuel economy for the Honda Fit may not go above and beyond what you’ll find for similarly-sized cars, but it definitely fits the expectations.

A common range for cars like these is from 30MPG to 40MPG depending on the speed you’re driving at.

For the Honda Fit, that range is from 33MPG to 40MPG, fitting comfortably into the range a driver might expect.

The results may be different depending on the model, year, and condition of the vehicle you’re driving.

5. Seat adjustability.

In the past, some may have had complaints about the level of comfort provided by the seats in the Honda Fit.

Because of that, the vehicle has been updated to provide more adjustability.

Not only can those in the car adjust their seats for optimum comfort in the newer models, but they can also lay seats down in order to make room for more cargo.

Cons

The downfalls that come with owning a Honda Fit:

  • Uncomfortable seats
  • Weakened front door armrest
  • Stalling/stuttering engine
  • Dashboard displays can fade out or become blank

What Do The Reviews Say?

“By and large, it carries over the Fit’s trademarks of incredible space efficiency and interior versatility. The rear seat performs the same tricks of folding flat and low, or flipping up the bottom cushions to create a deep well. Handling is nimble, which makes the car fun for carving corners.”

www.consumerreports.org

“Phenomenally fuel conscious, magically spacious back seat, rides well for a small car.”

www.caranddriver.com/

GO BACK: Honda problems per model.

What’s The Resale Value Of The Honda Fit?

 

Year Mileage Price ($)
2010 71,369 $15,990
2011 51,586 $16,990
2012 49,410 $15,990
2013 45,291 $16,590
2015 72,456 $16,590
2016 70,705 $17,590
2017 34,146 $19,990
2018 30,579 $23,991
2019 48,773 $20,500
2020 24,730 $23,126
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ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.