Here Are The Honda Fit Years To Avoid
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Compact vehicles are popular for more than one reason: they’re relatively affordable, practical, fuel-efficient, and small enough to navigate crowded cities. When it comes to subcompact cars, the Honda Fit is undoubtedly one of the most popular models.
Honda is a Japanese car manufacturer known for reliable and versatile vehicles, but does it extend to the Honda Fit?
If you’re looking to buy a used Honda Fit and are worried about specific years to avoid, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to know which Honda Fit years to avoid and which ones are worth buying used.
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Which Honda Fit Years to Avoid?
Overall, Honda did a great job with the Honda Fit in terms of reliability. However, that doesn’t change that some model years are worse than others. To answer your question quickly, here are the following Honda Fit model years you should avoid buying used:
- 2007 Honda Fit
- 2008 Honda Fit
- 2013 Honda Fit
- 2015 Honda Fit
- 2016 Honda Fit
2007 Honda Fit
As one of the oldest Honda Fit models, the 2007 version has its fair share of problems. According to CarComplaints.com, it has 485 complaints, and the most problematic areas are power steering failure, clutch failure, and uncomfortable seats.
According to one user, Honda has acknowledged the problem concerning the electronic steering module and had to issue a warranty extension of up to 10 years. Unfortunately, the steering problem can happen at any time and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The typical cost to fix this problem is $790.
Although it’s less common and severe, clutch failure is another concern with the 2007 Fit. Around 40,000-60,000 miles, Fit users have complained that the clutch gave in way too early.
2008 Honda Fit
As per CarComplaints.com, the 2008 Honda Fit has 304 complaints. The three worst complaints about this model are a clutch failure, paint chipping, and transmission slipping.
Honda Fit owners have complained that in the 2008 version, the clutch went out despite the relatively low mileage. In fact, a user claimed that the clutch failed even after replacement which cost him a few thousand dollars. The typical repair cost for this problem is $1,590.
Another noteworthy complaint about the 2008 Honda Fit is chipping and peeling paint. Upon closer inspection, unfortunately, this particular model has had several issues with the paint job, which typically costs $700 to repair.
2013 Honda Fit
The 2013 Honda Fit has 220 complaints, according to CarComplaints.com. The worst problems of this model year are rodent damage to the fuel pump, faulty A/C, and uncomfortable seats.
According to one reviewer, the 2013 Honda Fit used soy-based coatings for the pump that rodents chewed on, which resulted in oil leakage. However, this particular complaint was only reported once, and it’s unclear whether it’s a widespread issue or not.
Another glaring issue with the 2013 Fit, according to owners, lies with the A/C system. Basically, it’s either the A/C is faulty or simply insufficient. The climate system couldn’t keep up with the summer heat for drivers in warmer states. In some cases, the problem was so severe that people opted only to operate their Fit at night.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE HONDA FIT
Let’s examine the most reliable years for the Honda Fit, the general reliability of the car, the least reliable years, and everything else you should know.
2015 Honda Fit
With 389 complaints, the 2015 model is one of the worst Honda Fit years to avoid. The majority of the reliability concerns are about the car’s electrical systems and interior accessories.
According to Consumer Reports, the worst problem of the 2015 Fit is its electric system. The 2015 Fit is riddled with in-car electric system issues from the power plug to the gauges. For example, several users claimed that the meters would flicker, freeze, or downright shut off.
Drivers who value comfort will want to avoid the 2015 Fit due to its highly uncomfortable seats. Several reviewers said they suffered from back and neck aches due to the Fit’s uncomfortable seats. This problem with the seats is exacerbated during long drives.
2016 Honda Fit
According to Consumer Reports, with a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, the 2016 Honda Fit is another model year that made our list of Honda Fits to avoid. Again, one of the main problems is the Fit’s uncomfortable seats. On top of that, several owners complained about the power equipment, fuel system, and body integrity.
Several customers claimed that the 2016 Fit’s fuel injection system lacks reliability and can cause lower MPGs. What made this issue worse is that it typically costs $1,200 to fix.
Many 2016 Fit owners are not thrilled with its body integrity problems. Several squeaks and rattles can be heard while driving. Soundproofing is also reportedly poor, with road and wind noises heard through the windows.
Which Honda Fit Models are Safe to Buy Used?
Now that you know which Honda Fit years to avoid let’s move on to the safe ones to buy used.
2017 Honda Fit
With an 8.6 rating from the U.S. News and World Report, the 2017 iteration of the Honda Fit is one of the best subcompact cars that you can get.
The 2017 Honda Fit has checked all the right boxes, including the spacious cargo area, high safety ratings, and upscale interior materials. If you’re looking for a great mix of quality and value in the segment, the 2017 Honda Fit more than fits the bill.
2012 Honda Fit
Honda has had a great year with the 2012 Honda Fit. From solid fuel economy ratings to versatile cargo space to the fun-to-drive personality, the 2012 Fit ruled the subcompact segment that year.
Aside from getting rave reviews from industry experts, the 2012 Honda Fit also received many recommendations for a subcompact car under $10k.
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2019 Honda Fit
Consumer Reports gave the 2019 Honda Fit a reliability rating of 5 out of 5, which is impressive for a subcompact vehicle. It boasts a classy and roomy interior, agile handling, top-notch fuel economy, and excellent safety scores.
The only new feature of the 2019 Fit is automatic high-beam headlights, but that doesn’t take away from its excellent value proposition. If you’re in the market for a reasonably new Honda Fit, the 2019 model is a great choice.
Common Honda Fit Problems
One of the greatest strengths of the Honda Fit was its reliability. Repair gave the Fit an impressive reliability score of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking 4th in its segment. As reliable as the Fit is, it has some common problems you should know:
- Ignition coil failure - This is a relatively widespread issue among the 2007 to 2016 Fit models. Once the ignition coil fails, it can lead to driveability issues like stalling, loss of power, and stuttering. Many owners had to replace their coil packs to address the issue.
- Uncomfortable seats - According to numerous reports, the Fit interior isn’t a comfy place to be. Many drivers experienced neck and back pains due to flat and unsupportive seats. Some people had to buy seat cushions and headrests to address this problem.
- Starter failure - The 2015 Fit had difficulties with its starter failing at around 46,000 miles. Some reports said that their Fit would fail to start intermittently. In some cases, drivers used a jump start battery pack to get the engine running.
- Fuel filler door doesn’t open - Owners of 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2014 Honda Fits complained that their fuel door refuses to open. You have to get a revised fuel fill push lifter from Honda to fix this issue.
- Transmission problems - Some Honda Fit models, particularly the earlier ones (2007-2008), have experienced issues with the automatic transmission, such as harsh shifting or transmission failure.
- Engine problems - Issues such as excessive oil consumption and engine misfires have been reported, notably in the 2009-2013 models. The 2015 and 2016 models also faced recalls due to potential engine failures caused by connecting rod bolts that could loosen and cause the engine to seize.
- Water leaks - Some Fits, especially in the 2009-2013 range, have been known to develop leaks into the interior, often due to issues with the door seals or the air conditioning system.
- Suspension issues - Complaints about premature wear of suspension components, such as shock absorbers and struts, have surfaced, especially in the 2007-2013 models.
- Dashboard warning lights - The 2015-2016 models have had issues with various dashboard warning lights illuminating due to sensor problems or software issues in the vehicle’s computer systems.
- Electric power steering failure - The 2007-2013 Honda Fit models have seen complaints about the electric power steering, which can fail and significantly increase steering effort.
Are Honda Fits typically reliable?
The Honda Fit was sold in the United States for 14 years before being discontinued in 2020. Over that time, it built a reputation as a typically dependable small car. However, reliability varied across different model years.
How much does a used Honda Fit typically cost?
As SUVs prices have risen, small cars like the Honda Fit have become more popular. And even though Honda no longer sells the Fit in the U.S., this compact hatchback is still sought after. Data from CoPilot Price Pulse shows a 2009 Fit sedan going for an average of $9,049. It’s only natural that newer examples have a higher asking price. A typical 2018 Honda Fit sells for $18,541, including a 35% market premium due to limited inventory and high demand.
Is the Honda Fit a good car to purchase?
The zippy Honda Fit is an excellent buy for an economical and practical small car. Overall, the Fit has a solid reputation for reliability and owner satisfaction if you maintain it properly and concentrate on the most reliable Honda Fit years.
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