Owners have filed 148 complaints
about the 2016 Honda FIT with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Honda FIT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 84
49% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
34.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1216.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1115.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2027.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1621.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
79.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
45.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2016 Honda Fit 5 HB FWD
14.7% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2016peak 10Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Honda FIT
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA19001Opened 19 Apr 2019Closed 19 Sep 2024AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
Electrical overstress
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mount...
Recalls on the 2016 Honda FIT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V697000
STRUCTURE
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Fit LX-trim vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to July 02, 2015 and not equipped with a sunroof. In the affected vehicles, the rear grab handle brackets were not manufactured properly, and as a result, the brackets may puncture the side curtain air bags upon their deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection" and number 226, "Ejection Mitigation".
Risk: If the side curtain air bags are punctured upon deployment, the outboard seat occupants may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20154998,081 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the rear grab rail brackets may not have been manufactured to design specifications. In the event of a collision, they could interfere with side curtain airbag deployment and could result in a rear-seat occupant not receiving the intended protection from the side curtain airbag, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear grab rail bracket with one that has felt applied to prevent a puncture of the side curtain airbag.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Albany, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on highway, my car started to lose power. My attempts to maintain speed resulted in my car stalling and lurching forward, intermittently. I had to pull over on the side. Someone with a diagnostic tool checked and the tool read out indicated "Fuel rail pressure too low" and ABS indicated as abnormal.
NHTSA complaint #11478562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, NYCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on highway, my car started to lose power. My attempts to maintain speed resulted in my car stalling and lurching forward, intermittently. I had to pull over on the side. Someone with a diagnostic tool checked and the tool read out indicated "Fuel rail pressure too low" and ABS indicated as abnormal.
NHTSA complaint #11478562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bordentown, NJCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IN PROCESS OF PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A BUSINESS, I APPLIED MY FOOT BRAKE AFTER WHICH MY VEHICLE FULLY ACCELERATED, JUMPING (AN APPROXIMATELY 12") SIDEWALK INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #11231210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesMarblehead, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS IN REVERSE BACKING INTO MY PARKING SPACE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY GAS PETEL ACCELERATED DRIVING MY CAR SO FAST OVER A CURB AND INTO A STONE WALL. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY VEHICLE THAT REPORTED TO HONDA AMERICAN, BUT THE SAME MALFUNCTION OF GAS PETAL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH SPEED. REPORTED TO MY INSURANCE AND HONDA AMERICAN. MY CAR NOW IF I PUT IT IN DRIVE IT STARTS DRIVING ON ITS OWN. ALSO IN REVERSE IT STARTS DRIVING ON ITS OWN. I DON'T HAVE TO STEP ON THE. GAS PETAL IT MOVES ON ITS OWN. I AM AWAITING FOR HONDA AMERICA TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO MY HONDA DEALER WITH ME TO INSPECT. I AM ASKING HONDA AMERICAN TO PAY REPAIR OF MY VEHICLE. $1,082.00. HONDA IS WILLING TO TOW MY CAR, BUT CAN'T PROMISE ME A VEHICLE WHILE BEING REPAIRED. HONDA AMERICA SENT SOMEONE TO TOW MY CAR, WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO ME. I CANCELED THE TOW, FOR I HAD FRACTURED MY ELBOW AND NEEDED TO SPEAK WITH HONDA AMERICA. I AM WAITING FOR A RETURN PHONE CALL TO SO WE MAY GET MY CAR INSPECTED BY A HONDA REPRESENTATIVE. I WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED, FOR IT WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE GAS PETAL. OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM, BUT IT IS NOT LISTED AS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHICH IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11205930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesMablehead, MACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA FIT. WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED AN INJURED NECK AND BACK, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. KELLY HONDA (540 LYNNWAY, LYNN, MA) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11195655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL- I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND MY VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED, BUT MY AIRBAGS "FAILED TO DEPLOY", THEREFORE IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THEY ARE FAULTY AND THIS WAS NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE, PLEASE CAN YOU HELP ME BECAUSE MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN YOUR LIST OF "RECALLS" AND WHY NOT IF THIS OCCURRED TO ME???
NHTSA complaint #11122039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Warner Robins, GA
TIRES
This is the third Dextero DTR1 that has exhibited defects described in their 2016 recall (large cracks at the sidewall/tread area). This is a fatally serious defect: I would not drive at highway speed with these tires. My first complaint resulted in my tire being replaced. my second and third complaints are thus: there are no tires in stock to replace my defective tires and I was informed that a bank and routing number would be needed to pay me $109 for two defective tires. I complied with their request and was asked for additional personal information. I do not want to provide more personal information and have asked for a check instead.
NHTSA complaint #11753758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
TIRES
I filed a report earlier and uploaded photos. My right front had a bump in the middle of the tire which caused that portion of tire (1/4) to go bald and caused the car bump as you drove it. the company, [XXX] asked for my bank routing number and account number and receipts which I provided. Afterwards, the female employee sent a form which I am uploading to return to their finance dept. I do not like having to give out personal info such as the form requires. When asked if a check can be sent she informed me that they could not send a check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11750908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
TIRES
My yellow 2016 Honda Fit (18560R15) right front tire recently developed a bump in the middle and outside tread wear. My other car, 1994 Honda Ccivic, had its front tire worn as well. This Dextero tire is manufactured in Fujian, China and is distributed by Giti and we bought them from Walmart. I had a similar defect on my Civic back in 11/2025. I found that the Dextero tire was recalled in 2016 for cracks at tread/sidewall area exactly as my tires exhibited. Giti replaced my tire in 11/2025 but refuse to replace my two new defects. I believe these tires are not safe to drive on and would like two replacements.
NHTSA complaint #11747455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boston, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I see reported everywhere that Honda Fit 2016, including my car, has issues with defective cluster panels. Honda has issued software recalls for instrument panel issues, primarily affecting 2018-2020 Odyssey, 2019-2020 Pilot/Passport, and 2018-2020 Accord/Hybrid models, where incorrect software can cause blank or failing displays for speed, oil pressure, gear, and camera, requiring a free software update at a dealer to fix the issue. My car has experienced a failing and blank screen for gas and mileage, requiring replacement of the cluster panel. It has, and will, cost me hundreds of dollars to fix an issue that is apparently being fixed for free on other Honda models.
NHTSA complaint #11709312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Dundee, IL
AIR BAGS
Steering wheel airbag cover gets extremely hot after driving, was told this is a serious safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11690307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, SC
TIRES:SIDEWALL
1. Nexen-P185/55R16 83H 2. A bubble has formed in the sidewall. Can cause Tire blow out. 3. This is the third Nexen tire to form a bubble. I reported the last one a little over a month ago. Tire service provider to order a new tire and replace today. 4. It has not been inspected by law enforcement or investigators. 5. No, there were not.
NHTSA complaint #11680313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mingo Junction, OH
TIRES:BEAD
Woke up [XXX] to a flat tire. Filled the tire and heard a hiss. We took the vehicle to NTB in Wellsburg, WV where we bought the tires. After inspection we were told two tires had "bubbles" and needed to be replaced (picture of front passenger side attached). We have ordered new Goodyears that will be here in 2 days. Side Note: we had to buy groceries, so we drove the car slowly yo Walmart in Steubenville, OH where the front tire failed. AAA (DCP Automotive) came and changed the tire/doughnut. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11677098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, SC
TIRES:SIDEWALL
P185/55R16 Tire wall coming off of the tire. Bubble created.
NHTSA complaint #11664490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The fuel gauge-odometer indicator dash cluster goes blank and/or scrambles-then goes dark with no info.
NHTSA complaint #11659755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced twice, and the catalytic converter was replaced at the contact's expense before the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown local dealer, where it remained for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Honda TSB Number: 22-002; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCharlestown, MA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the spark plugs were replaced twice, and the catalytic converter was replaced at the contact's expense before the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an unknown local dealer, where it remained for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Honda TSB Number: 22-002; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11654088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, NE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The digital gas gauge and odometer on the dashboard is a blank, blue screen or shows partial information but isn't legible. It will happen sporadically, seemingly from cold weather, and eventually the screen appears as normal. This started happening this winter around 82k miles. Not knowing the fuel level is a safety issue, especially with winter driving. There were no warning messages prior to this issue. Lastly, per an online search, many Honda fit owners have experienced this same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11647352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gas gauge/odometer on the dashboard shows up blank or is total gibberish. Therefore, I have no idea how much gas is left or the current mileage for maintenance timing. It used to only happen in cold weather, but now it happens at any temperature. It usually does this when starting of the engine and it can eventually show up in a minute or 20 minutes into driving. I get this "error" almost daily. This is a safety issue because I don't know the fuel level of my car. I know never let the gauge fall under 1/2 full. I also take pictures of the screen every time I turn off the car so I know what the last mileage and gas level is in case it blanks out the next time I start the engine to drive. I've contacted the manufacturer and they said to bring it in when it happens. I have no way of knowing when it will happen or for how long. The only way it could be reproduced is if I left it a the dealer for them to start periodically, but appointments are necessary especially in this time of low staffing. There were no warning messages prior to this issue. Lastly, per an online search and reviewing the website [XXX] , many Honda fit owners have experienced this same issue INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11626791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schnecksville, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Injector Failure
NHTSA complaint #11588366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New York, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I put a deposit down at a dealership & they sold me a car with issues I have the proof I’m trying to file a complaint on the dealer
NHTSA complaint #11587181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chillicothe, IL
POWER TRAIN
The cvt transmission is going out. The dealer has conformed this. This vehicle only has 120000 miles on it and has had every transmission service that was recommended. When this goes completely it could cause an accident at freeway speeds. I believe this model year needs to be added to the cvt recall list and should be covered by honda to 150000 since they clearly know they have an issue here.
NHTSA complaint #11577631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chillicothe, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The cvt transmission is going out. The dealer has conformed this. This vehicle only has 120000 miles on it and has had every transmission service that was recommended. When this goes completely it could cause an accident at freeway speeds. I believe this model year needs to be added to the cvt recall list and should be covered by honda to 150000 since they clearly know they have an issue here.
NHTSA complaint #11577631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Gas gauge/odometer goes blank and/or shows gibberish and is unreadable.
NHTSA complaint #11574343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Gas gauge/odometer goes blank and/or shows gibberish and is unreadable.
NHTSA complaint #11574343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, FL
STEERING
The big recall with Honda and Acura, it lists the 2018-2019 Honda fit as having issues with the fuel pump modular. I've had the same issues with my 2016 for a few years now. I've stalled while driving and the steering wheel locks up when that happens. When starting from a stop, it is worse. I once was taking a left turn and it happened. Luckily I wasn't going across during a busy time, I might have been hit. I've gotten my car looked at several times and no one could tell me what was wrong. I even put in a new fuel pump because all of the systems seemed to be related to the fuel pump. And that didn't change anything either. It has to be the modular but whatever it is, this is serious and I cannot believe the 2016 has not been included in the recall. I have to mash the gas a lot, it seems to kind of help in preventing stalling sometimes. But if you have someone right in front of you, and you're making a turn, thats very difficult to mash the gas to prevent a stall while turning. I know I am mentioning turning a lot, it doesn't matter if I am turning or going straight, but I feel like it's more dangerous when it happens while turning as the steering wheel locks up when the car stalls. Throwing it in neutral doesn't even unlock the steering wheel. You can't quickly fix the issue, you have to switch the ignition off and restart it to unlock the steering wheel, that's not something that can be done quick enough to avoid an accident that is about to happen right before your eyes. Please look into this. I feel like it is immoral of Honda to not include other Fit models in the recall. They must know it's not only the 2018-2019 models. There is no way that my car is the only 2016 this is happening to. I greatly appreciate any effort you are willing to put into investigating this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11573073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, FL
ENGINE
The big recall with Honda and Acura, it lists the 2018-2019 Honda fit as having issues with the fuel pump modular. I've had the same issues with my 2016 for a few years now. I've stalled while driving and the steering wheel locks up when that happens. When starting from a stop, it is worse. I once was taking a left turn and it happened. Luckily I wasn't going across during a busy time, I might have been hit. I've gotten my car looked at several times and no one could tell me what was wrong. I even put in a new fuel pump because all of the systems seemed to be related to the fuel pump. And that didn't change anything either. It has to be the modular but whatever it is, this is serious and I cannot believe the 2016 has not been included in the recall. I have to mash the gas a lot, it seems to kind of help in preventing stalling sometimes. But if you have someone right in front of you, and you're making a turn, thats very difficult to mash the gas to prevent a stall while turning. I know I am mentioning turning a lot, it doesn't matter if I am turning or going straight, but I feel like it's more dangerous when it happens while turning as the steering wheel locks up when the car stalls. Throwing it in neutral doesn't even unlock the steering wheel. You can't quickly fix the issue, you have to switch the ignition off and restart it to unlock the steering wheel, that's not something that can be done quick enough to avoid an accident that is about to happen right before your eyes. Please look into this. I feel like it is immoral of Honda to not include other Fit models in the recall. They must know it's not only the 2018-2019 models. There is no way that my car is the only 2016 this is happening to. I greatly appreciate any effort you are willing to put into investigating this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11573073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bell, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The big recall with Honda and Acura, it lists the 2018-2019 Honda fit as having issues with the fuel pump modular. I've had the same issues with my 2016 for a few years now. I've stalled while driving and the steering wheel locks up when that happens. When starting from a stop, it is worse. I once was taking a left turn and it happened. Luckily I wasn't going across during a busy time, I might have been hit. I've gotten my car looked at several times and no one could tell me what was wrong. I even put in a new fuel pump because all of the systems seemed to be related to the fuel pump. And that didn't change anything either. It has to be the modular but whatever it is, this is serious and I cannot believe the 2016 has not been included in the recall. I have to mash the gas a lot, it seems to kind of help in preventing stalling sometimes. But if you have someone right in front of you, and you're making a turn, thats very difficult to mash the gas to prevent a stall while turning. I know I am mentioning turning a lot, it doesn't matter if I am turning or going straight, but I feel like it's more dangerous when it happens while turning as the steering wheel locks up when the car stalls. Throwing it in neutral doesn't even unlock the steering wheel. You can't quickly fix the issue, you have to switch the ignition off and restart it to unlock the steering wheel, that's not something that can be done quick enough to avoid an accident that is about to happen right before your eyes. Please look into this. I feel like it is immoral of Honda to not include other Fit models in the recall. They must know it's not only the 2018-2019 models. There is no way that my car is the only 2016 this is happening to. I greatly appreciate any effort you are willing to put into investigating this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11573073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gauge cluster that shows your mileage and fuel levels and maintenance schedule goes out intermittently or altogether blank. It started a couple years ago and at this time I only have 45,000 miles on it. Couple years ago it probably had around 30,000 miles on it. It mainly does it when it’s cold, but it has done it in the summer lately. It gets all sketchy or completely blank. Drive several miles, it comes back on. I’ve read ALOT of complaints. There are way too many complaints on this issue in very little mileage. It is very expensive to fix, and I should not have to pay that kind of money when there aren’t that many miles on it. I had to replace a starter about a year ago. Ridiculous. Like I stated above, I have 45,000 miles on the car at this time. I have had older cars and put way more miles on it and never had a starter problem. I think these matters need addressed and the consumers have it corrected by Honda at their expense. I’ve already had to spend $700 for a starter for a very low mileage car. What is my recourse? I need this fixed before it goes out completely and won’t know how much gas I have or when my maintenance needs to be done.
NHTSA complaint #11570145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broomfield, CO
AIR BAGS
There have been multiple airbag system warning lights on my Honda Fit over the past couple of months. Initially, the driver side airbag inflator warning illuminated and I was able to reset it. Now the passenger side inflator is setting off the warning and it won't reset.
NHTSA complaint #11566933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belle Mead, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel Gauge display on Honda Fit 2016 not working properly. Outside temperature between 35 and 40 Fahrenheit. Internet search showed many other Honda Fit owners facing same issue
NHTSA complaint #11563127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
