2016 Honda FIT electrical problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Gas gauge/odometer goes blank and/or shows gibberish and is unreadable.

NHTSA complaint #11574343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The odometer is digital only. It started to fail in the last couple months in that the digits would appear jumbled (unintelligible) or would be completely blank. Consequently, I am then unable to see my fuel gauge as well as mileage/oil life, which I believe poses a safety concern. If it fails completely then I am unable to tell when I need an oil change and, worse, when I am out of gas. Fortunately, it functions normally every now and then, particularly in warmer weather. I will be mentioning this to the local mechanic this week but have not contacted the local Honda dealership and have not had this investigated beyond my own experiences. As a side note, the last time I went to the Honda dealership (for an A/C issue), they were unable to diagnose the issue after numerous, expensive visits. Went to the local mechanic who fixed it immediately and cost only $25. I researched this issue and appears there is a community of Honda Fit owners who are experiencing this, many with graver experiences than mine. Thank you for taking the time to review this important concern. I am happy to send photos since the upload photos function doesn't work for me. When I click the upload button it disappears and there are no other possible actions.

NHTSA complaint #11562933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The gauge cluster started flickering in cold weather only. I asked Honda to review it and take a picture of the problem and explain. Every explanation online for this existing problems seems to be cracked solder joints. Yet HONDA wants to charge me 1.1K the replace the entire system for what they vaguely described as “internal error” if it was internal error, I’d see lot more of a problem with the computer system. It’s obvious it’s the connections that are wrong. The board is probably fine. Yet they want to charge me 1.1K for a KNOWN problems thousands of other Hondas have experienced. This is not fair. I’ve never filled this out but this happened right after my warranty ran out. I can’t afford to fix this. I won’t be able to see my fuel gauge, or any weird oil change errors that pop. That is a safety issue. I can’t see my mileage. Or oil percentage. Can anyone help me? There’s so many cases of this on Reddit.

NHTSA complaint #11558149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

We own a 2016 Honda Fit with 52,000 miles, and the fuel gauge/speed/odometer display does not work. It completely fails in the cold. This is major safety issue since we can't read the fuel level nor see how fast or slow I'm driving. Our car is currently at the Conicelli Honda dealership. After trying to get this fix or diagnosed for years, Conicelli thinks the problem is a loose or failing solder joint. I spoke with Honda and they is no current recall on this problem. That said and apparently, it is a common issue based on a YouTube video, [XXX] . This is major safety issue that should not fail at 52,000 miles. Honda should be made aware of this issue and fix the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11557294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle has 16,000 miles on the odometer. Fuel gauge on the right side of the panel often blanks out. Sometimes it comes back when tapped with a finger. Sometimes it flickers while driving. This appears to be a very common problem with this vehicle but has not yet been recalled.

NHTSA complaint #11546493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Right gauge of gauge cluster panel is often blank or distorted. This gauge shows mileage, fuel amount, and the time. At times, all 3 of these items are wrong. When the gauge does not display correctly, the smart power control unit (operation of door locks) does not work. This is a safety issue because a driver could run out of fuel or may not be able to access their vehicle. There is only one key hole on the entire vehicle and that is on the driver's side. When the gauge is not working, you have to manually unlock and lock the doors and cannot set the alarm system. I took my car into a Honda dealership to diagnose this issue and was told it would cost over a thousand dollars to repair and that the part was on backorder because this is a common issue. (The attached invoice states: "Operation of door locks runs through gauge cluster.") I also contacted Honda directly to see if they would cover the cost of repairs and they told me my vehicle was no longer under warranty. Vehicle has not been repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11523156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the right gauge on the instrument cluster intermittently went blank or became distorted. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge provided inaccurate readings. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA complaint #11517793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE:FUEL LEVEL FLOAT/SENSOR/SENDING UNIT

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the right gauge on the instrument cluster intermittently went blank or became distorted. The contact also stated that the fuel gauge provided inaccurate readings. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA complaint #11517793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Smart Power Control Unit stopped working and had to pay out of pocket over $1200 due to no warranties applicable. Have heard from online forums that this is a very common part malfunction in the 2016 models from Honda and due to the high amount of incidents and for how expensive of a repair this turns out to be the part should be covered by Honda as they already cover the actual on and off switch button.

NHTSA complaint #11511392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the LED display was inoperable. The contact stated that the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge were also inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the cause of the failure was not under recall, and that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 51,000.

NHTSA complaint #11507200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The dashboard computer screen has been flickering in temps under 40°F, but it usually comes back on after driving for awhile. However, today is is 70°F and the screen is completely blank so I am unable to see how much gas I have in my tank or any of the other items displayed on that screen.

NHTSA complaint #11499795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Right-side of Instrument display cluster failure upon start up (no data appears). After warm up and a few miles driven, display appeared garbled information. After a few more miles, the display did seem to correct, but this should not be happening. I believe this should be considered a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11499478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I start the car in cool/colder weather (<60 F), I notice that the fuel gauge/mileage indicator in the dashboard does not turn on. It remains blank. Sometimes, after a little while, the indicator does turn on, but displays a bunch of gibberish. Only after the car has been driven for ~20 minutes or so does the indicator turn back to normal. Originally, this occurred and would be fixed almost immediately (within a couple minutes). However, it has steadily gotten worse over time the point where I cannot tell how much fuel is left, the oil life, and other important indicators.

NHTSA complaint #11492689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Screen issues for right-side instrument panel that displays instant mpg, total mileage, fuel levels, and oil life. Upon starting the car, the screen displays incorrectly (partial words, extra letters in incorrect places) and the different display information can not be clicked through. The display will come back after a few minutes.

NHTSA complaint #11491299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Same as dozens of others have reported, the entire instrument panel to the right of the steering column often is totally blank. Of particular concern, the fuel gauge is blank. Sometimes, after a little while, the indicator does turn on, but displays a bunch of gibberish. Only after the car has been driven for ~20 minutes or so does the indicator sometimes turn back to normal. This issue has steadily gotten worse over recent years such that in cooler weather the gauge now does not come on at all. This is a safety issue, and with the number of reports I see on this website and elsewhere, there should be an investigation for recall.

NHTSA complaint #11490248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dashboard display does is not visible upon startup.It will come on after a few miles.This started happening on Oct 17,2022.

NHTSA complaint #11490263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When I start the car in cool/colder weather (<60 F), I notice that the fuel gauge/mileage indicator in the dashboard does not turn on. It remains blank. Sometimes, after a little while, the indicator does turn on, but displays a bunch of gibberish. Only after the car has been driven for ~20 minutes or so does the indicator turn back to normal. Originally, this occurred and would be fixed almost immediately (within a couple minutes). However, it has steadily gotten worse over time the point where I cannot tell how much fuel is left, the oil life, and other important indicators.

NHTSA complaint #11486669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

I'm reporting a common problem with the 2016 Honda Fit which hasn't yet been listed as a recall issue. On the right side of the dashboard next to the steering column there is small digital circular gauge. This gauge includes the fuel gauge, oil life indicator and odometer. Upon starting the vehicle and/or when the vehicle is in motion, this gauge will intermittently fail. This gauge does not turn on or displays random symbols every time I start the car and intermittently does not work while the car is in operation. While this first stated happening only in cold weather, it now happens every day I drive the car in all weather conditions. The fuel gauge and odometer are not visible due to an electrical issue. Nothing has happened to the car that would cause this issue to occur other than a manufacturer defect. The odometer/fuel gauge of the instrument panel has display issues and intermittently blanks out with no info on it. The gauge display is either totally blank, flashes a few times, or displays gibberish, and then intermittently comes back on. This is a safety issue because this display contains the fuel gauge so I cannot see how much fuel is remaining fuel I have left. This gauge also contains the odometer which cannot be seen. Odometers and fuel gauges are legally required to work in vehicles, and these are not working in my 2016 Honda Fit. This should be a recall safety issue if the driver is unable to identify the remaining fuel and miles accrued since last refuel. This can leave the driver and passengers stranded and exposed to danger. This is not an isolated incident with this specific vehicle, and thousands of similar Honda Fit complaints can easily be found in online forums. Per thousands of online posts, the issue appears to be caused by a soldering manufacturing defect. This appears to be a common problem with the Honda Fit. Honda should address and correct this safety issue via a NHTSA safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11484207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Display on the right of the dashboard not turning on when temperature is lower than 45 degrees f. It is impossible to know fuel availability before start driving causing me to risk getting stranded with no gas

NHTSA complaint #11445939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Right side gauge in dashboard keeps shutting down, displaying random symbols, etc. It is the guage that shows fuel usage, levels, etc. 1000's of reports of this online validate it is not a problem with just my Fit. It does this almost everyday now. After the interior of the vehicle gets warm and the guage gets to a certain temperature, it works normally.

NHTSA complaint #11445561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel gage display (including ODOMETER, time and temperature) has disappeared. Backlight on, but no information displayed. This is unsafe when 40+ miles away from a gas station and cannot see the neither the fuel gage or the odometer! First occurred in 2019, with around 40,000 miles, as the years pass it goes out for longer periods of time and more frequently, almost daily, sometimes for a few days.

NHTSA complaint #11445261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The odometer/fuel gauge of the instrument panel has display issues. Intermittently blanks out with no info on it, especially when I first start the car on cold days. Takes like 20 mins of driving on the highway before it warms up enough for the display to flash a few times, display gibberish, and then suddenly come back on. Does not affect other functionalities of the car fortunately. However I have no clue how much fuel I have left and in worst case scenario would need to wait for the low fuel warning light to come on and hope I can make it to a gas station.

NHTSA complaint #11443053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

About a year or two after purchasing the car new in 2016, we noticed that the instrument panel right side which has fuel gauge, odometer, trip information and other key operating vehicle information would go blank or the digital readout would go haywire and turn into gibberish. This generally happened on cold mornings and the display would revert to normal within 10 minutes to one hour. We took it to dealer where vehicle purchased in Phoenix, who was unable to recreate the problem and therefore they did nothing. The problem has persisted since then but recently has worsened to the point where the display is blank almost all of the time and not working in hot weather as well. The only time I can see the gauges is when first starting car in morning, and then it often doesn't work to get to different functions one accesses by pushing a knob/button next to that display -- and stops working completely a short time later. I feel this is a dangerous problem because we can't tell how much gas we have in the car, can't determine mileage via odometer there and lack other key vehicle information that the manufacturer decided to put in a digital panel that is blank or goes blank most of the time. On my listing below of when this incident occurred, that is to indicate when the problem started happening, more or less. The incident has been ongoing since then. The problem started when vehicle had around 20-25K miles and we are now at 58K -- though it's hard for me to tell mileage because I can so rarely see the odometer. I believe odometers and probably fuel gauges are legally required to work in vehicles and mine has been faulty for years and during the warranty period. A recall is needed. Honda is charging more than $1,000 to replace these faulty displays on Honda Fits that are no longer under warranty, like mine, I am told.

NHTSA complaint #11442520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Fuel / odometer guage faulty. Goes out and/or displays invalid characters, appears to be related to cold exterior temperature. This appears to be a very common Honda fit issue for similar years, in and out of warranty. This can and should be considered a safety issue if the driver is unable to identify the remaining fuel and miles accrued since last refuel. This can leave the driver and passengers stranded and exposed to danger. Those most affected by this can easily be young adult females, women and children. This is not an isolated incident with this specific vehicle. This is a very common problem with Honda Fit as well as other models like HRV. Honda should address and correct this safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11437949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.