The Honda Fit fits its name pretty well and provides a roomy cabin whose volume rivals some of the mid-size sedans in the segment. The Fit fits in a lot of punch for the package it is and offers tremendous reliability on top, raking in an annual sales figure of more than 52,000 units. The hatchback comes at an MSRP of $16,000 and rivals the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Kia Rio, the Toyota Yaris, and the Scion iA. The hatchback has seen its happier days but has criticism aplenty as well. NHTSA lists 74 complaints and 1 open investigation, along with one recall joining the list as well. A short read of the complaints gives an idea of how annoying the instrument console is to the owners. Another fitting issue with the hatchback was its fuel injectors going bad at low mileage. Do these issues make Fit a repulsive offering? Let’s find out.
2016 Honda Fit Problems
Electrical issues:
- Malfunctioning gauges: The Fit instrument console gets a lot of complaints against its name due to the gauges acting up. Many people complain of the right-side gauge distorts the text and affects the display. The gauge consists of a lot of important information, including the odometer and the fuel gauge. The issue is a widespread one and has been reported by numerous people across the States.
- Rodent issues: The Honda Fit wiring harness is covered with a soy-based outer covering. This covering is prone to rodent attacks that cause electrical issues down the line. Many people report the car shutting down and experiencing an electrical failure due to the exposed internal wires.
- Headlamp condensation: The Fit headlamps accumulate condensation in their housing. This condensation might cause a short-circuit in the headlamp’s wiring and increase the chances of an electrical fire. Many people complain of the headlight’s throw getting affected due to this. The issue is, in some cases, replicated to the taillights as well which increases the chances of a rear-end collision.
- Starter issues: The starter motor in the Honda Fit goes bad after a certain time, usually after a year or so. The issue is seen in the previous model years as well. The starter motor doesn’t work which leaves the occupants stranded. The issue can crop up anytime and is a major inconvenience, to say the least.
Mechanical issues:
- Brake pedal issues: The 2016 Fit’s brake pedal gets “mushy” after a year of ownership and is not good for driving on the highway. The driver has to depress the pedal more than usual to get effective braking performance from the hatchback. In some cases, there is a complete loss of braking pressure from the pedal. The dealerships bleed the brakes of the car as a remedial step.
- Faulty fuel injectors: The Fit fuel injector issues are very prominent in the earlier batches of the hatchback. People report the car suddenly losing power and not gaining momentum, despite the driver pressing the gas pedal. In some cases, the car stalled and stranded the occupants. To salt the wound, the Japanese manufacturer is not covering the injector replacement in the warranty, making it an out-of-pocket expense for all the customers.
- Transmission problems: The Fit transmission issues mostly include complaints of leaking transmission fluid. People report the car running rough and jerking while driving at lower speeds.
Interior issues:
- Seatbelt buckle issues: The Fit seatbelt buckles in the rear seats aren’t properly installed. In some batches, the rear-center buckle is replaced with the left-side buckle and vice versa. This causes a lot of issues for the passengers and does not restrain the occupants properly in case of a crash.
2016 Honda Fit Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
October 23, 2015 |
15V697000 |
Structure, Airbags |
Improperly manufactured rear grab handle brackets may puncture the side airbags upon deployment, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The affected units also fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS Number 226, "Ejection Mitigation". |
Honda will notify the owners and initiate a recall on December 18, 2015. The dealerships will replace the rear grab handle bracket for free. |
Should you buy the 2016 Honda Fit?
The 2016 Honda Fit is a commendable hatchback with spacious accommodations. All the practicality and features hide a lot of inconveniences, especially with the instrument console. To add to this, the injectors pose a greater risk with more expensive repairs since the carmaker is not honoring its warranty. If you want to go for a 2016 Honda Fit, check for the injectors for sure to avoid any hassles. If you have your eyes set on a used Fit, the car is an amazing bet with tremendous reliability to offer.
