Honda Fit research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Fit packs surprising space into a small car: the center-mounted fuel tank lets the rear Magic Seat fold flat or flip up for tall items. 2011-2013 models use a 117-hp 1.5L with a 5-speed manual or automatic; the 2015 redesign brought a 130-hp direct-injected engine, a 6-speed manual or CVT and up to about 40 mpg highway. The 2018 refresh added a Sport trim and available Honda Sensing. U.S. sales ended after 2020.
Model years covered: 2011–2020. The Fit was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2020 model year; there are no 2021 or later U.S. Fits.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Magic seat cargo versatility
- Excellent fuel economy
- Easy to park
- Available manual transmission
- Low running costs
- Honda sensing available 2018 2020
Things to know before you buy
- No 2014 gas model year
- Takata airbag recalls on 2011 2013
- Drive shaft corrosion recall salt states
- Noisy at highway speeds
- Modest acceleration
- Discontinued in US after 2020
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 2 (2009–2013)
The second-generation U.S. Fit (2009-2013) uses a 117-hp 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC four with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (paddle shifters on Sport automatics), rated about 27-28 city and 33-35 highway mpg. A light 2012 facelift refreshed the Sport and added equipment to the base model.
Buyer takeaway: A cheap, practical hatchback, but confirm Takata airbag recalls are complete and, in salt states, that the drive-shaft recall inspection was done.
Generation 3 (2015–2020)
The third-generation Fit (2015-2020) has a 130-hp direct-injected 1.5L DOHC four with a 6-speed manual or CVT, rated up to about 33/40 mpg. It added an EX-L trim with leather, and the 2018 refresh brought new styling, a Sport trim and available Honda Sensing. It was the last Fit sold in North America.
Buyer takeaway: Choose 2018-2020 for Honda Sensing and the refreshed design; 2015-2017 are cheaper. Confirm early-build and fuel-pump recalls by VIN.
Honda Fit by model year
2020 Honda Fit
The 2020 Fit is the last sold in the U.S.; Honda dropped it as buyers shifted to small SUVs such as the HR-V. It keeps the 130-hp 1.5L with a 6-speed manual or CVT (about 33/40 mpg) and available Honda Sensing. Parts and service remain available through Honda dealers. A late Fit with Honda Sensing is a strong economical commuter.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Final US model year
- Hr v production expanded as fit replacement
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function if equipped; Rearview camera recall completion; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2019 Honda Fit
The 2019 Fit carries over the refreshed 2018, with the 130-hp 1.5L, a 6-speed manual or CVT (about 33/40 mpg CVT LX) and LX, Sport, EX and EX-L trims, with Honda Sensing available. Certain 2019 Fits are covered by low-pressure fuel-pump recalls that can cause stalling, plus rearview-camera recalls, so confirm completion by VIN.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2018
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function if equipped; Fuel pump recall completion; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2018 Honda Fit
The 2018 refresh brought sharper styling, a new Sport trim with orange accents, and available Honda Sensing driver aids, such as collision mitigation braking and adaptive cruise control. The 130-hp 1.5L and 6-speed manual or CVT carry over (about 33/40 mpg CVT LX). Certain 2018-2020 Fits have rearview-camera and fuel-pump recalls.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Refreshed front and rear styling
- New sport trim
- Honda sensing driver aids become available
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Honda sensing camera and radar function if equipped; Rearview camera recall completion; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2017 Honda Fit
The 2017 Fit is the last pre-refresh model, with the 130-hp 1.5L and a 6-speed manual or CVT (about 33/40 mpg with the CVT on LX). Upper trims add features such as a sunroof and the LaneWatch side camera. A good value if the price reflects the older styling and the lack of available Honda Sensing.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2016
- Last year before the 2018 refresh
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2016 Honda Fit
The 2016 Fit carries over the redesigned 2015: a 130-hp direct-injected 1.5L with a 6-speed manual or CVT (about 33/40 mpg CVT LX, 29/36 manual) and LX, EX and EX-L trims. It offers big-car cargo flexibility in a small footprint. Ask whether early-build recall work was done and test the CVT for smooth take-off.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2015
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2015 Honda Fit
The 2015 Fit is all-new, with a direct-injected 1.5L four (130 hp) and a 6-speed manual or CVT. The CVT LX is rated about 33/40 mpg, among the best for a non-hybrid. It is roomier, adds an EX-L trim with leather, and keeps the Magic Seat. Several first-year recalls cover ignition coils, CVT software and airbag trim, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.5 liter direct injected I4 130 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; CVT continuously variable; CVT with paddle shifters upper trims
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- All new third generation
- New direct injected 1.5 liter with 130 hp
- CVT replaces 5 speed automatic
- 6 speed manual replaces 5 speed
- New ex l trim with leather and available navigation
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; CVT smooth acceleration without judder; CVT fluid service records; Clutch engagement if manual; Infotainment and rearview camera display; Ignition coil and CVT software recall completion; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2013 Honda Fit
The 2013 Fit is the last second-generation model; Honda skipped the 2014 model year for the gas Fit before the 2015 redesign. It keeps the 117-hp 1.5L and 5-speed manual or automatic (about 27/33 to 28/35 mpg). It remains a practical, economical hatchback; confirm Takata airbag recalls and, on manual cars from salt states, the drive-shaft recall.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 117 hp
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 5 speed automatic; 5 speed automatic with paddle shifters sport
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Last year of the second generation
- No 2014 gasoline fit was sold in the US
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Manual transmission drive shaft recall salt states; 5 speed automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Stability control software recall 2012 2013; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2012 Honda Fit
The 2012 Fit received a light facelift: the Sport got a new bumper and grille, darker wheels and a black interior theme, and the base model gained body-color mirrors and a security system. The 117-hp 1.5L with a 5-speed manual or automatic carries over (about 28/35 mpg automatic). Check Takata airbag and stability-control recalls by VIN.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 117 hp
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 5 speed automatic; 5 speed automatic with paddle shifters sport
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Refreshed front bumper and grille on sport
- Base model gains body color mirrors and security system
- Sport gets dark finish wheels and black interior theme
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Manual transmission drive shaft recall salt states; 5 speed automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Stability control software recall 2012 2013; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
2011 Honda Fit
The 2011 Fit is a small but remarkably roomy hatchback with a 117-hp 1.5L four-cylinder and a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic (Sport automatics get paddle shifters). It is rated about 27/33 mpg with the manual and 28/35 with the automatic. The fold-flat Magic Seat makes it very versatile. Takata airbag recalls apply, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.5 liter I4 117 hp
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 5 speed automatic; 5 speed automatic with paddle shifters sport
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Base and sport trims
- Carryover second generation
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact trim and transmission by VIN; Takata airbag recall completion; Manual transmission drive shaft recall salt states; 5 speed automatic shift quality; Clutch engagement if manual; Magic seat folding and latches; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Rust on rocker panels and subframe in salt states; Maintenance minder and oil change records.
Known issues and what to check
- Takata Airbag Inflator Recalls (2011-2013) (2011–2013)
2011-2013 Fits are covered by multiple Takata airbag inflator recalls for driver and passenger airbags. Unrepaired inflators can rupture in a crash. Repairs are free at Honda dealers.
What to do: Confirm every airbag recall is complete before buying a 2011-2013 Fit. - Drive Shaft Corrosion Recall (2011-2013, Salt States) (2011–2013)
Recall 20V-770 covers 2009-2013 Fits originally sold or registered in road-salt states whose drive-shaft protective coating may be inadequate, so the shaft can corrode and break, causing a loss of drive power. A separate recall (14V-258) covers certain 2013 manual-transmission Fits with a passenger-side drive shaft that may break.
What to do: Confirm drive-shaft recall work and inspect the shafts on salt-state cars. - First-Year Recalls on the 2015 Fit (2015–2016)
Early third-generation Fits had several recalls: ignition-coil wiring damage that can cause misfire or stalling (15V-559), transmission control software (15V-574), an A-pillar trim that could affect side-curtain airbag deployment (14V-563), and a rear grab-handle bracket on certain 2015-2016 LX models (15V-697).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm early recalls are complete. - Fuel Pump and Rearview Camera Recalls (2018-2020) (2018–2020)
Certain 2018-2019 Fits are covered by low-pressure fuel pump recalls (20V-314, 21V-215, 23V-858) that can cause stalling. Certain 2018-2020 Fits have rearview-camera display recalls (23V-046 and follow-up 24V-384), and 2018-2020 models are in a 2026 front-passenger seat weight sensor recall.
What to do: Run the VIN and have any open recall completed before purchase. - CVT and Manual Transmission Inspection (2011–2020)
2015-2020 Fits with a CVT should accelerate smoothly without shudder or slipping; CVT fluid should be changed when the Maintenance Minder calls for it. Manual Fits are popular with enthusiasts and new drivers, so check clutch wear. 2011-2013 automatics are conventional 5-speeds.
What to do: Test drive from a stop and on the highway and look for fluid-service records. - Magic Seat Mechanism Inspection (2011–2020)
The Fit's rear Magic Seat can fold flat or flip its cushions up for tall items. Check that all modes work, latches release and lock, and seat-belt buckles are not trapped or damaged.
What to do: Try every Magic Seat mode during the inspection. - U.S. Model Availability and Fit EV (2011–2020)
There was no 2014 gasoline Fit in the U.S.; the second generation ended with 2013 and the third began with 2015. The 2013-2014 Fit EV was a separate battery-electric model leased in limited numbers (about 1,100 U.S. units) and is not covered here. The Fit was discontinued in the U.S. after 2020.
What to do: Confirm year and powertrain by VIN; a 2014 Fit listing is likely a Fit EV or a misdated 2015.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, transmission, state of registration and VIN. Check the VIN with NHTSA and Honda for open recalls, especially Takata airbag recalls on 2011-2013 models.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Toyota Yaris
- Nissan Versa Note
- Kia Rio
- Hyundai Accent
- Chevrolet Sonic
- Ford Fiesta
- Mazda Mazda2
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Honda HR-V
- Honda Civic
Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Honda Fit?
- Does this Fit have a CVT or manual?
- Why is there no 2014 Honda Fit?
- What is the Magic Seat?
- What fuel economy does the Fit get?
- Are Takata airbag recalls done on this Fit?
- What changed in the 2015 and 2018 Fit?
- What should I inspect on a used Fit?
- Why did Honda stop selling the Fit?
- What similar cars should I consider?