Problems · NHTSA complaints
2008 Honda Fit problems
Owners filed 217 complaints about the 2008 Honda Fit with NHTSA between May 2008 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (57).
Complaints
217
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
28
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
28
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
8
23
15
14
20
21
18
38
20
10
3
5
11
3
2
0
2
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2012 | 14 |
| 2013 | 20 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 38 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 10 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
57 reports16 crashes4 related recalls
“LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND VEERED INTO LIGHT POST. THE POST WAS IMPACTED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS SMOKE AND GUN POWDER SMELL. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE AIRBAG OBVIOUSLY FIRED, BUT DID NOT DEPLOY.”
Structure
43 reports2 crashes
“My Bumper snapped off with going down a driveway. It’s made of plastic and it’s broken and need to be replaced. This is an ongoing issue with this vehicle. Every Honda fit I see on the road has this issue. This is dangerous and could cause an accident.”
Power train
24 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“My Honda Fit with an automatic transmission experienced a driveshaft failure due to corrosion in August 2018. At that time, Honda had announced a recall for similar driveshaft corrosion failures affecting manual‑transmission Honda Fits, but no recall existed for automatic‑transmission vehicles. Because there was no recall for my vehicle configuration, and no notice from Honda, I had the vehicle repaired at an independent repair shop at my own expense. Honda later expanded the recall to include automatic‑transmission Honda Fits in June 2019. However, I never received a mailed recall notification while I owned the vehicle. I sold the vehicle in February 2020, before Honda mailed recall notices. I only became aware that my vehicle was included in the automatic‑transmission recall later, while researching issues related to a different Honda Fit I currently own. At that point, I learned that my prior driveshaft failure matched the recalled defect. Honda is now denying reimbursement for the recall‑related repair because they say they must inspect the vehicle to confirm whether it was equipped with a factory dynamic damper. Honda has also stated, however, that it does…”
Engine
23 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 55 MPH or faster, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a misfire coming from all 4-cylinders. The mechanic test-drove the vehicle and the passenger’s side front axle shaft detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the dealer was unable to further diagnose the vehicle to determine what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with the mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500. The VIN was unavailable.”
Electrical system
18 reports1 crash1 fire
“TAKATA RECALL : MY 2008 HONDA FIT WAS TRAVELING AT 15 MPH AND WENT INTO A POLICE K-9 UNIT 'ELVIS'. THE AIR BAG VIRULENTLY EXPLODED ON MY JAW AND CAUSED MY TEETH TO BIT MY TONGUE. THE POLICEMAN MISTOOK THE INJURY FOR A SEIZURE AND I LOST MY LICENSE INDEFINITELY. I WAS TAKE TO THE HOSPITAL AGAINST MY WILL AND GIVEN 10,000 DOLLARS IN SERVICES I DIDN'T WANT OR NEED DUE TO THE AIR BAG. HONDA AND TAKATA AND NHTSA NEED TO COME CLEAN AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT.”
Exterior lighting
17 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“Above mentioned Honda Fit Vin number JHMGD38678S043570 had same issue with low beam headlight recall (TSB 10-082 low beam headlight recall) Low beam headlight do not work. Car was sent to Pohanka dealership for repair. "Found a break in wire where connector was installed." I have documentation attesting to this. I am not denying that switch was bad, but Honda is charging labor for the obvious recall repair that was incorrectly performed. I would like a partial refund for the labor they are charging for the time to repair the recall correction. Honda is denying the claim saying it is "wear and tear".”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.