2008 Honda Fit Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 23, 2026

Good

Ranks 12th of 13 Fit years we score.

Owner complaints: 217; 43 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 23.4; 74,482 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.73×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 80; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 8
NHTSA crash rating: Not rated; no overall rating before 2011

← 2007 Fit 2009 Fit →

Should You Buy the 2008 Honda Fit?

Yes, with the usual checks. Our reliability score for the 2008 Honda Fit is 72 out of 100, which rates Good. Owners reported fewer problems than for the average car of the same age. It ranks 12th of the 13 Fit years we score.

The most reported problem is water leaks, mostly water leaking in (35 of 217 complaints). Owners also complain about the brakes and stalling. 80 of the 217 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 8 recalls. Honda also offers a warranty extension that may still apply, for a problem with the steering. For comparison, the 2007 scores 64.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 14-058 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Good reliability score of 72
Fewer problems than the average car its age
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls
1 Honda warranty extension may cover repairs

Cons

Body seals (water leak): water leaking in35 complaints
Brakes: a hard pedal or less assist14 complaints
Stall (cause not stated)14 complaints

How the 2008 Fit Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems80 complaints · average car: about 102	0.79×	−15
Everyday problems94 complaints · average car: about 155	0.61×	−5
Problems in the last two years2 complaints · average car: about 2.4	Not counted	–
Recalls8 recalls · average car: about 3.8	1.7×	−8
Score		72

The last two years are not counted for the 2008 Fit. Honda made 74,482 of them, and at this age an average car made in that number would get only about 4.2 complaints of any kind in two years. We need at least 5 to compare, so we leave this part out. Its 30% goes to serious and everyday problems instead, so they make up 80% of the score rather than 50%.

Each part shows two counts: this year's so far, and what an average car would have at the same age. For complaints, that average car was made in the same number as this one. “Vs average” compares the two counts, but in our scoring system we first add a little to both, so a few complaints cannot swing the result. That is why it is not simply one count divided by the other. The last two years count only complaints about five systems: the engine and fuel system, transmission, brakes, steering, and airbags and seat belts.

What Owners Report

We read all 217 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Honda Fit, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
35 complaints (16%)
Water leaking in. 1 of these 35 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem, and in 4 it came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Brakes: a hard pedal or less assist
14 complaints (6%)
A hard pedal or less assist, loss of braking and early wear. 8 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. In 6 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 34,000 miles.
Stall (cause not stated)
14 complaints (6%)
Stalling. 10 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 7 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
13 complaints (6%)
No deployment in a crash and damage. 1 of these 13 complaints describes a serious outcome: an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 55,000 miles.
CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
12 complaints (6%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, rust or corrosion and a failure that needed a new part. 10 of these 12 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 115,000 miles.
Headlights: stopped working
12 complaints (6%)
A feature that stopped working, the system acting on its own and problems that come and go. 1 of these 12 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of visibility. In 4 complaints, the problem came back after a repair. Median mileage when it started: about 120,000 miles.
Steering: works on and off
11 complaints (5%)
Problems that come and go, loss of steering control and locking up. 5 of these 11 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 65,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
11 complaints (5%)
Sudden acceleration. All 11 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 5 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 36,000 miles.
Engine: stalling
9 complaints (4%)
Stalling, surging and rough running or misfires. 4 of these 9 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. In 4 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 90,000 miles.
ABS: the system acting on its own
6 complaints (3%)
The system acting on its own, the system not working when needed and damage. 3 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of braking. Median mileage when it started: about 31,000 miles.
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
5 complaints (2%)
Not opening or unlocking, damage and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 62,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
5 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 18,000 miles.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, no deployment in a crash and a failure. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an airbag problem. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Airbag warning light
4 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 152,000 miles.
Seat belts: parts breaking or coming apart
4 complaints (2%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, a failure and not releasing. 2 of these 4 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 17,000 miles.

Show 8 more problems

Transmission: harsh or delayed shifts
4 complaints (2%)
Harsh or delayed shifts and damage. 1 of these 4 complaints describes a serious outcome. Median mileage when it started: about 92,000 miles.
Loss of power (cause not stated)
3 complaints (1%)
A loss of power. All 3 describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 150,000 miles.
Manual transmission or clutch: failure or loss of drive
3 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive, slipping and harsh or delayed shifts. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 30,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
3 complaints (1%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and shattering or cracking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of steering control.
12V battery failure
2 complaints (under 1%)
A failure and the car not starting. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a car that would not start.
Exterior lights: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: a loss of power
2 complaints (under 1%)
A loss of power and hesitation. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Tire pressure monitoring: works on and off
2 complaints (under 1%)
Problems that come and go and warning lights.

Reported Once (18)

Show the 18 problems reported once

Alternator or charging failure
Cabin odor or mold: a bad smell
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Defroster: stopped working
Engine (misfire codes): rough running or misfires
Exterior trim: parts breaking or coming apart
Ignition or push-button start: works on and off
Key fob: early wear
Noise (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor: stopped working
Cruise control: not shutting off
Fire (cause not stated)
Oxygen sensor: fault code
Paint and rust: damage
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
Shifter or park: parts breaking or coming apart
Valve train failure
Windshield wipers: stopped working

How the 2008 Honda Fit Compares With Other Years

The other Fit years of the 1st generation, 2007 to 2008, and the year just after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2009	Good	76	0.70×	24.5	11	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2008 This year	Good	72	0.73×	23.4	8	Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
2007	Caution	64	1.3×	47.4	11	Steering: works on and off

See every Fit year

2008 Honda Fit Recalls

Eight recalls cover the 2008 Honda Fit. The most recent was issued in December 2020: “Drive Shaft May Corrode and Fail.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

Drive Shaft May Corrode and Fail
A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
NHTSA 20V770000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 10, 2020. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V501000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 42% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 17V029000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 10, 2017. By the second quarter of 2018, 68% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, May 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V344000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2016. By the third quarter of 2017, 58% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Power Window Switch May Overheat
An overheated switch can cause smoke, melting and fire.
NHTSA 13V260000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 24, 2013.
Low Beam Headlight
The low beam headlights can become inoperative decreasing the driver's visibility as well as the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 10V624000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 15, 2010.

Show 2 more recalls

Power Window Switch
An overheated switch can cause smoke, melting and fire.
NHTSA 10V033000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 2, 2010.
SRS Harness Occupant Detection System
A failure of the ODS and opds may not detect the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger and deployment of both the front seat passenger's frontal and side air bags will not be suppressed. In the event of a crash, a deploying front passenger air bag or front passenger's side air bag will increase the risk of injury to small or out-of-position occupants.
NHTSA 07V549000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Dec 3, 2007.

2008 Honda Fit Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has one warranty extension and three customer support programs for the 2008 Honda Fit, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the airbags and steering. One has ended. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 14-058
Electric power steering (heavy steering, warning light)
The problem:
The electric power steering can stop helping, so the steering feels heavy or hard to turn. The power steering warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the electric power steering control unit for free.
Who qualifies:
The power steering warning light must be on with a listed steering fault stored. Cars with a salvage or branded title are not covered. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
10 years or 150,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 18-053 and 20-015
Front passenger's airbag inflator
2 programs with the same terms. Which one applies depends on the VIN.
The problem:
The front passenger's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the front passenger's airbag inflator for free.
Who qualifies:
The airbag warning light must be on. A Honda dealer test must show the inflator is faulty. Only replacement inflators that fail later are covered. Open inflator recalls must be done first. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
18-053: Covered until January 31, 2027.
20-015: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Another program for the same problem, Honda 18-050, has ended.
Bulletin 18-053 (PDF)Bulletin 20-015 (PDF)

2008 Honda Fit NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2008 Honda Fit. It led to a recall.

Low beam headlights going out in 2007-2008 Fits
Led to a recall
NHTSA's preliminary evaluation covered 2007-2008 Fits. Honda reported that the headlight switch wiring harness could be installed with the low beam wires too tight. Repeated use could wear a connector terminal and sometimes melt it, so the low beams can stop working and crash risk rises. Honda filed recall 10V-624 in December 2010. NHTSA closed the case that month.
NHTSA PE10037 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Sep 16, 2010 to Dec 20, 2010

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA gave the 2008 Fit no overall, frontal or side rating. It did rate each seat in those tests and lists the seat ratings under Rating Breakdown on its page. We show them the same way below. These tests are from before 2011, so the stars are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and newer models. See the 2008 Fit ratings on NHTSA.gov.

4-door with side airbags

OverallNot rated

Frontal crashNot rated

Driver seat5/5

Passenger seat5/5

Side crashNot rated

Front seat5/5

Rear seat3/5

RolloverNot rated

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2008 Fit, from its eight recalls, a Honda warranty extension that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

Drive Shaft May Corrode and Fail NHTSA 20V770000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V501000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, January 2017 NHTSA 17V029000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture, May 2016 NHTSA 16V344000
Power Window Switch May Overheat NHTSA 13V260000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 8 recalls and which are still open.

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether this warranty extension applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

14-058: electric power steering (heavy steering, warning light)

On the Test Drive

Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.
Brake firmly from a moderate speed. A soft, hard or pulsing pedal, or a brake warning light, is a warning sign.
Drive long enough to warm up fully, including at highway speed, and note any stalling or loss of power.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

Water leaks
Brakes
Stalling
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Fit Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Honda may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.