2013 Honda Fit Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 4th of 13 Fit years we score.

Owner complaints: 176; 75 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 12.5; 80,644 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.36×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 39; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 10
NHTSA crash rating: 4★; overall, out of 5

← 2012 Fit 2015 Fit →

Should You Buy the 2013 Honda Fit?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2013 Honda Fit is 81 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 4th of the 13 Fit years we score.

The most reported problem is the driveshaft or CV axle, mostly parts breaking or coming apart (10 of 176 complaints). Owners also complain about the ignition coil or spark plug and the steering. 39 of the 176 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 10 recalls. NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2012 scores 78.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 81
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart10 complaints
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage8 complaints
Steering: locking up7 complaints

How the 2013 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 problems39 complaints · average car: about 113	0.35×	−5
Everyday problems62 complaints · average car: about 164	0.38×	−2
Problems in the last two years3 complaints · average car: about 13	0.31×	−4
Recalls10 recalls · average car: about 5.2	1.6×	−8
Score		81

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 176 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Honda Fit, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first.

CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
10 complaints (6%)
Parts breaking or coming apart and a failure that needed a new part. 8 of these 10 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 94,000 miles.
Ignition coils or spark plugs: damage
8 complaints (5%)
Damage and parts breaking or coming apart. 5 of these 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving. Median mileage when it started: about 70,000 miles.
Steering: locking up
7 complaints (4%)
Locking up, problems that come and go and sticking or stiffness. 3 of these 7 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 57,000 miles.
Electrical system (part not stated): works on and off
6 complaints (3%)
Problems that come and go and a fire. 2 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often loss of steering control. Median mileage when it started: about 78,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
6 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. 4 of these 6 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking. In 3 complaints, the dealer could not find or fix the problem. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
12V battery: the car not starting
5 complaints (3%)
The car not starting and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 5 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 29,000 miles.
Tires: damage
5 complaints (3%)
Damage, a leak and shattering or cracking. Median mileage when it started: about 42,000 miles.
Airbags: no deployment in a crash
4 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and deployment with no crash. Median mileage when it started: about 48,000 miles.
Instrument cluster: unreadable display
4 complaints (2%)
Unreadable display and a feature that stopped working.
Power windows or regulator: works on and off
4 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 2,000 miles.
A/C: stopped working
3 complaints (2%)
A feature that stopped working and problems that come and go.
Brakes: locking up
3 complaints (2%)
Locking up and loss of braking. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: a crash. Median mileage when it started: about 27,000 miles.
Frontal airbags: no deployment in a crash
3 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and delayed deployment. 1 of these 3 complaints describes a serious outcome: an injury. Median mileage when it started: about 37,000 miles.
Stability control (VSA): the system not working when needed
3 complaints (2%)
The system not working when needed, a feature that stopped working and warning lights. Median mileage when it started: about 32,000 miles.
Several warning lights at once
2 complaints (1%)
Warning lights.

Show 9 more problems

Fuel pump: a leak
2 complaints (1%)
A leak.
Ignition or push-button start: static shock
2 complaints (1%)
Static shock and sticking or stiffness.
Cabin air filter: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage.
Fire (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
A fire. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: a fire.
Paint and rust: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage and rust or corrosion.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (1%)
The car not starting and hard starting.
Tire pressure monitoring: stopped working
2 complaints (1%)
A feature that stopped working and damage.
Transmission: failure or loss of drive
2 complaints (1%)
Failure or loss of drive and warning lights. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: stalling or losing power while driving.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (1%)
Damage and a failure.

Reported Once (22)

Show the 22 problems reported once

A/C condenser: damage
Uneven tire wear: locking up
Alternator or charging failure
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Door latches: not opening or unlocking
Engine: stalling
Engine air intake: damage
Engine mounts: parts breaking or coming apart
Engine sensors or computer: stalling
Headlights: inadequate illumination
Screen and audio: stopped working
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Noise (cause not stated)
Passenger airbag sensor: works on and off
Cylinder head: damage
Problem not described (cause not stated)
Rear axle: damage
Vehicle alarm: the system acting on its own
Poor acceleration (cause not stated)
Seat belts: stopped working
Seats: parts breaking or coming apart
Windshield: shattering or cracking

How the 2013 Honda Fit Compares With Other Years

The other Fit years of the 2nd generation, 2009 to 2013, and the year just before it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2013 This year	Excellent	81	0.36×	12.5	10	CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
2012	Good	78	0.53×	16.3	11	Steering: works on and off
2011	Good	75	0.49×	15.1	11	CV axles: parts breaking or coming apart
2010	Good	74	0.49×	16.8	12	Steering: loss of steering control
2009	Good	76	0.70×	24.5	11	Steering: sticking or stiffness
2008	Good	72	0.73×	23.4	8	Body seals (water leak): water leaking in

See every Fit year

2013 Honda Fit Recalls

Ten recalls cover the 2013 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.
Driver 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 19V500000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 67% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 19V502000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 27, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 36% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator
An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 19V378000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2019. By the fourth quarter of 2020, 49% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, September 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V661000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 27, 2018. By the first quarter of 2020, 78% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag
An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
NHTSA 18V268000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 26, 2018. By the third quarter of 2019, 85% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Show 4 more recalls

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, January 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 18V042000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jan 9, 2018. By the second quarter of 2019, 72% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
NHTSA 16V061000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Feb 3, 2016. By the second quarter of 2018, 82% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Passenger Side Driveshaft Failure
If the driveshaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured driveshaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly.
NHTSA 14V258000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 16, 2014. By the third quarter of 2015, 75% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Incorrect Yaw Rate/FMVSS 126
Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Vehicle Motor Safety Standard No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems." Excessive yaw rates prevent the proper function of the electronic stability control (ESC) system, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 13V157000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued Apr 24, 2013.

2013 Honda Fit Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has five customer support programs for the 2013 Honda Fit, separate from its recalls. All five are for problems with the airbags. One has ended. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Customer support programHonda 18-055, 19-003 and 20-016
Front passenger's airbag inflator
3 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:
18-055: Covered until January 31, 2028.
19-003: Covered until September 30, 2028.
20-016: Covered until January 31, 2030.
Bulletin 18-055 (PDF)Bulletin 19-003 (PDF)Bulletin 20-016 (PDF)
Customer support programHonda 20-011
Driver's airbag inflator
The problem:
The driver's airbag inflator can be faulty, and the airbag warning light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the driver'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:
Covered until January 31, 2030.
Another program for the same problem, Honda 18-048, has ended.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)

2013 Honda Fit NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2013 Honda Fit. It led to a recall.

Air bags failing to deploy after electrical overstress
Led to a recall
NHTSA's engineering analysis studied air bag computers used by six makers. It covered Honda Accords, Civics, CR-Vs, Fits and Ridgelines from 2012 to 2017. A crash-related electrical spike could damage a chip, so air bags might not deploy. NHTSA closed the case in September 2024 after maker recalls, including 20V-024. It did not clear vehicles outside the recalls.
NHTSA EA19001 Opening report (PDF)Closing report (PDF)Apr 19, 2019 to Sep 19, 2024

NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year. See the 2013 Fit ratings on NHTSA.gov.

5-door hatchback FWD

Overall4/5

Frontal crash4/5

Side crash4/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2013 Fit, from its ten recalls 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
Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA 19V500000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, June 2019 NHTSA 19V502000
Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA 19V378000
Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode, September 2018 NHTSA 18V661000
Look up the VIN at NHTSA to see all 10 recalls and which are still open.

On the Test Drive

Have the engine scanned for stored misfire codes. A rough idle or a flashing check-engine light is a warning sign.
Turn the wheel fully left and right, parked and at low speed. Sticking, notches or stiffness are warning signs.
Ask about battery and starter replacements. A slow start after the car sits is a warning sign.

Ask the Seller

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

Driveshaft or CV axle
Ignition coil or spark plug
Steering
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes and transmission fluid 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.