2016 Honda Fit Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 2nd of 13 Fit years we score.

Owner complaints: 121; 6 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 16.8; 68,621 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.46×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 27; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 1
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2015 Fit 2017 Fit →

Should You Buy the 2016 Honda Fit?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2016 Honda Fit is 86 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about half as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 2nd of the 13 Fit years we score.

The most reported problem is the instrument cluster, mostly works on and off (43 of 121 complaints). Owners also complain about the fuel injectors and tires. 27 of the 121 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 1 recall. Honda also offers three warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the paint, keyless start and engine. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2015 scores 74 and the 2017 scores 88.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done, ask a Honda dealer about warranty extension 19-064 and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 86
About half the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Instrument cluster: works on and off43 complaints
Fuel injector failure14 complaints
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart8 complaints

How the 2016 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 problems27 complaints · average car: about 84	0.33×	−5
Everyday problems88 complaints · average car: about 120	0.74×	−4
Problems in the last two years3 complaints · average car: about 23	0.19×	−2
Recalls1 recall · average car: about 5.9	0.40×	−3
Score		86

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 121 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Honda Fit, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 121.

Instrument cluster: works on and off
43 complaints (36%)
Problems that come and go, wrong readings and a feature that stopped working. Median mileage when it started: about 50,000 miles.
Fuel injector failure
14 complaints (12%)
A failure, hesitation and stalling. 4 of these 14 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a tow. Median mileage when it started: about 58,000 miles.
Tires: parts breaking or coming apart
8 complaints (7%)
Parts breaking or coming apart, early wear and damage. 1 of these 8 complaints describes a serious outcome.
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
7 complaints (6%)
Water leaking in.
Tire pressure monitoring: warning lights
5 complaints (4%)
Warning lights and the system not working when needed. Median mileage when it started: about 4,000 miles.
Unintended acceleration (cause not stated)
4 complaints (3%)
Sudden acceleration. All 4 describe a serious outcome, most often sudden acceleration or braking.
VTC actuator: unusual noises
3 complaints (2%)
Unusual noises.
Brakes: soft pedal
3 complaints (2%)
Soft pedal, early wear and a stored fault code.
Exhaust or catalytic converter: warning lights
3 complaints (2%)
Warning lights and a failure. Median mileage when it started: about 52,000 miles.
Fuel gauge or level sensor: works on and off
3 complaints (2%)
Problems that come and go.
Starter: the car not starting
3 complaints (2%)
The car not starting and a failure that needed a new part. 2 of these 3 complaints describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start. Median mileage when it started: about 45,000 miles.
CVT: slipping
2 complaints (2%)
Slipping and a failure.
Airbag inflator (rupture risk or Takata): no deployment in a crash
2 complaints (2%)
No deployment in a crash and warning lights.
Fuel system: a loss of power
2 complaints (2%)
A loss of power. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Headlights: water leaking in
2 complaints (2%)
Water leaking in.

Show 2 more problems

Transmission fluid leak
2 complaints (2%)
A leak.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (2%)
Damage.

Reported Once (19)

Show the 19 problems reported once

12V battery: the car not starting
A/C failure
ABS: fault code
Control module (unspecified): stopped working
Frontal airbags: overheating
Ignition coils or spark plugs failure
Screen and audio: the system acting on its own
Interior trim: unusual noises
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Manual transmission or clutch: unusual noises
Engine splash shield: parts breaking or coming apart
Problem not described (cause not stated)
Paint and rust: rust or corrosion
Seat belts: sticking or stiffness
Stall (cause not stated)
Car not starting (cause not stated)
Steering: locking up
Sunroof glass (shattered): shattering or cracking
Valve train: carbon buildup

How the 2016 Honda Fit Compares With Other Years

The other Fit years of the 3rd generation, 2015 to 2020.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2020	Excellent	82	0.38×	10.3	4	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2019	Good	73	0.84×	23.9	6	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2018	Good	73	0.84×	29.5	4	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2017	Excellent	88	0.31×	10.6	0	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2016 This year	Excellent	86	0.46×	16.8	1	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2015	Good	74	0.88×	32.7	4	Instrument cluster: works on and off

See every Fit year

2016 Honda Fit Recalls

One recall covers the 2016 Honda Fit. It was issued in October 2015: “Improper Rear Grab Rail Bracket/FMVSS 214/226.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows whether it is still open on a given car.

Improper Rear Grab Rail Bracket/FMVSS 214/226
In the affected vehicles, the rear grab handle brackets were not manufactured properly, and as a result, the brackets may puncture the side curtain air bags upon their deployment. If the side curtain air bags are punctured upon deployment, the outboard seat occupants may be at a higher risk of injury during a crash.
NHTSA 15V697000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Oct 23, 2015. By the first quarter of 2017, 78% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

2016 Honda Fit Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has three warranty extensions for the 2016 Honda Fit, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the paint, keyless start and engine. Whether one applies to a car depends on its VIN, which a Honda dealer can check.

Warranty extensionHonda 19-064
White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint peeling
The problem:
The factory White Orchid Pearl paint, also called Bellanova White, can peel off. It can be too thin in places such as the roof and around the tailgate.
The fix:
A Honda dealer has a certified body shop repaint the peeling panels for free. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
Only White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White cars qualify. Peeling must come from the factory paint, not bird droppings, sap or crashes. Honda must approve each repair first. Coverage passes to later owners. Salvage or branded titles are not covered.
Coverage:
7 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 20-098
Keyless start system error, start/stop button
The problem:
The engine start/stop button can fail. The car may not start on the first press and the display shows a keyless start system error.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the engine start/stop switch for free. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
Only EX, EX-L and EX-L NAVI trims qualify. The car must not start on the first press and must show the keyless start error. The switch is replaced only if it has failed. The VIN must show as eligible.
Coverage:
9 years or 125,000 miles from the original purchase date, whichever comes first.
Honda's bulletin (PDF)
Warranty extensionHonda 22-002
Engine misfire from worn fuel injectors
The problem:
Some fuel injectors may not have been installed correctly. They can wear inside and pass less fuel, so the engine can misfire and the check engine light comes on.
The fix:
A Honda dealer replaces the fuel injectors for free if tests show they have failed. Owners who paid for this repair before may be repaid.
Who qualifies:
The check engine light must be on with a listed misfire, air fuel ratio or catalytic converter code. Ignition coil or spark plug misfires are not covered here. Coverage passes to later owners. 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)

2016 Honda Fit NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2016 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 2016 Fit ratings on NHTSA.gov.

5-door hatchback FWD

Overall5/5

Frontal crash5/5

Side crash5/5

Rollover4/5

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2016 Fit, from its recall, three Honda warranty extensions 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.

Improper Rear Grab Rail Bracket/FMVSS 214/226 NHTSA 15V697000

Ask a Honda Dealer

Ask whether each of these warranty extensions applies to this VIN, and whether the work was done.

19-064: White Orchid Pearl or Bellanova White paint peeling
20-098: keyless start system error, start/stop button
22-002: engine misfire from worn fuel injectors

On the Test Drive

Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Look for uneven tire wear and listen for clunks or humming that changes with speed.
Look for water stains or damp carpet, and test the sunroof.

Ask the Seller

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

Instrument cluster
Fuel injectors
Tires
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.