2017 Honda Fit Reliability Report

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

Excellent

Ranks 1st of 13 Fit years we score.

Owner complaints: 43; 2 are recall notices
Per 10,000 cars: 10.6; 38,596 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.31×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 8; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 0
NHTSA crash rating: 5★; overall, out of 5

← 2016 Fit 2018 Fit →

Should You Buy the 2017 Honda Fit?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2017 Honda Fit is 88 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 1st of the 13 Fit years we score.

The most reported problem is the instrument cluster, mostly works on and off (7 of 43 complaints). Owners also complain about the engine and paint and rust. 8 of the 43 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has no recalls. Honda also offers two warranty extensions that may still apply, for problems with the paint and keyless start. NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. For comparison, the 2016 scores 86 and the 2018 scores 73.

Before you buy, 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 88
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No recalls

Cons

Instrument cluster: works on and off7 complaints
Engine: unusual noises6 complaints
Paint and rust: damage6 complaints

How the 2017 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 problems8 complaints · average car: about 45	0.21×	−3
Everyday problems33 complaints · average car: about 63	0.54×	−4
Problems in the last two years3 complaints · average car: about 16	0.26×	−3
Recalls0 recalls · average car: about 5.6	0.28×	−2
Score		88

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 43 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 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 43.

Instrument cluster: works on and off
7 complaints (16%)
Problems that come and go and a feature that stopped working.
Engine: unusual noises
6 complaints (14%)
Unusual noises, surging and rough running or misfires. 1 of these 6 complaints describes a serious outcome: loss of braking.
Paint and rust: damage
6 complaints (14%)
Damage.
Fuel injector: fault code
4 complaints (9%)
A stored fault code, rough running or misfires and a failure that needed a new part.
VTC actuator failure
2 complaints (5%)
A failure and unusual noises.
Fuel economy: high fuel use
2 complaints (5%)
High fuel use.
Engine splash shield: parts breaking or coming apart
2 complaints (5%)
Parts breaking or coming apart.
Stall (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
Stalling. Both describe a serious outcome, most often stalling or losing power while driving.
Car not starting (cause not stated)
2 complaints (5%)
The car not starting. Both describe a serious outcome, most often a car that would not start.
Steering: early wear
2 complaints (5%)
Early wear and unusual noises.
Tires failure
2 complaints (5%)
A failure that needed a new part and a leak. 1 of these 2 complaints describes a serious outcome: being stranded.
Wiring, fuses or body control module: damage
2 complaints (5%)
Damage and a failure that needed a new part.

Reported Once (15)

Show the 15 problems reported once

CVT: a loss of power
Body seals (water leak): water leaking in
Check engine light (cause not stated)
Several warning lights at once
Fuel diluting the engine oil
Fuel gauge or level sensor: works on and off
Loss of power (cause not stated)
Noise (cause not stated)
Fuel joint pipe failure
Suspension (part not stated): damage
Phone and navigation: stopped working
Piston rings failure
Power windows or regulator: pinched occupant
Shifter or park: sticking or stiffness
Vibration (cause not stated)

How the 2017 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 This year	Excellent	88	0.31×	10.6	0	Instrument cluster: works on and off
2016	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

2017 Honda Fit Warranty Extensions and Programs

Honda has two warranty extensions for the 2017 Honda Fit, separate from its recalls. They are for problems with the paint and keyless start. 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)

2017 Honda Fit NHTSA Investigations

NHTSA has opened one investigation that covers the 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Fit, from two Honda warranty extensions that may still apply and the problems owners report most.

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

On the Test Drive

Test the screen, audio and phone connection for freezing or rebooting.
Check the paint and the underbody for rust or peeling clear coat.

Ask the Seller

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

Instrument cluster
Engine
Paint and rust
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.