2008 Honda Fit Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Honda Fit has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Water intrusion and mold growth in cabin.” Honda vehicles use the Maintenance Minder system — your dashboard displays a Code A (oil change) or Code B (oil change plus inspections) along with sub-codes 1-6 for additional services. Intervals adjust based on how you drive. The schedule below reflects Honda's underlying targets.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Honda Fit.

Reported to NHTSA

Water intrusion and mold growth in cabin

STRUCTURE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2020-10

“WATER ENTERS THE CAR EXCESSIVELY WHENEVER IT RAINS. WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE, I DISCOVERED THAT MANY FIT OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT WATER COMES IN AROUND THE WINDOWS AND THE PLASTIC SHEETING INSIDE THE DOOR COMPARTMENT ISN'T SEALED CORRECTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323804
“MY CAR IS CURRENTLY "LEAKING". THERE'S NO OTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE IT. WHEN IT RAINS A POOL OF WATER FORMS IN THE HATCHBACK WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS STORED. THE FLOOR OF THE BACK SEAT GETS SOAKED THROUGH WITH WATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10859775
“I AM THE ORIGINAL AND ONLY OWNER OF THIS 2008 HONDA FIT SPORT. THIS CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS SO THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SOUND. BUT IT IS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11364002

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Low-beam headlight switch and connector failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2022-11

“AT 5AM WHILE HEADED TO WORK, I NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON, DESPITE THE SWITCH BEING IN THE ON POSITION. THERE WAS A RECALL PREVIOUSLY FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. IT APPEARS THE FIX WAS ONLY TEMPORARY, AS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE HAS POPPED UP AGAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10637778
“COMBINATION HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS FAULTY. WHILE LOW BEAMS ARE ON, TOGGLING THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ACTIVATES THE HIGH BEAM. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND PERFORMED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH RECALL HOPING IT WOULD GET FIXED BUT THE RECALL ONLY ADDRESSED THE WIRING HARNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10749618
“The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving, the low-beam headlight and fog lamps became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective connector switch that needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11426776

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Spongy brake pedal and premature ABS activation

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

12 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2016-02

“THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES LACK FEEL AND ARE "SPONGY." THIS CAUSES GREAT DIFFICULTY DURING BRAKING. AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE BRAKES SEEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, BUT AT LOW SPEEDS IT DOES NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10444429
“BRAKE CONCERNS: I HAVE A 2008 HONDA FIT THAT INTERMITTENTLY HAS A HARD BRAKE PEDAL AND OFTEN WILL NOT STOP WITH 2 FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT FEELS TO ME LIKE THE MASTER CYLINDER OR BRAKE BOOSTER LINKAGE IS SOMEHOW BINDING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10331206
“AFTER ATTEMPTING TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP ON A CITY STREET ON A SUNNY DAY WITH ABOUT 2.5 CAR LENGTHS BETWEEN MY FIT AND AN ACCORD. THE VEHICLE'S ABS SYSTEM OVERREACTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BECOME VERY CHOPPY, DRAMATICALLY INCREASING THE DISTANCE IT TOOK TO STOP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10442136

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata airbag recall parts unavailable / delayed repair

AIR BAGS

37 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2018-07

“TAKATA RECALL: TAKATA RECALL. I OWN A 2008 HONDA FIT.I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V344000REGARDING THE PASSENGER AIRBAG PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL LOCAL HONDA DEALERS - NO ONE HAS THE PARTS! WHAT IS HONDA WAITING FOR, MORE DEATHS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918922
“TAKATA RECALL: WE WERE INFORMED THAT WE WERE ON THE RECALL LIST IN MAY. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED HONDA FOR A LOANER, AS WE ARE A ONE-CAR HOUSEHOLD. THEY TOLD ME TO RIDE IN THE BACKSEAT, DESPITE THE FACT THAT WE BOUGHT/USE THIS CAR FOR HAULING LARGE ITEMS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899411
“TAKATA RECALL MY AIRBAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED IN MY 2008 HONDA FIT, PER THE WEIR CANYON HONDA DEALER. THE LIGHT WENT ON ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I WAS DRIVING. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR WITH THIS DEFECT, AND I CAN'T AFFORD $1325 TO REPLACE IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113848

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling at cold start and idle

ENGINE

18 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2023-07

“ROUGH IDLING AND STALLING. TRIED LOTS OF THINGS TO FIX: TUNE UP, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS, FUEL INJECTORS CLEANED, REPLACED CLUTCH, VALVE ADJUSTMENT -- NOTHING FIXED IT. DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS A SPRING IN THE ENGINE'S VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM HAS FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10560712
“2008 HONDA FIT (AUTOMATIC) STALLS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN "DRIVE" WHEN DRIVING AT A SLOW/DECREASED SPEED (PARKING INTO A PARKING SPOT OR STARTING TO ACCELLERATE FROM A STOP) OR WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10488863
“2008 HONDA FIT ENGINE STALLS WHEN COLD. CAR WILL START, BUT NEEDS TO SIT UNTIL ENGINE IS WARM BEFORE IT CAN BE DRIVEN. IF THE CAR IS PUT IN ANY GEAR BEFORE THE ENGINE IS WARM IT WILL STALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10561587

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driveshaft and axle failure from corrosion

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2026-04

“RIGHT SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OF FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE FAILED UNDER ACCELERATION CAUSING VEHICLE TO STOP IN INTERSECTION. EXAMINATION OF FAILED DRIVE SHAFT SHOWS CLASSIC FAILURE UNDER TORSION. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS COMPROMISED BY SEVERE CORROSION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723316
“PASSENGER SIDE AXLE BROKE DUE TO RUST CAUSED BY A RUBBER VIBRATION DAMPENER THAT IS INSTALLED. THE RUBBER PIECE TRAPS WATER INSIDE, WHICH JUST SITS AROUND THE METAL OF THE AXLE SHAFT AND CAUSES IT TO RUST THROUGH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11265609
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HONDA FIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL, BOOMING NOISE EMIT FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403474

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering assist loss

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2017-08

“POWER STEERING SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY HEAVY. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE INITIAL INCIDENT AND NOW TWICE IN THE PAST TWO DAYS (2/9/2011 AND 2/10/2011). ALL TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED DRIVING AROUND 30-40 MPH WITHIN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10382289
“I RECEIVED THE NOTICE "WARRANTY EXTENSION: ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WITH DTC 32-09 OR 61-04" FROM HONDA IN OCTOBER 2014 THAT STATES, "ON SOME 2007-2008 FIT VEHICLES, THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MAY FEEL HEAVIER THAN NORMAL OR IS HARD TO TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745634
“WHEN I SAT AND IDLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THIS HAPPENED TWICE. I HAD TO WORK VERY HARD TO PULL THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10545401

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2020-12

“I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40MPH AND COLLIDED WITH A STOPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS CRUSHED, SPECIFICALLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY THOUGH THE IMPACT OCCURRED IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10406812
“ON ABOVE DATE APPROX 12:45 PM I REAR ENDED A STOPPED MV AT APPROX 35-40MPH. MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURY. SPINAL SURGERY TO FOLLOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10427633
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384459

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Code A)

Every 7,500 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter. The Maintenance Minder triggers Code A between 7,500 and 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (Sub-code 1)

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires front-to-back to even out wear. Honda triggers Sub-code 1 alongside every other oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection (Code B)

Every 15,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake. Code B includes a multi-point inspection of brakes, suspension, and fluids.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid (Sub-code 5)

Every 45,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 3 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion of ABS components.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission / CVT Fluid (Sub-code 3)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace ATF or CVT fluid. Honda CVT models (Civic, HR-V, Accord LX) use Honda HCF-2 — do not substitute. The Maintenance Minder triggers earlier under heavy stop-and-go.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid (AWD models, Sub-code 5)

Every 30,000 mi

AWD CR-V, Pilot, Passport, Ridgeline: replace rear diff fluid every 30,000 miles, sooner if towing.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Engine Air Filter (Sub-code 4)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Honda uses a long-life cellulose element on most port-injected engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Honda uses iridium-tipped plugs rated for 100,000+ miles. Replace at 105,000 miles or whenever Sub-code 6 displays.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant (Sub-code 5)

Every 60,000 mi

Honda Long-Life Type 2 (blue) coolant: first change at 120,000 miles, then every 60,000 miles. Do not mix with other coolant types.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter (Sub-code 3)

Every 15,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter — accessible behind the glove box on most Hondas. Honda recommends 15,000 miles in dusty conditions, longer in clean climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Valve Clearance Adjustment (Sub-code 6)

Every 105,000 mi

Inspect and adjust valve clearances at 105,000 miles. Critical on K-series and L-series engines to prevent valve recession.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$495–$535

Shop

~$345–$375

DIY

Pro only

Mechanical-bucket valvetrains (many Honda 4-cyls, older Toyotas) need this. Hydraulic lifters don't. Shop work — feeler-gauge precision required.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Modern Honda engines (K-series, L-series, R-series, plus all Earth Dreams 1.5T and 2.0T) use a timing chain designed to last the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

89 crashes 1990–2024

How the 89 occupant deaths break down

73

driver deaths

16

passenger deaths

89

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2008 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

28

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Honda Fit reflects Honda's published service intervals and the Maintenance Minder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.