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2016 Honda Fit Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Honda Fit carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering structure. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Instrument cluster display blanking or garbling.” 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.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE

Campaign #15V697000 · Oct 23, 2015

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Fit LX-trim vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014, to July 02, 2015 and not equipped with a sunroof. 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection" and number 226, "Ejection Mitigation".

Risk: 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.

Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear grab handle bracket, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JV8.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Honda Fit.

Reported to NHTSA

Instrument cluster display blanking or garbling

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

47 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-01

“The gauge cluster that shows your mileage and fuel levels and maintenance schedule goes out intermittently or altogether blank. It started a couple years ago and at this time I only have 45,000 miles on it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570145
“The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the LED display was inoperable. The contact stated that the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge were also inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507200
“INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY STOPS WORKING OR DISPLAYS GIBBERISH RANDOMLY. THIS PREVENTS ME FROM KNOWING HOW MUCH FUEL IS LEFT IN THE CAR, SOMETIMES FOR DAYS. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS ALSO THE ONLY PLACE TO SEE THE ODOMETER AND KEEP TRACK OF MILEAGE FOR SERVICE INTERVALS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361039

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion through door seals

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2022-12

“Major leak in drivers side, causing pool of water near gas and brake pedals. Occurs when it rains and could be coming from door panel where electrical components are”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497886
“DRIVER DOOR AND LEFT REAR PASSENGER DOOR BOTH LET RAIN IN RESULTING IN PUDDLING ON FLOORS. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED TWICE, BOTH UNSUCCESSFULLY TO REPAIR SEALS INSIDE DOOR PANEL THAT PREVENTS LEAKAGE INTO INTERIOR OF VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11138903
“THE GASKET ON THE FRONT DOORS CAME LOOSE RANDOMLY WHICH RESULTED IN RAIN AND WIND TO ENTER THE CAR. I HAVE TO MANUALLY PUSH THE GASKET BACK IN EVERY NOW AND THEN BECAUSE THEY DO NOT STAY IN PLACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244810

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire sidewall bubble and crack defects

TIRES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-07

“This is the third Dextero DTR1 that has exhibited defects described in their 2016 recall (large cracks at the sidewall/tread area)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753758
“1. Nexen-P185/55R16 83H 2. A bubble has formed in the sidewall. Can cause Tire blow out. 3. This is the third Nexen tire to form a bubble”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680313
“P185/55R16 Tire wall coming off of the tire. Bubble created”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664490

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire pressure monitoring system warning malfunction

WHEELS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2019-01

“THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON PERIODICALLY, ABOUT EVERY 500 MILES OR SO. I'VE HAD THE PRESSURE CHECKED BY PROFESSIONALS IN EACH TIRE AND ON ONE OCCASION IT WAS 1 UNIT LESS THAN IT HAD BEEN BEFORE, BUT NOT BELOW THE LEVEL THAT IT SHOULD HAVE COME ON FOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860164
“ONCE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT IS SET BY THE TPMS THE VEHICLE OWNER CANNOT CLEAR IT SINCE HONDA HAS REMOVED ALL MANUAL AND ELECTRONIC RESET OPTIONS FOR THE OWNER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11033446
“PERTAINING TO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT IF A TPMS SENSOR IS REMOVED FROM THE CAR, THE CAR IS SUPPOSED TO ALERT THE DRIVER VIA A WARNING LIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11171633

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel injector failure causing stall or misfire

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2025-04

“The contact owns a 2016 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11654088
“I HAD 4 EMERGENCY LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING IN MOTION LEAVING A GAS STATION. I THEN DROVE ON THE INTERSTATE AND HAD TO PULL OVER DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278103
“FUEL INJECTORS FAILED (KNOWN ISSUE) CAUSING ME TO BE STRANDED WITH KIDS. CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363600

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration from a stop

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2019-07

“IN PROCESS OF PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A BUSINESS, I APPLIED MY FOOT BRAKE AFTER WHICH MY VEHICLE FULLY ACCELERATED, JUMPING (AN APPROXIMATELY 12") SIDEWALK INTO A PLATE GLASS WINDOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231210
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HONDA FIT. WHILE IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195655
“2016 HONDA FIT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11099688

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

40 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2016 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.

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