2020 Honda Fit Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Honda Fit carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering display function and front passenger. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Digital dashboard display scrambles or blanks.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #23V046000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 13, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is 6DW. This recall has been superseded by NHTSA recall number 24V-384. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed under recall 24V-384.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #24V064000 · Jan 2, 2024

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.

Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign #24V384000 · May 31, 2024

Issue: Honda (America Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Fit and 2019-2022 HR-V vehicles that were previously recalled under NHTSA recall number 23V-046. The rearview camera image may not display when the engine is started with a key, due to a design error in the audio display power circuit. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera display can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the display audio unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are TIQ and DIR. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V-046 will need to have the new remedy completed.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign #26V332000 · May 21, 2026

Issue: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.

Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Honda Fit.

Reported to NHTSA

Digital dashboard display scrambles or blanks

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-05

DIGITAL DISPLAY (MILEAGE, OIL LEVEL, FUEL GAUGE, ETC) FAILS WHEN TURNING VEHICLE ON DURING COLD WEATHER. IT REMAINS BACKLIT, BUT ALL TEXT DISAPPEARS. TYPICALLY, THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING ON EITHER HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS. THIS MEANS AS A DRIVER I'M UNABLE TO SEE IF I NEED FUEL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395588
Fuel gauge and odometer display glitches until completely blank whenever outside temperature reaches below 49°F. This has been an ongoing issue since I originally purchased/leased my vehicle in 2020. This is a dangerous glitch, because I cannot tell how much fuel I have left
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629540
The dealership changed the oil on my 2020 Honda Fit, and the Oil Life display was reset to 100%, on 1/8/24. Two days later the LCD panel, which shows the fuel gauge, odometer, remaining range, oil life, etc. began to intermittently go blank or become garbled and unreadable. This
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11568052

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Carbon buildup on intake valves causes misfire

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-10 → 2026-06

On June 10th 2026, my 2020 Honda Fit EX-L with approximately 20,000 miles began misfiring while idle at a light. Error codes started appearing on my dash, no check engine light. Honda of Short Pump diagnosed a cylinder 2 misfire (DTC P0302) caused by a carbon buildup on the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743275
While driving multiple error lights came on. I took my car in and they said it was carbon build up due to "bad gas." They cleaned it and it has been working fine. However, this is an acknowledged problem with the 2018 and 2019 Honda Fit. Honda actually extended the warranty for
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11613227
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Fit. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the warning lights remained illuminated along with the check engine warning light. The vehicle also experienced misfiring while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436820

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Rear window shatters spontaneously

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2026-03

The rear (tailgate) window on our 2020 Honda Fit shattered (busted) on its own for no reason. Nothing hit or even touched the car. No other cars were around. No other damage to the car. The car has been parked on the side of road for about 5-10 min. We were staying about 2-3
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11419773
the rear window exploded spontaneously while parked on the side of a state highway overlooking the [XXX] - no rock or reason was noted for the window's explosion. Honda refused warranty coverage; we had to pay a 1k deductible to a body repair firm. this was a safety hazard at
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11565348
The back windshield shattered, and seems to be buckling in on its self
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723196

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Power steering rack sticks or fails to self-center

STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2025-05

My 2020 Honda Fit, with16,300 miles, has the same steering defect as other recalled Honda models. This has been confirmed by Honda service. The steering wheel will suddenly stick and make a grinding and or hissing sound, especially on turns. The car becomes difficult to steer
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659988
The power steering rack is malfunctioning. It is available for inspection upon request. The steering wheel does not return by itself while vehicle is in motion-- the steering becomes difficult to steer even at slight angles intermittently. This led to difficultly steering while
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11611100

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Multipurpose camera failure disables driver assist

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-08

-The multi-purpose camera sensor system on my 2020 Honda Fit EX Hatchback has malfunctioned, disabling critical safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), and Collision Braking Warning System (CBWS). -The failure of these systems
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642802
Multi-purpose camera failure caused collision warning, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist to fail
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11617478
This 2020 Honda Fit has experienced a "multipurpose camera unit/millimeter wave radar internal electronic failure" that will cost $2,000 to repair. Neither Honda nor my auto dealership will help me and insist it isn't under any kind of warranty or covered by a recall
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693386

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Automatic emergency braking triggers with no hazard

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2023-11

Automatic emergency brake bleeps warning and brakes get locked while driving. This happens all the the without any objects nearby or vehicles close enough to initiate the emergency brake. Emergency brake engages and locks itself in normal driving conditions. This has happened
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554935
The Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) consistently provides a false positive when approaching a particular railroad crossing near my home. When about 20 yards away from the crossing (a single set of tracks) approaching at 30-35mph, the BRAKE warning flashes and beeps
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548868
Forward emergency collision detect system went off randomly and slammed on brakes. No cars or objects were in front of the car. Was going 30mph. Car hit brakes so hard that abs engaged. Almost got rear ended. After car nearly came to stop, returned to normal driving
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11463554

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Airbag warning light or non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2025-02

A Nissan pickup towing a trailer ran a red light and crashed into the front middle driver’s side area of my 2020 Honda Fit. The driver who ran the red light was traveling at an approximate speed between 40-50 mph. At the moment of impact the left side of my head hit the driver’s
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11506791
Air bag warning light indicates malfunction
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11570540
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Fit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640659

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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)

6 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.

1

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 2020 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.