KnownCarProblems2012 Honda Fit Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Honda Fit, most often about the air bags (36% of complaints, typically around 51,500 miles). It is 11th of 13 Fit model years by number of complaints and has 11 recalls.
Most common 2012 Honda Fit problems
Air bags
41 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 51,500 miles.
Supplemental restraint system indicator (SRS) sensor is lit on dashboard of my 2012 Honda Fit and will not go off. I purchased this car brand new in june 2012. Has been on constantly while driving since may 25, 2016. Today is may 30, 2016. After researching this problem, I discovered I am not alone as many other Honda…
Takata recall- went to dealership to get my air bag replace, which they did't have needed to be order and waited 6 weeks. On october the 09, 2016 I was on a vehicle accident driving 25 miles and hour the right side tire hit and embankment and damaged my car for a total loss. The deployment of the airbag hit my chest…
Steering
16 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 30,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Fit. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the electronic power steering unit…
Http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/3559372 my car would not start today and eps light displays. Upon research, it appears that 2007-2010 models have no recall but link above deals with someone with a brand new 2012 Fit that had a serious issue when their car was 2 months old. Mine is obviously older now, but…
Transmission
14 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 88,500 miles.
The left front axle shaft broke in june 2018, with 89,032 odometer miles, and the right axle shaft broke december 3, 2019 with 105,436 miles. In the most recent instance I was stopped on a hill, with a car behind me, and when I tried to accelerate the axle broke and my car started rolling backwards. I applied the…
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop at the exit of a gas station, the vehicle became immovable, and there was an abnormally high-pitched grinding sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to aaa auto body shop, where the…
Engine
13 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
I brought my Honda Fit 2012 to my mechanic with issues of a misfire in cylinders 1 and 2. He thought it was a simple replacement of the spark plugs (only 51,000 miles on the car) and maybe a coil pack replacement. Once he removed the spark plugs from cylinders 1 and 2, he saw the tip of one of the spark plugs ground…
A spark plug on the third cylinder blew out and stripped the threads on the cylinder. The blow out caused an electrode to break off and damaged one of the valves. I made Honda america aware of the problem and asked them to honor a "goodwill" warranty since, despite being two years outside of the warranty, my car only…
Electrical
9 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 28,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Fit sport. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the vehicle lunged forward without warning. The contact mentioned that the failure would recur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was advised that the power train control module or the…
Electronic power steering light turned on intermittently. This caused the steering wheel to lock up or be really hard to steer. This typically happens at lower speed or when idle. This can occur mid steer at times as well.
Speed control
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 14,000 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
My vehicle suddenly accelerated to a very rapid speed. I had just started up the car and was reversing out of the garage when the vehicle accelerated. I attempted to stop but was unable to do so. Then the car suddenly returned to normal.
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, she depressed the brake pedal and the engine revved. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral, took her foot off the brake pedal and turned the vehicle off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but they could…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 4%Supplemental restraint system indicator (SRS) sensor is lit on dashboard of my 2012 Honda Fit and will not go off. I purchased this car brand new in june 2012. Has been on constantly while driving since may 25, 2016. Today is may 30, 2016. After researching this problem, I discovered I am not alone as many other Honda…
From the first year the fits front light covers are so scratched from nature visabity when driving at night is dangerous. I have had them buffed and shined with the same result happening. The factory tint is so bubbled and faded disability out of the rear window is a safety hazard. The paint on the roof and hood looks…
Fuel system
4 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: storage.
The fuel gauge is non-linear, ie when it says you have a half of a tank, you really only have 1/8 or 1/4. Seems silly in this day and age of computer controlled stuff I have to remember I really don't have that much fuel and I could easily get stranded.
Computer keeps saying to "check fuel cap." even after several complete shut offs and tightening of the fuel cap, the problem continued to happen. It doesn't happen everyday, just sporadically. It also only has happened after parking on a flat surface.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Honda Fit recalls
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing either the left or right drive shaft, if necessary, free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk with an interim letter mailed february 2, 2021. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are p9m, pav, bay, tax, ca0, and maz.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 acura ilx, 2013 acura ilx hybrid, 2012 honda civic hybrid, and 2007-2008 honda fit vehicles with a manual transmission and 2009-2013 honda fit vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, and wisconsin. The drive shafts' protective coating may not have been applied properly during manufacturing, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt, or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are f5f and q5e.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 acura tsx, 2011-2014 tsx sport wagon, 2010-2013 zdx, 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2011 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic and civic hybrid, 2008-2010 civic gx ngv, 2012-2015 crosstour, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2013 fit, 2014 fit EV, 2010-2014 insight, and 2009-2015 pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began august 12, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are s5b and w59.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2013 acura ilx, 2015 rdx, 2005-2010 and 2012 rl, 2009-2014 tl, 2010 and 2012 zdx, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2011-2013 and 2015 cr-z, 2009-2013 fit, 2013 fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 insight and 2007-2014 ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began july 5, 2019. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are m4o, p4r, t4q, and w4p.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 acura tsx, 2011-2013 tsx sport wagon, and 2010-2012 zdx and 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2011 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic, civic hybrid and civic ngv, 2012-2014 crosstour, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2013 insight, and 2009-2015 pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began november 6, 2018. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are m2j and s2k.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2014 honda insight and acura tsx and tsx wagon, 2014-2015 honda crosstour and pilot vehicles nationwide, as well as certain 2014 honda fcx clarity and fit EV vehicles in florida, hawaii, puerto rico, texas, alabama, georgia, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, california, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan) and the u.s. Virgin islands. Honda is also recalling certain 2011-2013 acura tsx, tsx wagon and zdx, honda crosstour, insight, fit and pilot vehicles, 2011-2012 honda accord and 2011 honda civic ngv, civic, civic hybrid and cr-v vehicles in arizona, arkansas, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia and west virginia. Lastly, honda is recalling ce
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An incorrectly installed air bag may deploy improperly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began june 22, 2018. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are k1p, and m1o.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2003-2012 honda accord and pilot, 2010 accord crosstour, 2001-2011 civic, 2002-2011 cr-v, 2003-2004, 2006-2008 and 2011 element, 2007 and 2009-2013 fit, 2010-2012 insight, 2002-2004 odyssey, and 2012 ridgeline vehicles. The front passenger air bag may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began february 16, 2018. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are b0k and l0j.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 acura tsx, zdx, honda accord crosstour, fit, insight and pilot vehicles, 2011-13 acura tsx sportswagon, 2010-2012 honda accord,, 2010-2011 honda civic, civic ngv, civic hybrid and cr-v vehicles and 2013 honda fcx clarity and fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." additionally, honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 acura tsx, honda accord, accord crosstour, fit and pilot, 2010-2011 honda civic, civic ngv, civic hybrid and cr-v, and 2010 acura zdx and honda insight vehicles ever registered in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri,
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash, an incorrectly installed passenger frontal air bag inflator may deploy the air bag improperly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began october 30, 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are o07, y0a, n06, g05, m04, y01, and o09.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2008-2012 accord, 2010-2012 accord crosstour, 2006-2011 civic, 2007-2011 cr-v, 2009-2012 fit and pilot, 2010-2012 insight, and 2009-2012 acura tsx vehicles that received replacement passenger frontal air bag inflators. One dealership may have incorrectly installed the replacement air bag inflators.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are ke1 and ke2.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 acura tsx, 2011-2012 acura tsx wagon, 2010-2012 acura zdx, 2008-2012 honda accord, 2010-2012 honda accord crosstour and honda insight, 2009-2012 honda fit, 2009-2012 pilot, 2007-2011 honda cr-v, 2012 honda fcx clarity and 2006-2011 honda civic, civic hybrid, civic ngv vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands, or "zone a." additionally, if not included in "zone a" above, honda is recalling certain 2009 acura tsx, honda fit and pilot, 2008-2009 honda accord, 2006-2009 civic, civic hybrid and civic ngv, and 2007-2009 honda cr-v vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, i
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began march 2017. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are jy0, jy1, and jy2.
Full defect summary
Honda (american honda motor co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 honda cr-v, 2011-2015 cr-z, 2010-2014 fcx, and insight, 2009-2013 fit, 2013-2014 fit EV, 2007-2014 ridgeline, 2013-2016 acura ilx, 2013-2014 acura ilx hybrid, 2007-2016 rdx, 2005-2012 acura rl, 2009-2014 acura tl, and 2010-2013 acura zdx vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Stability control: electronic stability control (esc)
Risk: Excessive yaw rates prevent the proper function of the electronic stability control (ESC) system, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners and dealers will update the ESC software free of charge. The safety recall began on august 1, 2013. Owners may contact honda automobile customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's recall campaign number is s99.
Full defect summary
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 honda fit sport vehicles manufactured from may 23, 2011, through march 22, 2013, and model year 2012-2013 honda fit base vehicles manufactured from june 27, 2011, through april 19, 2013. In april 2013, honda recalled 43,782 2012-2013 honda fit sport vehicles. In july 2013, honda informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012-2013 honda fit vehicles in base trim to the recall campaign, representing an additional 48,138 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 91,920. The electronic stability control system of the affected vehicles may allow excessive yaw rates at high steering angles with certain tires. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal vehicle motor safety standard no. 126, "electronic stability control systems."
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Electrical overstress
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.â during the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (acu) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) electronic control unit (ecu) manufactured by zf-trw. â the ecu receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with m
Questions about the 2012 Honda Fit
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Honda Fit?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (41 complaints, typically around 51,500 miles); steering (16 complaints, typically around 30,500 miles); transmission (14 complaints, typically around 88,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Honda Fit have?
- 11 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 10, 2020 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Honda Fit?
- It is 11th of 13 Fit model years by number of complaints, with 113 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.