KnownCarProblems2013 Honda Fit Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Honda Fit, most often about the air bags (52% of complaints, typically around 18,000 miles). It is 6th of 13 Fit model years by number of complaints and has 10 recalls.
Most common 2013 Honda Fit problems
Air bags
92 complaints · 52%Half of these problems showed up before 18,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Fit. While the vehicle was attempting to merge, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact sustained permanent neck and shoulder injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle…
Takata recall: I received a letter in march 2016 that this defect could potentially kill or hurt me and my passengers. I've called the dealership on at least 3 different occasions and told the part would be in soon. I called again today, more than 6 months after getting the letter, and sat on hold from more than 15…
Electrical
22 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, 12v/24v/48v battery, ignition.
Battery dies. Had it professionally recharged, lasted 6 weeks and began dying again. Had to jump start numerous times. Now battery is ruined and I need a new alternator and new battery. Car is 4 years old with less than 30,000 miles. I am 2nd owner, bought it in 11/2016 at 24,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the front of the vehicle seized after the brake pedal was depressed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed however the…
Engine
15 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 29,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Fit. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine motor mount was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of…
On hot days above 88deg the AC shuts down stops working also it fails to keep car cool above 90 went to dealer and they did not do anything to fix it different makes seem not to have this issue at least I own three non Honda autos.
Transmission
12 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles. Parts named most often: manual transmission.
Front axel fractured and broke. Fracture was inside boot and therefore couldnt be detected in advance without removing the boot. The vehicle parked ok. And then we re-started it but it couldnt deliver any movement to the wheels when placed in gear.
Front passenger axle broke when I stepped on the gas when stoplight turned green. Had car towed to dealership for repair. I found there was recall on this front axle for 2013 Fit made between 5/24-7/5/13 for this failure, but Honda says my car had no recall on file so it wouldn't be part of this recall. Car only has…
Other or unspecified
12 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.
July 2016 bought goodyear assurance tires to replace the worn tires. I replaced 1 tire in september for what appeared to be a puncture. On 12/1/16, 2nd tire went flat as I was traveling on i71 for what I thought was a puncture. The sidewall is bulging and it appears the belting is defective (thin and flimsy and cannot…
My 2013 Honda Fit caught fire on 14jun2016. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it should be noted that there have been recalls having to do with fires with this vehicle. I was driving on the nj turnpike, and while I was in the car, the vehicle's engine began smoking, there was a fire on the passenger side as…
Body and structure
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
There are "vents" below the license plate holder near the road, wide enough to significantly expose the engine to damage from road debris such as a big rock. This causes road debris to enter and hit the A/C condenser only inches behind the opening. I have researched this problem and have seen this reported 3 times in…
This car was in an accident, it was rear-ended by another vehicle. This Honda Fit was stopped in traffic at a construction zone in suburban cary, nc when it was hit from behind by a small truck that was going approx. 45+ MPH. The impact pushed the Fit forward into some construction materials. The truck driver was…
Stability control
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 35,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the warning indicators illuminated for the electronic stability control, traction, and brake lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the vsa module failed to function and needed to be replaced. In addition, the…
It was raining. I was on the highway, cruise control set at 65 MPH. At this point, the road curves to the right. I had just gone through a dip in the road and I think I may have been hydroplaning. The vsa light came on and the ride became very choppy. I started pumping the brakes and I tried to steer my car to stay in…
Speed control
8 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 4,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated while she driving 50 MPH. The contact was able to control the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal with force. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who test drove the vehicle but was…
2013 Honda Fit with a 1,000 miles, bough it new, is now hesitating on acceleration, then it like it takes a big gulp of gas and is fine. Happened on more than one occasion. Roads were flat and only always happens after I stop then accelerate. Does not do this all the time, but when making a turn with oncoming cars, it…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 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 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.
Transmission: driveshaft
Risk: If the driveshaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured driveshaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the passenger side driveshaft and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on june 23, 2014. Owners may contact honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is je4.
Full defect summary
American honda motor co., ltd, (honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 honda fit vehicles manufactured may 24, 2013, through july 5, 2013, and equipped with a manual transmission. The passenger side driveshaft may break while driving due to an improper heat treatment application during manufacturing.
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 2013 Honda Fit
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Honda Fit?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (92 complaints, typically around 18,000 miles); electrical (22 complaints, typically around 26,000 miles); engine (15 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Honda Fit have?
- 10 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 2013 a bad year for the Honda Fit?
- It is 6th of 13 Fit model years by number of complaints, with 176 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.