Honda Fit electrical problems, 2016–2020
157 of the 452 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Honda Fit 2016–2020 name the electrical system (NHTSA’s “Electrical System” heading — wiring, modules, batteries, charging, infotainment and driver displays — NHTSA's broadest heading). The loudest years: 2016 (55), 2019 (49), 2018 (34). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 manufacturer bulletins. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Honda Fit electrical problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the electrical system | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 19% | — | 9 TSBs | the year → |
| 2019 | 49 | 36% | — | 5 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 34 | 29% | — | 6 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 12 | 28% | — | 9 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 55 | 46% | 44k | 19 TSBs | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the electrical system. Nothing here is a rate.
When the electrical complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2019: 7 · 2020: 12 · 2021: 24 · 2022: 17 · 2023: 27 · 2024: 32 · 2025: 16 · 2026: 16
Across the model years, half of the 44 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the electrical problem between 11,000 and 49,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the electrical system, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
2016 Honda Fit with approximately 44,000 miles. Problem started to occur in early december of 2019 and has continued for the past 2 months. Problem is that the car is unable to start. On numerous attempts to start the car, when the key is turned all systems are powered, but the engine won't crank.
The digital display in the dash that shows fuel gauge, range, odometer, etc.. Will intermittently not display properly. It will either display improperly in a way that is unreadable, or the entire display will go blank while remaining backlit. It happens more often when it is cold out.
When the vehicle is cold (in the 4 years I have owned this car-bought new), this month is the first incidence this has occurred (Three times so far) The fuel gage, trip meter, odometer, clock and MPG display will show gibberish when the car is first started and then either keep the gibberish or then show nothing.
The electronic odometer and audio control displays will blink on and off, or will display gibberish. The odometer display shows the gas gauge, which if not properly displayed, the car could run out of gas when driving. The audio display shows the car's performance
While driving car the electrical system failed with all safety lights on dashboard turning on. When system goes off the ABS braking system, traction control, and power steering fails. Also noted engine misfiring.
What is on file about the electrical system, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications2 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Jan 3, 2023
- Dealer Message - American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM) is investigating certain 2020-2022 Accords, CR-Vs, Odysseys, Passports, Pilots, Ridgelines, 2020 Fits, 2020-2021 Civic Hatchbacks, 2020-2023 Civic Sedans/Coups with a customer complaint of the Check Engine Light (CEL) on & the DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low [Loss of Fuel Pressure]) stored. In some cases, the customer may also experience
- Jun 1, 2022
- Service bulletin - The MIL comes on with DTC P0300 (random misfire detected) or P0301âP0304 (cylinder misfire detected). Carbon buildup on the intake valves may be affecting combustion.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Honda Fit
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Honda Fit problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Honda Fit years have the most electrical complaints?
2016, 55; 2019, 49; 2018, 34. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (46%).
Is there a recall for the electrical system on the Honda Fit?
No recall campaign is filed under this heading on any of these model years. A bulletin is not a recall: it carries no federal duty to repair for free.
When do electrical problems show up on the Honda Fit?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 34,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 11,000 and 49,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Electrical System" heading cover?
Wiring, modules, batteries, charging, infotainment and driver displays — NHTSA's broadest heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.