2020 Honda Fit Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Honda Fit, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical718.9%
- Driver assistance718.9%
- Engine616.2%
- Fuel system513.5%
- Visibility38.1%
- Airbags38.1%
- Steering25.4%
- Brakes25.4%
- Body & structure12.7%
- Interior & seats12.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Upon startup, dashboard display of time, mileage, and outdoor temp is scrambled. After a few minutes, display corrects on its own. This first happened during a severe cold spell (-20F overnight temps) but has continued into the summer at least a couple of times per week. Pressing the button to cycle through the other screen options doesn’t solve the problem. All are scrambled until the display corrects itself.
My dashboard, specifically the area with my odometer and gas mileage reader, has been flickering and scrambling numbers. This seems to be an issue with many 3rd generation Honda Fit models (2015-2020). This issue makes traveling unsafe as I am unable to see what my odometer is reading and likewise cannot predict when I will need to add gas. The only solution that was offered by my Honda dealership was to replace the entire dash electrical component for $1700 which is not acceptable for an issue that is well know to Honda.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
-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 creates significant safety risks. Without ACC, the vehicle cannot maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. The LKAS no longer provides steering assistance to help stay in the lane, and the CBWS cannot detect or warn of potential collisions. These malfunctions increase the likelihood of accidents, especially during highway driving or in heavy traffic. -The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by Tony Honda in HI during an inspection on [XXX]. -My 2020 Honda Fit EX Hatchback has been inspected by an authorized dealer/service center, which diagnosed a failure in the multipurpose camera. This failure has disabled critical safety features, creating a potential safety risk. The vehicle has less than 21,000 miles and has been well maintained. However, the manufacturer has not offered a resolution, and the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other parties. Despite the low mileage and the importance of this system, I was informed that I must pay the full repair cost of $3,000 and other companies I visited stated that it can only be fixed by Honda. I believe this issue could indicate a defect and request an investigation into whether other Honda Fit owners are experiencing the same problem. -Before the failure, warning messages appeared on the dashboard, including alerts for ACC, LKAS, and CBWS system malfunctions. These warnings initially appeared for a week or so and became more frequent over time. I believe this issue may be a design or manufacturing defect affecting other vehicles of the same make and model. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter to determine if it represents a broader safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 intake valves and quoted ~$1200 for valve cleaning. This is the identical failure mode described in Honda Service Bulletin 21-007, whose affected vehicles list includes 2015-2020 Honda Fits, and which Honda covers under warranty extension bulletin 23-042 for 10 years/150,000 miles - but only for 2018-2019 model years. My 2020 vehicle is excluded by VIN range despite an identical defect at far lower mileage. An engine that misfires and loses power in traffic is a safety hazard. American Honda case #16419709 is open. See related complaints 11462041, 11490506, 11549767, and 11593466 from other owners outside the covered VIN range.
Carbon Buildup with Misfire DTCs. Honda published a service bulletin but is refusing to cover the necessary repair. We are paying out of pocket for the known issue that they have extended warranty coverage on for some other VINs but refuse to cover this one.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Fuel gauge on my 2020 Honda Fit LX sometimes goes blank or weird graphics under colder temperatures at start up. Doesn't seem to do it all time though ,especially in warmer weather that I've seen. Seems like when the car warms up, it returns to normal. Have around 42000 miles on it now. I haven't taken it in to my Honda dealer yet for inspection. I believe it maybe a circuit board behind the dashboard after watching a You tube video of someone pulling his out and soldering a spot behind the gauge. He seemed to fix it. Puts the driver at risk if he doesn't know if he has gas in the car! No warnings have ever came on either. Other owners have complained on this to. My car has never been in a wreck either. Hardly drive it. Past my warranty to.
There is a carbon build-up in the engine causing for a misfire in the engine cylinders.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The back windshield shattered, and seems to be buckling in on its self.
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 the least. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bag warning light indicates malfunction
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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. It is frightening and dangerous. Honda wants $1800 to repair the defect because it is not presently listed on recall. I reported this problem to local mechanics before any Honda recall was made. Then recall appeared on line, and the Fit was included. Now, it is claimed it is not. Are they not recalling because they no longer manufacture this model? This is a hazardous, manufacturer's defect. I need my car to be made safe, and not at my expense.
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 travelling, putting me and my passengers at risk. Yes, a honda dealership and a private garage have confirmed that the power steering rack is malfunctioning and the cause of the unusual behavior in the car. The vehicle has been inspected by a honda dealership (manufacturer). There were no warning lights or signals to indicate anything was wrong. I only noticed the problem while driving because it is my car, and I am familiar with how it feels to drive.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY. THIS VIBRATION FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE DISK BRAKES THAT ARE ON BOTH OF THE FRONT WHEELS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Fit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced severe front-end shaking and vibration. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine mount and transmission mount were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while attempting to retrieve an item from behind the driver's side seat with the rear seat folded flat, the contact attempted to raise the seat back to lock the seat in place, but the seat bottom failed to operate as intended. The contact reached for the item and the seat back unexpectedly snapped backwards, nearly pinching the fingers in the tracks. Later, while reaching behind the passenger’s side rear seat, the seat back suddenly snapped closed with violent force, trapping the contact between the seats while being folded. The contact was pinned inside the vehicle until the daughter manually pried the seat off to free the contact. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .