My Honda Fit with an automatic transmission experienced a driveshaft failure due to corrosion in August 2018. At that time, Honda had announced a recall for similar driveshaft corrosion failures affecting manual‑transmission Honda Fits, but no recall existed for automatic‑transmission vehicles. Because there was no recall for my vehicle configuration, and no notice from Honda, I had the vehicle repaired at an independent repair shop at my own expense. Honda later expanded the recall to include automatic‑transmission Honda Fits in June 2019. However, I never received a mailed recall notification while I owned the vehicle. I sold the vehicle in February 2020, before Honda mailed recall notices. I only became aware that my vehicle was included in the automatic‑transmission recall later, while researching issues related to a different Honda Fit I currently own. At that point, I learned that my prior driveshaft failure matched the recalled defect. Honda is now denying reimbursement for the recall‑related repair because they say they must inspect the vehicle to confirm whether it was equipped with a factory dynamic damper. Honda has also stated, however, that it does not have its own records confirming whether my VIN included this component in the build at the factory. The failure occurred before the recall existed for automatic‑transmission vehicles, and Honda failed to notify me of the recall while I owned the car. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection due to this lack of notice. Denying reimbursement under these circumstances shifts Honda’s own delayed recall, delayed notification, and incomplete factory records onto the consumer. I am concerned that Honda’s recall reimbursement process unfairly denies reimbursement for pre‑recall failures when the manufacturer lacks build records and notification was delayed
The worst 2008 Honda Fit problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags57
- Body43
- Engine27
- Transmission24
- Brakes22
- Lights19
- Electrical18
- Acceleration14
- Steering12
- Tires5
- Seat belts4
- Seats4
- Visibility4
- Fuel system3
- Suspension3
- Driver assistance2
- Locks2
- Wheels2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Honda Fit
Stalling 18Headlights 15Water leak 15No deployment 13Check engine light 8ABS 5
Recalls 8
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V770000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2012 RL, 2003-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag 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 E5D and X5C.
Recall number 19V501000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2011 Honda Element vehicles, 2005-2012 Acura RL vehicles, 2006-2012 Honda Ridgeline vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2005-2008 Honda Pilot 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 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2009 Acura RL and Honda Element vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles, 2005-2008 Honda Pilot vehicles and 2006-2009 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, 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, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2005-2006 Acura MDX and Honda CR-V vehicles, 2005-2008 Acura RL, Honda Element and Honda Pilot vehicles, 2007-2008 Honda Fit vehicles and 2006-2008 Honda Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall bagan March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KD9 and KE0.
Recall number 17V029000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2011 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2011 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been 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, unless included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Acura MDX, 2005-2008 Acura RL, 2005-2006 Honda CR-V, 2003-2008 Element, 2007-2008 Fit, 2003-2008 Pilot, 2002-2004 Odyssey, and 2006-2008 Ridgeline vehicles originally sold, or that have ever been registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, 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, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling model year 2002-2004 Odyssey and model year 2003-2004 Acura MDX, Honda Element, and Honda Pilot vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2016. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1‑888‑234‑2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KA0, KA1, KA2, and KA3.
Recall number 16V344000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Honda is re-recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Fit vehicles covered under previous recall 10V‑033. The remedy applied in this earlier recall may have been insufficient. In the affected vehicles, over time, the plastic cover may separate from the master power window switch allowing water to enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch. If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the water intrusion, overheating and failure of the switch may result.
- Risk
- An overheated switch can cause smoke, melting and fire.
- Remedy
- Honda will notify owners in July 2013 and will instruct owners to take their vehicles to dealers to have a free inspection conducted. If the switch is damaged, it will be replaced free of charge. If the switch is not damaged, the owner will be instructed to await a second notification that will instruct them to return to the dealer to have a replacement switch installed free of charge. Honda anticipates it will have sufficient parts inventory to notify owners of vehicles with undamaged switches to return to dealers for replacement switches in Fall 2013. Renotification was sent out to owners on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009. Honda's recall number is JA6.
Recall number 13V260000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling model year 2007-2008 honda fit vehicles. Due to an error during installation of the wiring harness for the combination switch that controls low head beam function, the wires for the lower beam circuit were pulled tighter than intended. After repeated use of the headlight switch, the electrical connector terminal for the low beam headlight circuit can become worn as a result of this tension, which can result in low conductivity and cause an accumulation of copper oxide in the area of the contacts.
- Risk
- The low beam headlights can become inoperative decreasing the driver's visibility as well as the vehicle's visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the low beam terminal and perform necessary repairs free of charge. The safety recall began on january 24, 2011. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 10V624000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- Honda is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 fit vehicles. Under severe condition, water may enter the driver's window and reach the master power window switch. If the master power window switch is damaged as a result of the water intrusion, overheating and failure of the switch may result.
- Risk
- An overheated switch can cause smoke, melting and fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the switch and install a cover around the switch housing to prevent water from entering the switch. If the switch is damaged, the switch will be replaced and a cover will be installed. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on during march 19, 2010. Owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 10V033000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia , wisconsin and the district of columbia. The wire harness for the occupant detection system (ods) and the occupant position detection system (opds) is routed underneath the carpet on the driver's side floorboard. In areas where road salt is used, salt from the snow on the driver's shoes will melt and may penetrate the carpet and leak into the wire harness. If the harness is exposed to salt brine, corrosion may occur and the wire may break causing the SRS indicator light to illuminate. A failure of the ods and opds may not detect the presence of a child seat or an out-of-position passenger and deployment of both the front seat passenger's frontal and side air bags will not be suppressed.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, a deploying front passenger air bag or front passenger's side air bag will increase the risk of injury to small or out-of-position occupants.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wire harness. The recall began on december 12, 2007. Owners may contact honda at 800‑999‑1009.
Recall number 07V549000 · Recall details
See all 8 recalls for the 2008 Honda Fit
Defect investigations
Low Beam Headlights
In their Defect Information Report (DIR) of December 15, 2010, American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (Honda) notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall of model year 2007 and 2008 Honda Fit vehicles to repair the headlights.The recall will remedy a defect in the low beam headlight circuit that can cause a total outage of the low beam headlights.Honda's DIR states: Due to a variation in the assembly sequence when installing the wiring harness for the combination switch that controls the headlights, the wires for the low beam headlight circuit can be pulled tighter than the wiring for the other functions controlled by the combination switch.After repeated use of the headlight switch, the electrical connector terminal for the low beam headlight circuit can become worn as a result of this tension, which can result in low conductivity and cause an accumulation of copper oxide in the area of the contacts.In some cases the poor conductivity may cause the terminal ends to melt within the wiring harness connector.If this occurs, the low beam headlights can become inoperative, increasing the risk of a crash. Honda dealer's will inspect the combination switch and wiring harness and remedy the defect free of charge.Please see safety recall file 10V624 for recall details
PE10037
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Honda Fit 32
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Customer Support Program For Front Passenger's Airbag Inflator.
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- There are several A/C leak detection tools available
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- This bulletin is a notification of a class action settlement relating to airbag inflators
- All of the listed vehicles have a type 4 immobilizer system that disables the vehicle unless a programmed...
- Flyer circulated to the residents of hawaii to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an...
- Posters sent to hawaiian independent repair facilities, automotive part stores, car washes, and gas...
- Letter sent in conjunction with the florida highway safety and motor vehicles department to remind florida...
- Text messages sent to remind owners of the takata recall and to schedule an appointment at their earliest...
2008 Honda Fit fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 27-28 | 33-34 | 29-31 |
What 2008 Honda Fit owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Id like for my car to get assessed for any of the 8 recalled items that pop up in your system.. I bought this car from a dealership and I don't believe that they did anything for it to fix the recall problems
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 55 MPH or faster, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle was wobbling. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that there was a misfire coming from all 4-cylinders. The mechanic test-drove the vehicle and the passenger’s side front axle shaft detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the dealer was unable to further diagnose the vehicle to determine what parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with the mechanic. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,500. The VIN was unavailable.
When the car is started, it cranks with a bit of hesitation. It then has a rough idle. After putting the car in gear and going, it will just shut off while it's in drive. I then have to place the car in neutral while it's still moving to start it again and then quickly put it into drive. It does this the first 10 minutes of driving and then it stops. Until you let it sit for awhile and then it repeats this same issue.
My Bumper snapped off with going down a driveway. It’s made of plastic and it’s broken and need to be replaced. This is an ongoing issue with this vehicle. Every Honda fit I see on the road has this issue. This is dangerous and could cause an accident.
Above mentioned Honda Fit Vin number JHMGD38678S043570 had same issue with low beam headlight recall (TSB 10-082 low beam headlight recall) Low beam headlight do not work. Car was sent to Pohanka dealership for repair. "Found a break in wire where connector was installed." I have documentation attesting to this. I am not denying that switch was bad, but Honda is charging labor for the obvious recall repair that was incorrectly performed. I would like a partial refund for the labor they are charging for the time to repair the recall correction. Honda is denying the claim saying it is "wear and tear".
I got a letter from Honda regarding a recall to my vehicle Honda fit, I headed to crest Honda dealer, they refused to check it, and sent me back. Then while I was heading home they sent me fake report stating that it’s been checked, and everything works fine, and this didn’t happen, because as mentioned they refused to take the car, so how they checked it while I was driving it back home. And the cameras available can prove that I left with the car immediately.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart after waiting. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact mentioned the vehicle was shuddering while accelerating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cylinders, valves, spark plugs, and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving, the low-beam headlight and fog lamps became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective connector switch that needed to be replaced. Additionally, the connector was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was similar to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V624000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Recall not taken care of
Compare the 2008 Honda Fit
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Other model years
Questions about the 2008 Honda Fit
Is the 2008 Honda Fit reliable?
Owners have filed 217 complaints about the 2008 Honda Fit, 1.6 times a typical Fit model year.
What is the 2008 Honda Fit year score?
The 2008 Honda Fit scores 49 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Honda Fit: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Honda Fit?
Airbags, with 57 complaints, typically around 80,425 miles. Next is body (43).
How many recalls does the 2008 Honda Fit have?
8 recalls, covering power train, air bags and visibility.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Honda Fit airbags?
Yes, 4 recalls: 19V501000, 17V029000, 16V344000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Honda Fit have bad airbags?
The Honda Fit model years with the most airbags complaints are 2009 (104 complaints), 2013 (92 complaints) and 2010 (84 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Honda Fit get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Honda Fit range from 29 to 31 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 27-28 city and 33-34 highway.
VIN decoder
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