2008 Honda Fit: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Jul 16, 2015 · Body, Brakes · 96,000 miles · MD

The upper rear panel (where there is a groove where the frame comes together and you could attach a roof rack) on the driver's side separated a little and water came into the car. It soaked the trunk and floor behind the drivers seat. The water also damaged the ABS sensors. I had to replace the ABS sensors and sort of caulk the gap between the panels. I found out about the problem when my ABS light on my dash went on.

Filed Jan 2, 2012 · Brakes · 31,200 miles · CA · crash

After attempting to make an emergency stop on a city street on a sunny day with about 2.5 car lengths between my fit and an accord. The vehicle's ABS system overreacted and caused the vehicle to become very choppy, dramatically increasing the distance it took to stop. This caused my vehicle to rear end the accord. In retrospect, had I not applied 100% brake force and did not trigger the ABS, I may have been able to stop the vehicle just short of rear ending the other vehicle. I have experienced similar situations under various road and weather conditions with this vehicle, where the ABS activates prematurely and remains active, even when there should be sufficient grip. Even light pressure on the brake pedal while going over some pot holes and up onto drive ways triggers the ABS system. I never paid much attention to this issue because I always leave enough space between myself and other vehicles, but after doing some online research after my accident, it has become apparent to me that I am not the only individual experience ABS problems with this vehicle. Nor am I the only individual who has reported this issue to the federal safety agency. As a note, I have driven various small and large vehicles - with and without ABS - and they have never been reacted so poorly in an emergency/panic situation. It should be noted that these ABS problems occurred with the factory dunlop tires as my recent accident with performance (grippy) firestone firehawk wide oval indy 500 tires (with >50 tread). I have not gotten the estimate for the damage to my vehicle, but the front bumper is damaged as well as the hood - not sure if there is any frame damage. No airbags were deployed, no occupants were harmed. I will also reach out to honda america. Please look into this issue. Thank you.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Airbags, Brakes · 16,585 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

I own a 2008 honda fit. On 1-7-2010, while traveling at approximately 45 -50 MPH, the vehicle in front of mine began to brake. My brakes were applied; however, the vehicle did not seem to be slowing. The brakes were then depressed all the way to the floor, however, the vehicle continued forward until it crashed into the vehicle in front of mine. The ABS did not engage during this incident. The air bag did not deploy. The seat belt broke. The insurance company was informed of the above noted failures. The vehicle was repaired, however, no brake problems were detected. In late february, 2010, I got my vehicle back from the repair shop. On 3-4-2010, I was traveling at approximately 45 MPH when a vehicle pulled out in front of me causing me to slam the brakes as hard as I could. Again, the ABS system did not engage and my vehicle continued forward. The only reason I did not crash into the vehicle in front of me is because it cleared my path before impact. During this incident, my seat belt did not "grab" me. I took my vehicle to the honda dealership the next day, explained the incident, and asked that the brake system and seat belt be checked out again thoroughly. The honda service writer told me that they could find nothing wrong with the brakes or the seat belt. Due to my field of employment, I have had extensive training in emergency vehicle operation. I know how the ABS system operates and how a vehicle should respond when the brakes are applied in the manner described above.

Filed Apr 7, 2010 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · MO · crash

I was driving home going about 50 MPH, when traffic slammed on their brakes. I was following about 3 car lengths behind the person in front of me, and as soon as they slammed on their brakes I slammed on mine. When slamming on my brakes, the ABS didn't even come on because my brakes weren't working like they were supposed to. My brakes felt spongy, and should have stopped me with room to spare, but they didn't even come close.

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Brakes · MI

My vehicle's ABS system appears to be extremely sensitive and activates needlessly during light braking even on dry pavement. It can to be triggered consistently by lightly applying the brakes on uneven terrain, such as cracks in the road, small potholes or bumps. The brake pedal pulses for a short time, during which braking is ineffective and the vehicle continues to move forward for several feet. I drive several other vehicles on a regular basis, none of which exhibit this problem. A service rep at honda of bloomfield, located in bloomfield hills, mi, characterized the condition as normal.