2016 Honda Fit Safety Report
2016 Honda Fit: Excellent Crash Safety, but Persistent Electrical System and Instrument Cluster Failures Raise Driver Information Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Honda Fit
Reliability Score
The 2016 Honda Fit receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Honda Fit
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Honda Fit:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument Cluster Malfunction (Blank/Gibberish Display) Digital fuel gauge, odometer, and other dashboard information frequently go blank or display unreadable characters, often exacerbated by cold weather. This prevents drivers from knowing fuel levels, speed, and mileage. |
High | Common | 30000-82000 miles |
| Cvt Transmission Failure Reported failure of the CVT transmission at 120,000 miles, leading to hesitation and potential for accidents at freeway speeds. |
High | Occasional | 120000 miles |
| Tire Sidewall Bubbles Multiple reports of Nexen tires developing bubbles in the sidewall, leading to blow-out risk and requiring frequent replacement. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Vtc Actuator Rattle/Failure VTC Actuator rattles on cold start, with concerns about potential catastrophic engine failure and drivetrain issues. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Wheel Airbag Cover Overheating Steering wheel airbag cover gets extremely hot after driving, identified as a serious safety concern. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Honda Fit:
Predominantly related to the instrument cluster, with the digital fuel gauge and odometer going blank or displaying gibberish, especially in cold weather. Also includes issues with the Smart Power Control Unit.
General complaints not fitting specific categories, including dealer issues and other miscellaneous problems.
Includes fuel injector failure, fuel pump issues (similar to later models), and hesitation during acceleration.
Airbag warning lights illuminating and concerns about the steering wheel airbag cover overheating.
Reports of sidewall bubbles and premature tire failure, specifically with Nexen brand tires.
Issues such as VTC Actuator rattle and check engine light illumination related to spark plugs/catalytic converter.
Includes reports of CVT transmission failure and hesitation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Honda Fit
Is the 2016 Honda Fit safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Honda Fit received excellent crash safety ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has a significant number of complaints (44 out of 116 total) related to the electrical system, specifically the instrument cluster failing to display critical information like fuel level and speed, which is a safety concern. There was also one recall for side curtain airbags.
What are common problems with the 2016 Honda Fit?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Honda Fit are electrical system problems (38% of complaints), primarily concerning the instrument cluster's digital display going blank or showing gibberish. Other common problems include fuel/propulsion system issues (7%), tire sidewall bubbles, and power train concerns like CVT transmission failure.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Honda Fit?
Yes, the 2016 Honda Fit has one recall (NHTSA ID: 15V490000) for certain LX-trim vehicles not equipped with a sunroof. This recall addresses a defect where the side curtain airbags could be punctured upon deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
How does the 2016 Honda Fit perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Honda Fit performs very well in crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It received 5 stars for frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the instrument cluster issues?
Yes, the instrument cluster issues are a significant concern. With 44 complaints, it's the most frequent problem. Not being able to see your fuel gauge, odometer, or potentially your speedometer can lead to dangerous situations, such as running out of gas unexpectedly or unknowingly exceeding speed limits. This issue is often reported to be worse in cold weather.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2016 Honda Fit offers strong crash protection and good fuel economy, be aware of widespread electrical system issues, particularly the instrument cluster display, and inquire about its service history for this specific problem before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Honda Fit
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Honda Fit. The data includes 116 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Honda Fit an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.