Referred to as the Honda Jazz in Japan and Europe, the five-door subcompact hatchback vehicle was introduced to the United States in 2006 for the 2007 model year. With a compact exterior look, it has the distinction of being roomy on the inside. Moreover, it was designed as economical, yet sporty. The Honda Fit was redesigned for 2009, thus initiating the vehicle's second generation.
Some 2007 Honda Fits have already had problems with premature corrosion of the wire harness for the occupant detection system (ODS) and the occupant position detection system (OPDS). This is because the two systems run underneath the carpet on the driver's side floorboard, which makes them susceptible to salt. During snowy winters, the snow covered shoes melt and the water can penetrate the carpet, thus reaching the harness. Corrosion can make the wire break and cause the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicator to illuminate. This can prevent the car's airbags to deploy in the event of a car crash. Dealers can inspect and replace the harness free of charge.
Some Honda Fits might have incorrect contact information for the vehicle safety hotline for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owners can contact Honda to send them the correct information, and with instructions to insert the card into the "Reporting Safety Defects" section of the car's manual.
During cold weather months, using the engine block heater can confuse the Fit's powertrain control module (PCM). This happens when it compares the intake air temperature with that of the engine. This can be fixed by reprogramming the PCM.
Some 2007 Honda Fits might have a problem with the passenger seat moving back and forth because of a disconnected cable. This can be reconnected, or replaced if there is irreparable damage.
Considering that the oldest Honda Fits were manufactured in 2006, there have been relatively few problems reported concerning the vehicle. The 2007 Fits tend to have the most issues due to them being part of the debut entry. Subsequent entries in car generations traditionally address the flaws present in their predecessors. For now, the very latest model year would be the way to go.
