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2016 Honda Fit Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 6, 2026·Ethan Miller·1 Critical Recall
2016 Honda Fit Report

Overall Score

8.5/ 10
Our Verdict
Recommended

Key Takeaways

  • Excellent fuel economy (32 mpg combined) contributes to low running costs.
  • The 'Magic Seat' system offers exceptional cargo flexibility for a subcompact car.
  • Verify completion of the critical safety recall involving rear grab handle brackets and potential airbag compromise.
  • A high TSB count indicates a possibility of various non-safety-critical issues that may require attention.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Honda Fit

The 2016 Honda Fit stands out for its remarkable interior versatility and frugal fuel consumption, making it a practical choice for urban driving and everyday errands. Its compact exterior belies a surprisingly spacious cabin, thanks to Honda's 'Magic Seat' system. Under the hood, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a manual transmission delivers adequate power for its class, while achieving an impressive 32 mpg combined. However, potential buyers should be aware of a critical safety recall related to the rear grab handle brackets and their potential to puncture side curtain airbags during deployment. While this recall has a remedy, its severity warrants thorough verification of completion. The vehicle also has a high TSB count, suggesting potential for non-critical issues to arise.

Critical Failure Risk

A manufacturing defect in the rear grab handle brackets could potentially puncture side curtain airbags during deployment. This was addressed via a safety recall.

Early detection can help you avoid a repair of about $0.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls2
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
130HP
Torque
114 lb–ftLB-FT
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
32
MPG
City
29
MPG
Highway
36
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.2/ 10

Practicality

6.5/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Urban dwellers needing a maneuverable and fuel-efficient daily driver.

+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking exhilarating performance or sporty handling.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2016 Honda Fit Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Honda Fit.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
130 hp
Torque
114 lb-ft
Transmission
Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Hatchback
MSRP Range
$15,965 - $18,890
EPA Combined MPG
32

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Most Common Issues

1. Rear Grab Handle Bracket Defect

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. High TSB Count

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-20 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades

Est. shop cost: $80 - $150

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
2 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2016 Honda Fit reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Honda Fit is 9.2/10. Reliability score is 9.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2016 Honda Fit for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 6.5/10. EPA combined economy is 32 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 5 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 470 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Honda Fit is 8.5/10. Overall score is 8.5/10 (Strong). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 6.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Honda Fit?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-20 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-20 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Brake Pads (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $250 • Max: $450).

What is the MSRP range for the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

MSRP range is $15,965 - $18,890.

What engine is in the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

Engine specs list Inline-4 • 4 • 1.5. Output is 130 hp • 114 lb-ft.

What transmission does the 2016 Honda Fit use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Honda Fit, transmission is Manual 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

EPA combined estimate is 32 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What is the fuel economy range for the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Honda Fit, fuel economy range is 32 mpg combined.

How many people fit in a 2016 Honda Fit?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Honda Fit, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Honda Fit, body style is hatchback.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Honda Fit use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Honda Fit, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Manual 6-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Is the 2016 Honda Fit good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2016 Honda Fit is a practical and fuel-efficient subcompact hatchback. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, it can be enhanced thro...

Should I tune the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback known for its practicality and fuel efficiency, not for performance tuning. While there's some aftermarket support for aesthetics and suspension, significant engine tuning potential is limited due to its naturally aspirated engine and focus on economy. It lacks the 'sleeper' status or cult following associated with performance vehicles.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Honda Fit?▾

This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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