2006 Honda Fit

The 2006 Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback known for its fuel efficiency, practicality, and surprisingly spacious interior thanks to its “Magic Seat” configuration. The 2006 Fit comes with a 1.5L i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, producing 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. It was offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the Fit for its reliability, fuel economy, and versatility. Common dislikes include its relatively small size (especially for passengers in the rear), and the somewhat noisy engine at higher speeds.

Engine

1.5L i-VTEC (L15A) 4-cylinder

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running, check engine light illuminated. The ignition coils are known to fail prematurely.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil, depending on if you DIY.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (specifically codes related to catalytic converter efficiency), reduced fuel economy, and potentially a sulfur smell.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Loose or Leaking Fuel Cap
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated with codes P0455, P0456, P0457 or P145C, indicating a leak within the Evaporative Emission Control System.
  • Solution: Check for debris, tighten fuel cap, or replace the fuel cap.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $15 - $40
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration or when shifting into higher gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter and flushing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, erratic shifting, failure to shift, or getting stuck in one gear. Check engine light may be illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoid(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive rear-end sag, noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises when turning the steering wheel or going over bumps, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, or moving very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the remote or power door lock switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust Issues (Especially in areas with road salt)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming around wheel wells, door seams, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, apply rustproofing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity; $100 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on repair or replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Driver seat reclining handle breaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken handle that will not allow the user to recline the drivers seat
  • Solution: Repair or replace the handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Honda Fit, while generally reliable, can experience a few common issues. The ignition coils are a common failure point, and catalytic converters can also fail. Transmission issues, especially with the automatic, can be costly. Suspension components like shocks and struts can wear out. Electrical issues such as power windows and door locks are also possible. Rust can be a concern in areas with road salt. While many of these issues are not major, some, like transmission problems, can be expensive to fix. Careful inspection and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are recommended.