2007 Honda Fit

The 2007 Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior (thanks to Honda’s “Magic Seat” system), and nimble handling. It came equipped with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC inline-4 engine producing 109 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. It was available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate its practicality, reliability, and fuel economy, but some common complaints include a harsh ride, road noise, and less-than-stellar acceleration.

Engine

1.5L i-VTEC Inline-4

• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. Often caused by age and heat cycling.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coil(s). It’s often recommended to replace all ignition coils at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $300+ per coil, depending on if you replace all of them.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Adjustment Required
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, especially when cold. Can lead to decreased performance and fuel economy if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Adjust the valves according to Honda’s recommended procedure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oxygen Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and possible stalling. Often caused by age.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty oxygen sensor (either upstream or downstream).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per sensor, depending on location and if OEM or aftermarket.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Hesitation/Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when accelerating, particularly when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Rough or jerky shifts between gears.
  • Solution: Perform a transmission fluid change using Honda ATF-Z1 or DW-1 fluid. In severe cases, a transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 for fluid change, $2000 - $4000+ for rebuild or replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Complete loss of drive, loud noises from the transmission, inability to shift gears.
  • Solution: Transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, especially over bumps. Leaking fluid from the shock absorbers.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ for both.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise that increases with vehicle speed. Looseness or play in the wheel.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per wheel, depending on if front or rear.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, warning lights on the dashboard, difficulty starting the vehicle, or a complete no-start situation.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust appearing on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and other body panels.
  • Solution: Sanding, rust treatment, and repainting affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on severity. $100 - $1000+, or more for extensive rust repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Honda Fit is generally considered a reliable vehicle, but like all cars, it has its share of common issues. The most frequently reported problems include ignition coil failure, valve adjustment needs, oxygen sensor failures, and hesitation with the automatic transmission. Suspension issues like rear shock absorber failure and wheel bearing failures are also prevalent. Electrical issues include power window switch failures and alternator failures. Rust can be a concern. Repair costs vary, but many of the common issues are relatively inexpensive to fix, especially if addressed promptly. More serious problems like transmission failure can be costly.