The Honda Fit was with us for two decades as a pint-sized economy car that boasted value. It was well-liked for its impressive fuel economy, cheap maintenance, and more cabin room than one would think. But that doesn’t mean all model years are equal on the used car market. Unfortunately, the spotlight is on the 2015 Honda Fit, which stands out from the pack for its common faults.

What do you get in a 2015 Honda Fit?

Despite being a budget economy car, the Fit has sharp, handsome styling and three trim levels—LX, EX, and EX-L. The base LX features a multi-angle rearview camera—uncommon in the segment—Bluetooth connectivity, and at least one USB charge port. Fit EXs gains 16-inch wheels, Honda LaneWatch, a seven-inch infotainment system with six speakers, and other smartphone integration capabilities. The range-topping EX-L includes everything in the LX and EX, plus heated front seats and leather trimmings all around.

Under the hood, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder churns out 130 horsepower and 114 pounds-feet of torque. The LX and EX can be had with a six-speed manual, but the EX-L is stocked with a paddle-shifted continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Stick-shift Honda Fits have a combined fuel economy of 32 mpg. CVT-equipped models bump that up to 35 mpg and 36 mpg in the base LX.  

2015 Honda Fit common problems

One of the worst things about the Honda Fit isn’t its sluggish acceleration but its seats. According to owner entries on CarComplaints, many drivers have experienced severe back pain after long drives, with some even needing physical therapy. Owners have mitigated problems with pillows on the seats, but that’s one of the drawbacks with many economy cars.

By far, the most significant type of problem in the 2015 Honda Fit is electrical issues. Many systems are affected, including the battery, instrument cluster, dashboard, and engine starter. Some may be able to blame the soy-based wiring insulation, but the electrical problems may originate from the ignition coils. Fortunately, the government stepped in to issue a recall, but many owners were forced to have new starters installed and paid out of their own pockets.

Otherwise, the 2015 Honda Fit’s paint can come off fairly easily, but that’s it for overall issues. But do those electrical gremlins mean you should stay away?

NHTSA recalls

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) issued four recalls on the Honda Fit. An improper rear grab rail may puncture the side curtain airbags upon deployment. Transmission software settings may result in gearbox drive pulley shafts, and an incorrect A-pillar cover could also adversely affect airbags in the event of a crash.

Regarding the electrical issues, the NHTSA required Honda to fix the “wires inside the Plug Top Ignition Coils (PTC) due to improper protection against electrical noise.” The recall affected 17,796 Fits, and while it’s uncertain it can be blamed for internal electrical faults, it did leave many Honda Fits stalled or unable to start.

Is the 2015 Honda Fit a good used car?

One of the standout features of the 2015 Honda Fit is its interior space, which is surprisingly roomy for a subcompact car. The Fit hatchback can comfortably seat up to five passengers and offers a generous amount of cargo space, with up to 52.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down. With several convenient features, it’s excellent for commuting and as a first car for teenagers.

The Fit shouldn’t be a money pit, but potential buyers must watch out for previous maintenance completed on particular 2015 models. You’re in good hands if you can obtain the recall repair documentation and if the factory starter motor has been replaced. The only thing you may have to decide is how many seat pillows to purchase.