Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2009 Honda Fit
The 2009 Honda Fit shows some areas of concern, primarily related to airbags, steering, and the power train, based on 287 owner complaints and 11 recalls. The airbag system and driveline have significant recall history, meaning buyers should focus their inspection in these areas. Other issues like steering and electrical system are noted but have fewer complaints. Overall, exercise caution as the evidence is limited but significant in certain components.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2009 Honda Fit has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns and 287 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V770000 Drive Shaft May Corrode and Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V500000 Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V502000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V378000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V268000 Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V042000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V545000 Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V030000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V346000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V061000 Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V101000 LOST MOTION SPRING NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 104 complaints
- Steering 46 complaints
- Power Train 33 complaints
- Electrical System 23 complaints
- Visibility 17 complaints
- Unknown or Other 15 complaints
Of the 287 complaints on file, 23 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 287 complaints, owners report 22 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may fail
How to check: Ensure recall repairs for airbags have been completed.
Steering feels unresponsive
How to check: Check for any play or noise in steering wheel.
Variable valve timing failure
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises at idle.
Faulty electrical system components
How to check: Test all electrical systems for proper function.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noises
Red flag: Loud ticking or knocking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent airbag or engine warning lights
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth transmission shifts
Red flag: Rough or erratic shifting
- 04
Turning corners
What to check: Check for steering responsiveness
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Watch for alignment issues
Red flag: Car pulls to one side
- 06
Braking
What to check: Ensure brakes are firm and responsive
Red flag: Spongy or unresponsive brakes
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been completed?
- Any known issues with the steering?
- Does the airbag system have any faults?
- When was the last oil change?
- Any history of electrical problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair record
- Service and maintenance records
- Title and registration
- Accident history report
- Inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2009 Honda Fit at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2009 Honda Fit? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.