MODEL
Honda Fit
NHTSA safety across every Honda Fit model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Honda Fit we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 87 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 80. 10 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback - not a sedan, despite how it is sometimes categorized - aimed at urban commuters, first-time buyers, and anyone who wants a nimble, space-efficient small car. The 2019 and 2020 model years represent the final chapter of the third-generation Fit in the United States, making them the most refined versions of a nameplate that built its reputation on clever packaging and city-friendly dimensions.
At MotorCaliber, we judge vehicles strictly on their safety record, and the Honda Fit's final two U.S. model years tell a mixed but generally encouraging story. The 2020 Fit earns our best NHTSA Safety Index score of 87 out of 100, landing firmly in the Strong band - a meaningful result for a vehicle in one of the most price-sensitive segments on the market. Federal crash-test results back that up: the best-year figures show a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact testing, with rollover coming in at a solid 4 out of 5, a predictable outcome for a taller, narrower subcompact body. Where shoppers should pay closer attention is the recall count. Across just two model years, NHTSA records show 10 recalls - a number that is elevated for such a short window and warrants a careful VIN check before any purchase. Owner complaints across the 2019 to 2020 span total 166, including 10 reported crashes and 4 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the volume is worth noting. The bottom line: the Fit's core crash-test performance is genuinely strong, but the recall total is a real consideration. Verify your specific VIN is clear of open recalls before buying.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Honda Fit for its surprisingly roomy interior relative to its footprint and its responsive, easy-to-place driving character in urban settings. Most consider it a benchmark for small-car practicality. Some note that its feature set and powertrain feel modest compared to newer rivals, but overall professional opinion of the model has remained consistently positive.
- The 2020 Fit achieves an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band - one of the better results you will find among subcompact hatchbacks of this era.
- Frontal and side crash-test results reach the maximum 5 out of 5 stars in the best test year, but rollover protection scores 4 out of 5, a figure worth weighing if you frequently travel higher-speed roads or highways.
- Ten recalls across only the 2019 and 2020 model years is a notably high count for a two-year window. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall database to confirm all outstanding recalls have been remedied before purchase.
- Owner complaints on file with NHTSA include 10 reported crashes and 4 reported injuries across the two covered years. These are unverified allegations, but shoppers should review the complaint database for any patterns relevant to their specific model year and trim.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Honda Fit with 6 recalls.