What are the most common problems with a 2009 Honda FIT?

The biggest MOT weak spot is headlights: flagged on 20.2% of tests, 2.8× the rate for all 2009 cars.

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2009 Honda FIT?

Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Honda FIT as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2009 Honda FIT: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Honda FIT first registered in 2009: we looked at the 188 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 188 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

188MOTs of 2009 cars, done in 2023–2025

66%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%)

3,600typical miles a year

2.8×the usual rate for headlights

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Honda FIT?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Honda FIT than on all cars registered in 2009.

Headlights2.8× usual

Honda FIT
20.2% All 2009 cars
7.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2009 Honda FIT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Honda FIT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Lights and electrics

39% of testsRough price £10–£80

At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Suspension

28% of testsRough price £120–£400

At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Tyres

23% of testsRough price £70–£150

At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
Brakes

13% of testsRough price £150–£350

At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
Wipers, windscreen and mirrors

4% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Steering

3% of testsRough price £100–£450

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Honda FIT

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Honda FIT as on other cars the same age.)
Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Honda FIT?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Honda FIT compared

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2026	–	Too new for MOT data
2017	143	Lights and electrics 10%
2016	307	Tyres 16%
2015	442	Tyres 11%
2014	1,463	Tyres 9%
2013	1,879	Tyres 12%
2012	2,999	Lights and electrics 17%
2011	2,485	Lights and electrics 22%
2010	780	Lights and electrics 29%
2008	151	Lights and electrics 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Honda FIT cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score