Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Honda Fit owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Honda Fit. While driving 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, a tractor trailer pulled in front of the vehicle. The brake pedal was depressed to disengage the cruise control; however, the vehicle accelerated instead. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed a second time and the vehicle accelerated again. The vehicle crashed through several bushes in the median of the highway and came to a stop on the opposite side of the highway towards oncoming traffic. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The contact stated that the shift lever was in the park position; however, the cruise control indicator was still illuminated and the engine revved independently. The vehicle was turned off and towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired and the insurance company deemed the vehicle destroyed. …
I own a 2008 Honda Fit. On 1-7-2010, while traveling at approximately 45 -50 MPH, the vehicle in front of mine began to brake. My brakes were applied; however, the vehicle did not seem to be slowing. The brakes were then depressed all the way to the floor, however, the vehicle continued forward until it crashed into the vehicle in front of mine. The ABS did not engage during this incident. The air bag did not deploy. The seat belt broke. The insurance company was informed of the above noted failures. The vehicle was repaired, however, no brake problems were detected. In late February, 2010, I got my vehicle back from the repair shop. On 3-4-2010, I was traveling at approximately 45 MPH when a vehicle pulled out in front of me causing me to slam the brakes as hard as I could. Again, the ABS system did not engage and my vehicle continued forward. …
Parking on a side street behind another car applying brake, and woosh! Car took off in what I've later learned was an "unintended acceleration," running into the car in front and smushing in the hood of my car. I thought I had let my foot slip or had skid on some ice, but later similar incidences made me wonder. This last time (May 30, 2013), again was parking car and applying break in a parking lot (full of lawyers' cars!) and as I approached the space, car very quickly sped up and I nearly crashed into a light pole and/or beautiful new (expensive) car to my right. I'm sure anyone witnessing this would see a driver slowing down and then car jerking amazingly forward, like a horse at the beginning of a race. I was so very lucky in that I was able to steer racing car into parking spot and make an abrupt stop (I don't know how). Quite scary! …
I was driving home going about 50 MPH, when traffic slammed on their brakes. I was following about 3 car lengths behind the person in front of me, and as soon as they slammed on their brakes I slammed on mine. When slamming on my brakes, the ABS didn't even come on because my brakes weren't working like they were supposed to. My brakes felt spongy, and should have stopped me with room to spare, but they didn't even come close.
The upper rear panel (where there is a groove where the frame comes together and you could attach a roof rack) on the driver's side separated a little and water came into the car. It soaked the trunk and floor behind the drivers seat. The water also damaged the ABS sensors. I had to replace the ABS sensors and sort of caulk the gap between the panels. I found out about the problem when my ABS light on my dash went on.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. While applying pressure to the brakes, the contact noticed that the vehicle would not decrease in speed, which caused her to hit another vehicle. The contact sustained bruises to the leg. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was awaiting the results of an inspection. The contact did not inform the manufacturer. The current and failure mileages were 37,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to correspond due to the anti lock brake functioning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had stopped independently after three miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Was driving on sunny, clear day. Traveling at 40-45 MPH when traffic came to complete stop. Applied brakes and car did not stop. Rear ended a rav 4 and caused almost $6000 in damage. 2nd accident with this car where brakes failed. Plenty of room to stop, car wouldn't.
Air bags did not deploy yet I smelled the smoke from them. Air bags should have deployed due to the damage caused to my vehicle. The vehicle is a total loss. This caused injuries to myself and others. Brakes also failed to properly function.
After attempting to make an emergency stop on a city street on a sunny day with about 2.5 car lengths between my Fit and an accord. The vehicle's ABS system overreacted and caused the vehicle to become very choppy, dramatically increasing the distance it took to stop. This caused my vehicle to rear end the accord. In retrospect, had I not applied 100% brake force and did not trigger the ABS, I May have been able to stop the vehicle just short of rear ending the other vehicle. I have experienced similar situations under various road and weather conditions with this vehicle, where the ABS activates prematurely and remains active, even when there should be sufficient grip. Even light pressure on the brake pedal while going over some pot holes and up onto drive ways triggers the ABS system. …
Brake complaints in other Fit years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Honda Fit?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Honda Fit, 10% of the model year's 217 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Honda Fit brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Honda Fit, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Honda Fit brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.