The 2003 Honda Fit is a subcompact car that was introduced to the market in 2001 and was in production until 2008. It was a popular choice for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and sporty design. However, like any vehicle,
it is not without its issues. Some common problems reported by owners of 2003 Honda Fit models include transmission problems, suspension issues, and faulty electrical systems.
In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly reported problems with the 2003 Honda Fit and discuss possible solutions. It’s worth noting that while some issues may be more common in the 2003 model year, they may also affect other model years of the Honda Fit.
2003 Honda Fit Problems
1. Warped Front Brake Rotors May Cause Vibration When Braking
This problem is caused by the front brake rotors becoming warped or uneven. When the brake pads press against the rotors, the uneven surface can cause a vibration or shaking sensation.
This issue can be dangerous, as it can affect the vehicle’s braking ability and stability. To fix this problem, the front brake rotors will need to be replaced.
2. Overheated Wire Harness May Cause Low Beams to Fail
The wire harness in the 2003 Honda Fit is responsible for providing electrical power to various components in the vehicle, including the headlights. If the wire harness overheats, it can cause the low beam headlights to fail.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty wire harness, a faulty relay, or a faulty headlight bulb. To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
3. Map Light Does Not Turn On When Opening Door
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the map light, which is located in the overhead console, does not turn on when the door is opened.
This issue can be caused by a faulty door switch, a faulty map light bulb, or a problem with the wiring. To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
4. Water Leak Due to Poor Seal at Side Marker Wire Harness
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported a water leak inside the vehicle, which is often traced back to a poor seal at the side marker wire harness. The side marker wire harness is located on the side of the vehicle and is responsible for providing electrical power to the side marker lights.
If the seal around the wire harness is damaged or worn out, it can allow water to enter the vehicle and potentially cause damage to the electrical system. To fix this problem, the seal around the side marker wire harness will need to be replaced.
5. Knocking Noise From Front End, Stabilizer Link Issues
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported a knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle, which is often caused by issues with the stabilizer links.
The stabilizer links are responsible for connecting the stabilizer bar to the suspension and help to keep the vehicle stable.
If the links become worn out or damaged, they can cause a knocking noise and affect the handling of the vehicle. To fix this problem, the faulty stabilizer links will need to be replaced.
6. Noise and Judder on Turns Due to Differential Fluid Breakdown
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported a noise or juddering sensation when turning, which is often caused by a breakdown of the differential fluid. The differential is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels and helps the vehicle turn smoothly.
If the differential fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, it can cause a noise or juddering sensation when turning. To fix this problem, the differential fluid will need to be drained and replaced.
7. Failed Power Resistor Will Cause Rear Blower Not to Work
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the rear blower, which is responsible for providing airflow to the rear seats, stops working. This issue is often caused by a failed power resistor,
which is responsible for controlling the flow of electricity to the blower motor. If the power resistor fails, it can cause the blower motor to stop working. To fix this problem, the failed power resistor will need to be replaced.
8. Check Engine Light for Running Rough and Difficulty Starting
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the “check engine” light comes on, often accompanied by issues with the vehicle running rough or difficulty starting. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors,
including faulty spark plugs, a faulty ignition system, or a problem with the fuel system. To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
9. Porous Engine Block Casting May Cause Engine Oil Leaks
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported engine oil leaks, which are often traced back to a porous engine block casting. The engine block is the main structure of the engine and is responsible for supporting and securing the various components.
If the engine block casting is porous, it can allow oil to leak out of the engine. To fix this problem, the engine block will need to be replaced.
10. Engine Idle Speed is Erratic or Engine Stalls
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported issues with the engine idle speed, such as it being erratic or the engine stalling.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty idle air control valve, a faulty mass airflow sensor, or a problem with the fuel system. To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
11. Check Engine and D4 Lights Flashing
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the “check engine” light and the “D4” light start flashing. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a problem with the transmission, a faulty engine sensor, or a problem with the electronic control unit.
To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
12. Check Engine Light Due to Sticking Rocker Pins
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the “check engine” light comes on, often accompanied by issues with the engine running rough or stalling. This issue is often traced back to sticking rocker pins,
which are responsible for connecting the pushrods to the valves in the engine. If the rocker pins become stuck, it can cause the engine to run poorly or stall. To fix this problem, the stuck rocker pins will need to be replaced.
13. Check Engine Light and Engine Takes Too Long to Start
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the “check engine” light comes on and the engine takes too long to start. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty ignition system,
a problem with the fuel system, or a problem with the electronic control unit. To fix this problem, the faulty component will need to be identified and replaced.
14. Throttle May Stick Due to Carbon Buildup on Throttle Body
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported that the throttle becomes stuck, often due to carbon buildup on the throttle body.
The throttle body is responsible for controlling the airflow into the engine and if it becomes clogged with carbon deposits, it can cause the throttle to stick. To fix this problem, the throttle body will need to be cleaned or replaced.
15. Rough Idle/Harsh Shifting Due to Broken Front Engine Mount
Some 2003 Honda Fit owners have reported issues with rough idle and harsh shifting, which is often caused by a broken front engine mount.
The front engine mount is responsible for securing the engine to the chassis and if it becomes damaged or broken, it can cause the engine to shake or vibrate.
This can affect the vehicle’s handling and cause issues with the transmission. To fix this problem, the broken front engine mount will need to be replaced.
Possible Solutions
| Problem | Number of Reports | Possible Solutions |
| Warped front brake rotors causing vibration when braking | 529 | Replace front brake rotors |
| Overheated wire harness causing low beams to fail | 187 | Identify and replace faulty component (wire harness, relay, or headlight bulb) |
| Map light not turning on when opening door | 125 | Identify and replace faulty component (door switch, map light bulb, or wiring) |
| Water leak due to poor seal at side marker wire harness | 97 | Replace seal around side marker wire harness |
| Knocking noise from front end due to stabilizer link issues | 83 | Replace faulty stabilizer links |
| Noise and judder on turns due to differential fluid breakdown | 56 | Drain and replace differential fluid |
| Failed power resistor causing rear blower to not work | 47 | Replace failed power resistor |
| Check engine light for running rough and difficulty starting | 38 | Identify and replace faulty component (spark plugs, ignition system, or fuel system) |
| Porous engine block casting causing engine oil leaks | 33 | Replace engine block |
| Engine idle speed is erratic or engine stalls | Identify and replace faulty component (idle air control valve, mass airflow sensor, or fuel system) | |
| Check engine and D4 lights flashing | 29 | Identify and replace faulty component (transmission, engine sensor, or electronic control unit) |
| Check engine light due to sticking rocker pins | 23 | Replace stuck rocker pins |
| Check engine light and engine takes too long to start | 14 | Identify and replace faulty component (ignition system, fuel system, or electronic control unit) |
| Throttle may stick due to carbon buildup on throttle body | 13 | Clean or replace throttle body |
| Rough idle/harsh shifting due to broken front engine mount | 13 | Replace broken front engine mount |
2003 Honda Fit Recalls
| Recall | Date | Affected Models | Problem |
| 19V501000 | July 1, 2019 | 10 models | New passenger air bag inflator ruptures during deployment, spraying metal fragments |
| 19V499000 | July 1, 2019 | 10 models | New driver’s air bag inflator ruptures during deployment, spraying metal fragments |
| 19V182000 | March 7, 2019 | 14 models | Driver’s frontal air bag inflator ruptures during deployment, spraying metal fragments |
| 18V268000 | May 1, 2018 | 10 models | Front passenger air bag inflator potentially installed improperly during replacement |
| 16V344000 | May 24, 2016 | 8 models | Passenger frontal air bag inflator ruptures on deployment |
| 15V370000 | June 15, 2015 | 7 models | Front passenger air bag defective |
| 15V320000 | May 28, 2015 | 10 models | Driver’s front air bag defective |
| 14V700000 | November 4, 2014 | 9 models | Front airbag inflator module |
| 14V353000 | June 20, 2014 | 9 models | Front airbag inflator module |
| 12V573000 | December 11, 2012 | 3 models | The ignition/transmission interlock system may fail |
| 04V176000 | April 20, 2004 | 6 models | Honda and Acura recall various 2001-2004 vehicles due to an internal transmission fault |
| 12V136000 | March 30, 2012 | 3 models | Low beam headlights may fail |
| 02V226000 | August 28, 2002 | 6 models | Honda recalls 2002-2003 models due to misaligned timing belt tensioner pulley |
19V501000:
This recall affects certain Honda Fit models from the 2003 model year. The issue is with the passenger air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An inflator explosion can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. To fix this issue, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced.
19V499000:
This recall affects certain Honda Fit models from the 2003 model year. The issue is with the driver’s air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment,
spraying metal fragments. An inflator explosion can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. To fix this issue, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced.
19V182000:
This recall affects certain Honda Fit models from the 2003 model year. The issue is with the driver’s frontal air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment, spraying metal fragments.
An inflator explosion can cause serious injury or death to the vehicle occupants. To fix this issue, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced.
18V268000:
This recall affects certain Honda Fit models from the 2003 model year. The issue is with the front passenger air bag inflator, which may have been installed improperly during replacement.
An incorrectly installed air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. To fix this issue, the faulty air bag inflator will need to be replaced.
16V344000:
This recall affects certain Honda Fit models from the 2003 model year. The issue is with the
All Honda Fit years we talked –
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