The power steering failed for our 2009 Honda Fit two times recently - once while driving. We took it to the dealer for servicing and they found two error codes for angle sensor failure. They reset the system, performed tests and test-drove the car. They haven’t been able to duplicate the problem, so they are saying the car is repaired. Should we believe them? We are scared to drive the car since it seems like resetting the computer wouldn’t take care of the underlying problem.
Besides here, you might google ‘honda fit forums’ to find more folks with specific info on the Fit. Here’s what I found on one:
“Had an intermittent steering failure on the '07. Took the dealer copies from here. There is now a Honda bulletin on the problem, 09-043.
Dealer replaced the unit even though they couldn’t replicate the problem.”
There are several posts about it here: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX?14@@.f1346c0/21
There have been one or two posts on the same topic on this board. I would recommend reporting to NHSTA to at least keep a log of.
The quest for a meager MPG gain they come up with overcomplicated poor feeling electric steering.
Thank you for the suggestions. I have reported the problem to NHTSA. I also have seen the forum on Edmunds. When I told the customer service representative from American Honda about the similar problems experienced by other Honda Fit owners, she discounted anything “found on the internet.” I also let the service department know about the postings on the Edmonds site.
Do you think the car is safe to drive?
Have them show you bulletin 09-043. Or you show them, here it is:
http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Honda/1245740400000_1245999600000_09-043/9431.html
Unfortunately, it’s for 2007-2008 Fits.
You really need to begin educating yourself about the terms of the Lemon Law in your state.
In most states, the statute gives a dealership three repair attempts before you qualify for a settlement (replacement vehicle or full refund, depending upon the jurisdiction). If your state is similar, that means that one more failed repair attempt will allow you to get rid of the car.
Take a look at www.lemonlawamerica.com for details regarding your state.
I Was Out Of Town Recently And Saw A Honda Fit. I’d Be More Afraid Of Driving One In Traffic And Being Creamed By A Large Car, Truck Or SUV Than Worried About Losing Power Assisted Steering.
Those cars are too little to be on the road in my area unless that road is inside the country club.
I’d wear a helmet at least to put yourself more at ease.
CSA
Yeah, the Honda dealers know about this. I had the same problem. When I showed up they weren’t surprised one bit – they just reprogrammed that chip (or something…) and sent me on my way. I haven’t had the problem since. – G
The power steering is electric so computer may fix it or maybe not. If it fails it does not mean steering fails just the assist.
I own a 2007 Fit and started experiencing power steering failure within the first few months of ownership. I have experienced it roughly once a month for the past four years, but within the last week, it’s happened 4 times. There is definitely something wrong with the Electronic Power Steering control unit and a recall should be issued. I implore everyone who HAS had or IS having this problem to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to report it. Even if it’s been fixed, please report it!! Vehicle Safety Hotline toll free at (888) 327-4236.
Here is a link to the Honda Service Bulletin associated with the problem. Notice how they say “the steering feels heavier than normal.” Well, yeah, the power assist has failed!!
A simple reflash will not correct this problem. It’s a temp related issue that causes a short in the defective Power steering control module (EPS Unit). Honda knows that a certain percentage of fits have this problem but won’t admit it. I drove my car off the road when the steering failed and almost hit another car because this happened to me. I ended up filing a complaint with Honda Motor Co and finally after my car sat at the dealer for three weeks it was replaced with Honda picking up most of the tab. There’s nothing fun about going back and fourth over the phone and being lied to for three weeks but I wasn’t going to pay $1100.00 for a safety defect that they should have issued a recall for in the first place. Good luck folks.